JetBlue Interview 2/1/07

[Gulf Flight]

I interviewed with JetBlue on Thursday, 2/1. We were all told that we would be notified of the results via an email in about a week (2/8 ?). I'd like to use this thread to keep tabs on those of us who were interviewed and the results of those interviews.

If anyone has any questions to ask regarding the experience, please don't hesitate to ask either here or in a Private Message. I will share my personal experience. I also had the fortunate opportunity to participate in a Q&A with Dave Barger and his management team from various departments. Things like mergers, Cape Air codeshare, pay, benefits, upgrades, aircraft liquidations/acquisitions, new cities, new crew bases, etc.... EVERYTHING was open for discussion.

One thing I can honestly say about that day: From the moment we walked in their lobby at the Forest Hills (NY) Support Center (FSC), we were treated as if we already worked there. They were truly professional and sincere about what they do there. It was an opportunity for the interviewees to "interview" JetBlue as well. Needless to say, JetBlue passed MY interview, LOL. I hope they feel the same way about me.

Good Luck to all of you who interviewed.

GF

 

[clickclickboom]

I interviewed with JetBlue on Thursday, 2/1. We were all told that we would be notified of the results via an email in about a week (2/8 ?). I'd like to use this thread to keep tabs on those of us who were interviewed and the results of those interviews.

If anyone has any questions to ask regarding the experience, please don't hesitate to ask either here or in a Private Message. I will share my personal experience. I also had the fortunate opportunity to participate in a Q&A with Dave Barger and his management team from various departments. Things like mergers, Cape Air codeshare, pay, benefits, upgrades, aircraft liquidations/acquisitions, new cities, new crew bases, etc.... EVERYTHING was open for discussion.

One thing I can honestly say about that day: From the moment we walked in their lobby at the Forest Hills (NY) Support Center (FSC), we were treated as if we already worked there. They were truly professional and sincere about what they do there. It was an opportunity for the interviewees to "interview" JetBlue as well. Needless to say, JetBlue passed MY interview, LOL. I hope they feel the same way about me.

Good Luck to all of you who interviewed.

GF

Thank you for sharing.. I have enjoyed JB. Right now we are in transition from a small company to a large one. A 48 page detailed salary and benefits review was just completed and distributed to the pilots and it compares every single detail of our pay and benefits to the other airlines. Some additional management has been brought onboard with some new perspectives. Due to longer upgrade times the report mentions a pay raise for A320 FO's and E190 Captains.. Additionally the 190 guys got a riase about 3 months ago.

I hope you move to phase 2.. Expect a year of reserve maybe less with the summer coming up.. I was on reserve 2 months

 

[Gulf Flight]

JetBlue Interview 2/1

Click,

Thanks for the info. I'm patiently waiting for that email!

Ciao,
GF

 

[oldxfr8dog]

I hope you move to phase 2.. Expect a year of reserve maybe less with the summer coming up.. I was on reserve 2 months

Depends on your base. JFK probably has the shortest rsv stint. LGB the longest.

 

[Lake Alice]

No flame bait at all but with many taking recall reserve time could shrink. Summer is a busy time and we could be short handed.

Congrats on the interview and good luck moving to phase 2.

 

[embraerdriver]

Crazy...............everyone I know that works there says to stay away from jetblue. I'd be very careful about making a decision unless you are already in a bad or worsening situation. I wanted to work there too for a while, kinda glad I don't though.

just my.02

good luck

 

[Gulf Flight]

JetBlue Interview 2/1

The Q&A revealed that JetBlue is looking closely at several aspects of their current operation. Pay, benefits, attrition due to recalls, etc. I'm hoping that the current hiring trend will allow those hired in the beginning of 2007 an opportunity to gain valuable seniority at an expedited rate.

We were told that the interviewees from 2/1 would be eligible for classes starting as soon as Feb 28th if their background checks do not reveal any negative information. If they're hired before the background is cleared, then their employment will be contingent upon successful completion of the background check. This means that, if they find something while you're in training because they hired you before the background check was completed, you will be asked to leave, OUCH!

Again, thanks for the info.

GF

 

[Lake Alice]

Crazy...............everyone I know that works there says to stay away from jetblue. I'd be very careful about making a decision unless you are already in a bad or worsening situation. I wanted to work there too for a while, kinda glad I don't though.

just my.02

good luck

The company just completed their pay and benefits review. They have given rough timetables for making changes. Only after the changes are published with will the exodus begin or not happen and pilots will make a career descision about Jetblue. Managements stated goal is not to be the highest paid or the lowest. Somewhere fair in the middle.
All we can do now is wait and see what they come up with. Emotions and expectations are high and a lot of trust has been lost. The perverbial ball is in managements court. Could be good or bad. Opinions?

 

[motch]

I too interviewed during this time frame.
Have to say, one of the most relaxed and enjoyable interviews I have ever gone through. Everyone was friendly and helpful.

Being that I live in NYC, would love to get hired on and sit reserve! My friends who work there like the place. Are there things that can be changed for the better.. sure. But even the Asst. CP mentioned changes that could be made and are being looking at. How many companies do you know like that!

I'm hoping for the best... will be on pins and needles till next Fri!

Till then, Fly Safe, Fly Professionally!
Always
Motch

 

[Truckdriver]

Crazy...............everyone I know that works there says to stay away from jetblue. I'd be very careful about making a decision unless you are already in a bad or worsening situation. I wanted to work there too for a while, kinda glad I don't though.

just my.02

good luck

You must know the 12 people who are gunning for ALPA then. Other than those guys, I think most are happy. Some guys with recall rights may also not be too happy so hopefully they will leave.

 

[Longhorn]

I agree...most are happy.

 

[8vATE]

Crazy...............everyone I know that works there says to stay away from jetblue. I'd be very careful about making a decision unless you are already in a bad or worsening situation. I wanted to work there too for a while, kinda glad I don't though.

just my.02

good luck

Your "friends" must have that "management is screwing us" mentality already?
Wow...

JetBlue is by no means perfect or paying the highest wages, but advice to "stay away" is pretty crazy.

If you're at SWA, UPS, FDX.. sure stay away.
If you're at AA and haven't been screwed over.. sure stay away.
If you have 3,4,5 years longevity at a "retooled" legacy.. sure .. stay away.

Otherwise... from my experience and persective, you're giving some pretty silly advice.

 

[8vATE]

Emotions and expectations are high and a lot of trust has been lost. The perverbial ball is in managements court. Could be good or bad. Opinions?

I'd say the pilot group should EQUALLY take responsibility for this run up in EMOTIONS and EXPECTATIONS.

Where did all this come from?

Yes.. the leadership and compensation committee should have been more forthright, transparent and should have communicated better.

But where is this MASS hysteria coming from?

People are frustrated.
Upgrades and growth have slowed.

But the profitability and success of the whole company is at stake.

And management is not "gettting rich" off our backs.
They do not have exorbinant salaries and stock options.
The top have ownership interests in the company, but they FOUNDED it and deserve what they have.

CRAZY, WHINY PILOTS!
BE RATIONAL and REALISTIC!

And I want to make more money...
But not at the expense of the future growth and viability of the airline!

 

[oldxfr8dog]

Your "friends" must have that "management is screwing us" mentality already?
Wow...

JetBlue is by no means perfect or paying the highest wages, but advice to "stay away" is pretty crazy.

If you're at SWA, UPS, FDX.. sure stay away.
If you're at AA and haven't been screwed over.. sure stay away.
If you have 3,4,5 years longevity at a "retooled" legacy.. sure .. stay away.

Otherwise... from my experience and persective, you're giving some pretty silly advice.

OR, You're at a lower-tiered regional, or a sweaty-little 135. OK, come and build some "major" 121-time and get the resumes out.
THEN, stay away...

 

[IrishjbPilot]

JB may not be perfect, but its better than working at a small 135 outfit. I would go there, get some 121 major time and then decide.

 

[Dogwood]

Crazy...............everyone I know that works there says to stay away from jetblue. I'd be very careful about making a decision unless you are already in a bad or worsening situation. I wanted to work there too for a while, kinda glad I don't though.

just my.02

good luck

Reply to All,

While I respect their opinion, advice to stay away from JetBlue is a little harsh. Many of those people had high expectations, that couldn't be sustained. Many of them had not worked at an airline before, and were disappointed when reality set in.

When the company was smaller, yes management was closer to the troops, communication was better, etc. As the company grows, management has had to step back and take a broader view. I'm glad they have.

JetBlue is still trying to find its place in the market, and with that comes change. People generally don't like change, but there is no way to avoid it.

We will have hired nearly 2000 pilots in just over 7 years. That cannot happen without getting a few people who are just not happy here. Those people could not find a comfort zone here, so they moved on. Then, they tell others to avoid JetBlue, just because it didn't fit them.

When deciding if you want to work here, look at yourself, your age, your family, your other needs in life and career. Then look at what JetBlue has to offer, and see if there is any common ground. If so, you might consider working here. If not, don't do like Rex Grossman did last night in the Super Bowl, and try to force a play to happen when it's just not there.

We have no million dollar lump sum retirements, and we do not pay top of scale or anywhere near it. Pay and retirement are being addressed, but that is something you build up over many years.

Commuting is tough, and it does wear you down. But, if you get in the correct frame of mind you can adjust.

In the end, you just have to enjoy what you do. If you don't, then you will not be happy anywhere.

While I'm gone, I miss my wife and daughter, but after 20 years of doing this, I still do enjoy strapping on the uniform and going to work. To me, that's the key to survival in this career.

DW

 

[elag777]

Crazy...............everyone I know that works there says to stay away from jetblue. I'd be very careful about making a decision unless you are already in a bad or worsening situation. I wanted to work there too for a while, kinda glad I don't though.

just my.02

good luck

I'm glad too..

 

[Splinter]

Dude, you know no one. You are F.O.S. No one here says "stay away".

You work where your QOL is best...period. The next questions is HOW you define QOL. Is it money, time off, retirement, home-base, etc. Each carries different weight with each pilot. Would I double my income to commute to ANK and fly all night to Japan? Never. Would I prefer to commute for $25k more per year? Nope. If I worked at B6 and had my recall for UAL coming and I lived in Denver...damn right I would go back. Opinions are like A$$holes, everyone's got one and they all stink to you.

 

[clickclickboom]

I have been here almost 16 months.. I know what I signed up for I knew the pay scales but here is what I am happiest about..

I can bid my schedule.. Typically I can get all commutable 4 days trips with good credit or pair up 2 day trips that put me up against the 30 in 7 rule, Or drop in a day trip here and there. I do fly transcon redeyes but limit myself to 2 or 3 in a month. I have never flown a ponce, or Sti allnighther except for ones from mco in a pairing that actually had me in bed before sunrise.

Here are my days off for the last year by month

16, 17, 15, 20 ( pto drop 2 day). 20. 23 ( dropped a 3 day), 13 ( 103 hrs credit) 18,16,18,17,17

I have averaged 88.7 hrs credit monthly

Nearly everyone I have flown with are a blast, Have had Neeleman on the jumpseat ( when he was not serving the pax in the back) and he is a real normal guy and very interesting

 

[IronCityBlue]

conditional offer

We were told that the interviewees from 2/1 would be eligible for classes starting as soon as Feb 28th if their background checks do not reveal any negative information. If they're hired before the background is cleared, then their employment will be contingent upon successful completion of the background check. This means that, if they find something while you're in training because they hired you before the background check was completed, you will be asked to leave, OUCH!
GF

Ouch is right, that would certainlly be a bummer to say the least. But its hardly something unique to JB. I know of someone who was hired by an airline just as big as well known as JB, then pulled out of ground school and fired for a relatively minor thing in his background check. It was so minor the guy didn't feel the need to report it under the blanket question "have you ever been such and such" but the airline disagreed. In addition to losing that job, he had just given up an arguably worse (but still pretty good) flying job to go there in the first place.

Without turning this into a discussion on if he should have reported the small incident (non aviation related in any case), this can and does happen at other airlines. If there is something you worry about, don't accept a conditional offer. We went through a period where close to half of guys put in class were given conditional offers and not "cleared" til almost out of training. To my knowledge, no one has been "asked to leave" because of a conditional offer.

Just be honest with them, and if you're still worried about it, politely wait for a firm offer. Its really not that big of a deal. Best of luck in phase II.

 

[Gulf Flight]

JetBlue interview 2/1

I interviewed on 2/1 and I got the call today. I start on the E-190 2/14 in MCO !!!!!! If anyone has any questions regarding info I can pass on, please don't hesitate to ask.

Good luck to all awaiting that phone call/email!

Ciao,
GF

 

[StarChecker]

I interviewed on 2/1 and I got the call today. I start on the E-190 2/14 in MCO !!!!!! If anyone has any questions regarding info I can pass on, please don't hesitate to ask.

Good luck to all awaiting that phone call/email!

Ciao,
GF

Wow...that was fast. I interviewed on the 2nd...hopefully I'll hear soon.

You get a class date before you finish Phase II?

Congrats.

 

[Gulf Flight]

JetBlue Interview 2/1

Wow...that was fast. I interviewed on the 2nd...hopefully I'll hear soon.

You get a class date before you finish Phase II?

Congrats.

I thought it was a bit quick too. But I'm not complaining. They said the offer of employment was contingent upon successfull completion of Phase 2 of the background check. I'm squeeky clean, thank goodness.

Hope you get your call soon!! Good Luck !!!

Ciao,
GF

 

[1900heavy]

Congrats!!

I got an interview next month. How was the interview? And one more thing, since this is my first real interview with major, do you recommend the interview prep?

Have fun in the training.

Thanks.

 

[CHQ-FO]

1900 - check out aviationinterviews.com for the gouge. Good luck.

 

[C425Driver]

1900,

Just curious, did you go to the Jb open house in Dec?

C425Driver

 

[ralvater225]

I went to the open house...what would you like to know??

 

[Gulf Flight]

Congrats!!

I got an interview next month. How was the interview? And one more thing, since this is my first real interview with major, do you recommend the interview prep?

Have fun in the training.

Thanks.

I would recommend www.aviationinterviews.com. That will give you an idea of the types of "Tell Me About A Time" (TMAAT) questions you're likely to hear during the two phases of the interview. I would not recommend any interview prep course. You can print out TMAAT questions and have a friend ask you the questions.

When you check-in 90 minutes prior to your scheduled time (my first email said 45 minutes and I was almost late! Check your emails closely!!), they will issue you a temporary JetBlue ID badge (which, you get to keep when you sign out). That allows limited, escorted, access thoughout the complex.

You'll be fingerprinted and then you'll be asked to submit to a DOT Drug Screening (Urinalysis). When that's done, they escort you to the Welcome Center where you will have the opportunity to experience a Q&A session with Management from several departments while you wait to be called for the actual interview.

Very friendly and casual. They treat you as if you already work there. They want YOU to interview THEM to make sure THEY are a good fit for YOU. If you're not, they understand and no hard feelings.

After the initial interview with two interviewers (I had a gentleman, Sam, from H.R., and Stacy, a JFK 320 F/O). They asked me questions. I prepared some TMAAT responses based on my previous experience as a pilot and from my previous career as well. They apparently liked the answers because I got hired 4 days later. (Yeah, my head's still spinning).

If you have any other questions, I'll do my best to help with an answer.

Good Luck at your interview!

Ciao,
GF

 

[RVflyer]

Congratulations to all those who got a call from JB!

I attended the Open House last December and I'm hoping to hear from JB soon.

Do they invite applicants for an interview by phone only or can they also e-mail you? And after you are invited for an interview, what documents do they mail to you to fill out and do you bring these with you to the interview?

thanks and good luck!

rvflyer

 

[ralvater225]

You get a call. I went to Decembers and got a call on Dec 28 for a Feb 1 interview. Emails start only after you receive the call. The things they email to you are things like the PRIA, Job application, DOT, etc. Simple stuff. You mail most of the stuff prior to your interview, they start the background check prior to you going to the interview.

Good luck