Southwest Interview

[F-22 Driver]

I just got my call for a Southwest interview on the 15th of June!!!! I've read a lot about prepping for the interview and am gearing up for the big day. According to many on this forum, "Chase" seems to have the inside track on how to get through this process. He also seems to present himself as the SWA expert and represents himself as an insider with privileged information that he frequently posts on these boards.

My question to those of you familiar with his information/services...Is he truly the insider that he claims to be with a fast track for interview preparation? What is his track record with those that have paid for his insider knowledge/help?

Any info would be helpful.

 

[:-)]

If your profile is honest, I don't think that you'll have much problem.

After reading this board for years, I think that Chase is the real deal. I'll have to let others vouch for his prep abilities, but he is obviously "in the know" about SWA.

Hobbes

 

[walden]

F-22,
Chase does excellent, professional work. Clearly well prepared for my interview after meeting with him.
That said, I was not hired. For every one of me I'm sure there are 10 success stories however.
I wish you the best of luck.

 

[F-22 Driver]

Walden--if you don't mind me asking, why do you think it turned out the way it did? Would you have done anything different?

 

[densoo]

Walden--if you don't mind me asking, why do you think it turned out the way it did? Would you have done anything different?

Look at the type aircraft flown. You're a shoe-in.

 

[Blue Sky]

Here are a few tips, ready? #1 Be honest. #2 Don't over prepare. #3 Don't be stiff and don't call everyone Sir and Mam'. #4 Have some generall stories to tell. #5 Be honest about your shortcomings but always communicate what you did to rectify the situation and what it has taught you. #6 Read "Nuts", the book about Southwest and get a good feel for the type of employee they are searching for.

Southwest is a different company. They are not your typical company. If you color out of the lines and don't mind breaking a sweat to get the job done then you fit the profile. If you know what they are looking for going into the interview you can help yourself in relaxing and not trying to put on an act. Be yourself! Don't use big words and try to sound like "Joe pilot". There is no such person, we all make mistakes so tell it how it is but of course don't sell yourself short; speak with energy and enthusiasm and sell yourself passionatly why you want to work there!

Having said that, there are many people who get turned down who are fantastic. It could have gone either way for me but I was chosen for whatever reason. I told them outright that I red the book and I have a good idea of who they were looking for and I explained why I thought I would be a good match. Suppose it worked. Cheers to all those who are going to the interview!

 

[walden]

Walden--if you don't mind me asking, why do you think it turned out the way it did? Would you have done anything different?

F-22: No, I don't mind at all. I'm not sure if this is ego talking, but due to the absolute dearth of any feedback, I attribute it to max braking on their expansion. Only 2 of 12 in my interview group were hired, and the same held true (up to 4 of 12) of the groups that I know about that interviewed in Jan 05. It still stings a bit though because I didn't make the cut no matter how you slice it. I wouldn't have done anything different. I had many, many online recs, 5 LORs from folks ranging from 12 yr. Capt to 2nd yr. FO. I personally knew an HR person. I prepped but didn't "overprep". I don't know if I'm capable of coming off canned I read "NUTS". And finally for those who think there is some kind of voodoo between HPA and SWA, I got my type there as well. I personally know 2 other guys who interviewed in Jan and will straight up tell you they are sharper than I. They also got denied. They only thing I wish was different is that there would be some indicator of why you tubed it. I felt the interviews went great, the LOI simple, and the overall experience very enjoyable. Don't buy the "you're a fighter guy" routine. I don't doubt for a minute that you're sharp, but it takes only one personality to decide you're not right. Will that person be an interviewer for you that day? Who knows? Way too many variables to lose sleep over. Be honest, be yourself. I'd say you can do fine without prep in retrospect, but it'll be something you look at as a regret if things don't work out.
I'm sure you'll do great. Best of luck and thanks for serving.

Here are a few tips, ready? #1 Be honest. #2 Don't over prepare. #3 Don't be stiff and don't call everyone Sir and Mam'. #4 Have some generall stories to tell. #5 Be honest about your shortcomings but always communicate what you did to rectify the situation and what it has taught you. #6 Read "Nuts", the book about Southwest and get a good feel for the type of employee they are searching for.

Any more tips?

 

[Kabul]

F-22,
Just outta curiousity, what is your availability date that you put on your app?
Thanks

 

[F-22 Driver]

Kabul,

September 2005 is the date I'm available.

 

[F-22 Driver]

Walden,
I was under the impression that they would give you specific feedback if you called the PD. Did you try to do that? And BTW, thanks for the honest feedback.

 

[Big Wave]

Same Here

F-22 Driver--

Like Walden, I was "turned away" in the February interview group--with similar background, experience, contacts, etc. Not my time, I guess...maybe next year.

All in all, SWA made the interview process as pleasant as it could be.

Big Wave

 

[DFWFlowmo]

Here are a few tips, ready? #1 Be honest. #2 Don't over prepare. #3 Don't be stiff and don't call everyone Sir and Mam'. #4 Have some generally stories to tell. #5 Be honest about your shortcomings but always communicate what you did to rectify the situation and what it has taught you. #6 Read "Nuts", the book about Southwest and get a good feel for the type of employee they are searching for.

Any more tips?

Truer words have never been spoken. We went 2 for 12 on 12/15/04. You never have a perfect interview but I wouldn't really change much either. My References were called. I hear that furloughed AA guys haven't been fairing too well, but I know a couple that have been hired so it couldn't be just that. See Y'all early next year for round 2.

 

[HalinTexas]

Not that it's any consolation. I've been rejected twice, in '97 and '99, got the type in '96. The '99 interview was the best I've ever had. I'm on my third attempt.

Now, I most likely won't get an interview at all. I applied less than a month after ATA filed bankruptcy, but 2 weeks before SWA came to the "rescue." They've hired one captain since BK, but he applied before the filing. They've interviewed many, but only those that are furloughed, or applied before the filing are getting interviewed. I believe out of 40 furloughees that have interviewed only about 6 have been hired.

If I've heard it once from a SWA pilot, I've heard it 1000 times. They don't know why one individual gets hired over another when personalities are considered. There is no rhyme or reason just maybe you weren't "competitive" that day.

Living the dream, but shopping at Walmart.

 

[Sailpilot]

F-22,

I'll see you in Dallas on the 15th.

Sailpilot

 

[enigma]

F-22,

I'll see you in Dallas on the 15th.

Sailpilot

Sailpilot, were you/are you a check airman, etc?

I'm just trying to get a handle on who's getting the call. Civilian wise that is.

enigma

 

[scate737]

How many in June?

Got the call a week ago for a June 13th interview. Does anyone know the numbers for June? Diane offered the following week as well so it sounds like they are calling more next month than they did in May. Chase? Anyone?

 

[328dude]

F-22,

I'll see you in Dallas on the 15th.

Sailpilot

Just curious, what is a CL700 type rating?

 

[Mookie]

Hopefully not a stupid question, but where is the application??? is it online???

Mookie

 

[flynlow]

Hopefully not a stupid question, but where is the application??? is it online???

Mookie

yes it is

http://www.swajobs.com

 

[Sailpilot]

Just curious, what is a CL700 type rating?

It's not a Type, it's just the CRJ 70, I guess it should be CL65/700 listed. I have most of my Turbine PIC time in the 700. It required about 3 weeks of differencees training after you get the CL65 type. The two aircraft look alot alike but are actually very different animals both systems and performance. Hope that helps.

Just to clear up another listing on my profile...paper airplane time was SIC and I failed the checkride for Capt. I forgot memory item for loss of paper clip.