SWA Background checks

[aero ergo sum]

Hello, I had an interview in Dallas on Sept. 15, and as yet only one of my contacts has been contacted. Is this any reason to completely go nuts or should I just assume that it's all progressing nicely? I'm sure you know that it's hard not to jump every time the phone rings, thinking one of my references is calling to say that they have been just talking to Capt. America at SWA. Also, I had a buddy at SWA write a letter of rec., yet he says that he can only do a letter of rec, or an internal recomendation, not both. Is that true, and is one better than the other? I'm only a little freaked out, but I'm working on panic.

Aero ergo sum

 

[PSL]

I remember being on alert waiting for the phone to ring. For me; it was exactly like dealing with my children's delivery date ... keenly interested in the progress but having no power to control the process.

The number of your references contacted being indicative of your chance of success in the process are not, to my knowledge, connected.

I'm reasonably certain you 'passed' the initial interview to warrant any background check efforts being afforded your application. The delay might be as simple as the person assigned to your folder has the flu.

Fighting the 'helpless' feeling is difficult. As pilots we are trained to never give up while constantly searching for the competitive advantage. This process is one, however, where you have little control.

There is a FO (Chase) on this board that provides excellent intel on the process. He might be able to provide some useful information.

Best wishes ... we certainly will need the pilots if only 50% of the expansion plans that I know of become reality.

 

[chase]

Aero ergo sum,

Hello, I had an interview in Dallas on Sept. 15, and as yet only one of my contacts has been contacted. Is this any reason to completely go nuts or should I just assume that it's all progressing nicely?

Having one or more references called is better than having none called. All candidates, regardless of whether their references are called are reviewed by the DB. Having references called is better than not having references called. You should be pleased, panicing is never a good options, particularly for pilots !

Also, I had a buddy at SWA write a letter of rec., yet he says that he can only do a letter of rec, or an internal recomendation, not both.

There is not prohibition on writing both a typed/hand written letter of recommendation and submitting an electronic version. To do both is his option. As to the value of doing both, difficult to say. I recommend doing both but have no data to justify this so in your case I would simply allow your friend at SWA to do what he feels comfortable with and let the cards fall where they may. Again, don't lose a friend over debating details. Don't panic ! If I had to choose one over the other, I'd do the electronic one which he has so be thankful.

Good luck and thanks for applying to Southwest.

 

[aero ergo sum]

Kind words, much appreciated

Chase, Thanks for the kind words. It's hard not to be a little on edge when I've seen the HQ, drank the koolaid, and met such a universally fine group as I did during the interview. The whole day was a great gift. I haven't lost sight of the fact that I have a pretty good flying job right now, and if the chemistry is right, I may get to wear black leather again, and strap on the canyon blue jet.

Thanks again, Dave