SWA Decision Board

[Varmint]

Stash,

Good luck with Civilian life and thanks for all the info. Flying 80-90 hours a month will be busy but it is alot of fun. If things work out in my favor, maybe I will see you out there online someday. Take Care

 

[Fem]

My info comes from someone in the new hire class as we speak, and who talked to someone very high up whom I can not mention. July 15th or 20th, we'll hear by the end of the month, let's stay cool!

Also, my source say's that if your contacts are being contacted than you made it through the 3 interviews and have been recommended to the DB. At the DB is when they review your LOI. Maybe that is why some are geting the dreaded rejection letter even though they made it through the three interviews. Good luck too all, and remember SW plans on 7000 pilots by 2012, they might as well be us!

 

[Fem]

July DB from what I hear now is July 20, so I was wrong, sorry guys...good luck!

 

[AMRCostUnit]

Good luck too all, and remember SW plans on 7000 pilots by 2012, they might as well be us!

Good Luck Fem and all who patiently wait...save a spot for me. Hoping for an interview soon...

 

[SkiMoguls]

Does anyone know how many "continued" or made it past the board in June?

Ski

 

[Stash]

June DB

Skimouguls, I was told that 73 made it past the DB in June, for the May interviewees. Whew! I was one of the lucky ones. Fem, have your SWA contact check his/her voice mail, my boss got called, but his wife took the message and left it near the phone for almost a week. He got it, called the PD back and talked for over 30 minutes! My SWA contacts did get called, and if they didn't answer, the PD left a message so they could call back. That's what happened to another guy at my base. His contacts were called too, but had to leave a message for a busy SWA Capt who happened to be out flying Vipers at the time. Cheers and good luck!

 

[SkiMoguls]

Thanks Stash...

Do you know how many interviewed in May or does anyone for that matter?

Thanks...

 

[Stash]

I don't know Skimoguls. I'm guessing, about 150 or so. 12 per day, 4 days a week for three weeks. Just an uneducated guess. Fly safely,

 

[9_Driver]

I don't know Skimoguls. I'm guessing, about 150 or so. 12 per day, 4 days a week for three weeks. Just an uneducated guess.

I would venture to guess a bit higher than 150, since there were 18 (split into 9 & 9 for LOI's and Interviews) on my day. If we take an average of say 15/day for the month (4 days/week for 4 weeks), there could have been 240 who met the board. If the 73 number is right, then that would make the "take" rate around 30%. The big unknown is how many folks got deferred to the next board, since I know of at least 2 from my group alone who are in that situation (at least SWA was cool enough to call them though and let them know of their "deferrment" to the next board instead of leaving them hanging!).

A interesting "rumor" I heard (second hand) from one of the reserve guys who's also a SWA interviewer is that they're really trying to up the percentage of "hire" calls they give out, which he said was right now typically in the 25-35% range (this number is lower than the previously posted average of 40-50% that seems to be the common consensus around here). Hard to say what the statistics are, but one thing is for certain - go to the interview, take a deep breath, and just relax and be yourself! That same dude indicated that the #1 reason folks were getting declined to "continue the process" is not because the interviewers had anything particularly "bad" to say, but that the summary notes didn't seem to show that they got a real good opportunity to get to know the real you.

Anyone done the math yet to see what the "average" is from interview to class start as of late? Sounds like it was moving pretty quick for some of the guys on another thread, but when I was talking to the PD folks during "the call" they seemed to indicate October/November was a good target for the June DB guys.

 

[SkiMoguls]

If we take an average of say 15/day for the month (4 days/week for 4 weeks), there could have been 240 who met the board. If the 73 number is right, then that would make the "take" rate around 30%

I could be wrong but they only interview 3 weeks out of the month, like Stash said above as well, so your numbers might change a little bit, by about only 50 pilots. That brings the average up a bit. There were 12 guys in my interview and at least 8 of us made it. But you are right, you need to give them quite a bit of the information that they want. That's one reason why I'm thankful I had done a live prep before hand. It helped me get past the DB in June and every penny was well spent. For myself and most others, I was worried about clamming up and not telling the interviewer what they wanted to hear from my stories, like -- How have you changed because of your experience...Can you accept your own mistakes...How have you become a better person and pilot because of it...etc. There is a myriad of things that they need to hear from you in a very short period of time, so don't hold back and let 'em have it!

Like 9 Driver said "go to the interview, take a deep breath, and just relax and be yourself!"

9 Driver,

It sounds like there is going to be about a 3 month time frame from when the DB met and when you should be going to class. I met the DB on June 15th and so I hope to go to class close to the end of September or October. This kinda jives with what Kim has told others who had their DB in June. If you find anything out, let me know as well.

Best of luck and keep the blue side up!

 

[9_Driver]

That's one reason why I'm thankful I had done a live prep before hand. It helped me get past the DB in June and every penny was well spent. For myself and most others, I was worried about clamming up and not telling the interviewer what they wanted to hear from my stories, like -- How have you changed because of your experience...Can you accept your own mistakes...How have you become a better person and pilot because of it...etc. There is a myriad of things that they need to hear from you in a very short period of time, so don't hold back and let 'em have it!

Some great points Ski. I opted *not* to do one of the live interview preps (partly because living over in Germany made it logistically tough, and part because I had heard some rumors of "overprepped" folks having trouble with the interviewers), but there are definitely some good folks out there who can offer some pointers for the interview. I took alot of the info Judy Tarver gave us during HPA's course to heart, that's for sure. It's pretty easy for me to sit down and talk with folks anyway (guess I got that from my mom who's a "southern raised" gal from Georgia), so I just got a buddy that I fly with here to sit down with me one afternoon, go over some of the gouge questions and listen to how I presented things in the S-T-A-R format. Worked out great in my case. I guess it all depends on how comfortable/nervous you feel about being open in front of folks you've never met before, especially with so much "on the line." My bud from 737 training didn't fare as well - even with the interview prep. Hope he gets another shot in a year!

3 Months eh? Hope to see you in class in October then (if it's true SWA is going to take a month off from classes at the end of the summer). Time to start getting our beer drinking skills up!

 

[AlbieF15]

At the risk of sounding "harsh", when you say "my bro got THE interview prep" can you be more specific as to who they prepped with? I'm very disappointed for your bro, but the data on how he prepared might help others.

If a guy prepped with Judy, Chase, Craig, me or whoever then call a spade a spade and label it. Believe it or not--we are all different and have different approaches.

I've had several folks make it through recently...waiting on words on some others. Several of my clients have class dates a few more just got the "go pee and continue the process calls". One US Air furloughee that I helped on the phone did not make the cut, but so far everyone I've helped in person has been successful. Another had a DB that got slipped. Results have been pretty good...well above those 35%-45% alluded to on the boards.

My advice is simple. If you want an interview coach, ask for references and ask about success rates. We don't all do things the same way.

 

[SkiMoguls]

One US Air furloughee that I helped on the phone did not make the cut, but so far everyone I've helped in person has been successful. Another had a DB that got slipped. Results have been pretty good...well above those 35%-45% alluded to on the boards.

My advice is simple. If you want an interview coach, ask for references and ask about success rates. We don't all do things the same way.

That's what it's all about is making the cut. I didn't worry too much about sounding too prepped because the SWA interview is different than any other interview. They want to get to know you in a very short period of time and my prep with Craig Thornton was just as much a confidence boost as it was a help to clean up and leave out all the junk in my stories. My interviews were about 45 minutes each, counting the water after each question.

I thought about not getting a pro prep because of the risk of my stories sounding rehearsed, but decided that I was going to go all out on this one. In hindsight I made the right decision. Craig didn't tell me any secret words to say, and gave me only the information he thought would help me. He did however tell me what not to say which is just as important. It all comes down to individual needs I guess. In my mind it was like winning the lottery, because of the fantastic opportunity that getting hired is and I didn't hold back. I won the lottery!!!

Who is warning interviewees about sounding too prepped anyway? I'm curious to know, because it sounds like the success rate that you have speaks for itself and why everyone should get a prep of some sort or another. That's really good, and I congratulate you for helping so many people. I talked with Judy at HP and I'm sure she does a fantastic job as well. All in all, I think that the interviewers at SWA appreciate the work you put into performing well at the interview and can tell those who have prepared from those who have not. As long as you tell your own stories, and put your own personal views and thoughts within your stories, you'll do well. Will have to get the tolerance up a bit...and it looks good for Sept/Oct for some pints in DAL. See ya there!

Ski...

 

[viking737]

Who does Judy Tarver work for these days?

I remember her being head of AA pilot recruiting in the late 80's.

 

[SkiMoguls]

Who does Judy Tarver work for these days?

I remember her being head of AA pilot recruiting in the late 80's.

I met her in January when I was gettin' my type at Higher Power in Dallas. She is working for herself out of Dallas as a resume/interview prep/consultant/jane of all trades so to speak. Wonderful person and does a great job from what I hear.

You can call Higher Power if you would like to talk to her. www.jetcrew.com to find HP's 1-800 #.

Ski

 

[9_Driver]

At the risk of sounding "harsh", when you say "my bro got THE interview prep" can you be more specific as to who they prepped with? I'm very disappointed for your bro, but the data on how he prepared might help others.
...
My advice is simple. If you want an interview coach, ask for references and ask about success rates. We don't all do things the same way.

Sorry to put you on the defensive Albie - no slight was intended towards interview prep folks. In his case he spent the money for the type, added a few hundred dollars for the prep, but ultimately didn't make it. Sucks for him - but that's the way things go - there's no guarantee and everyone knows it. He'll get another chance next year.

Preps are good tools for folks to polish their presentation & put their best foot forward if they're not "up" on their interviewing skills or want/need a boost or review to make it through the process. I'm not knocking that at all, and I've heard some awesome reviews and success rates from yourself and Judy Tarver (and if you look at my prior post, Judy even gave us some great tips during the HPA course). But I've got buds that have done preps by several different folks, some successful and some not. The key to SWA truly seems to be whether you can "open up" and really let them get to know you - prep or no prep.

For folks reading these boards it's starting to sound like you "gotta have it" to be successful, which isn't the case. It's simply another tool to put in your bag to help put forth the right image to a group of folks that are trying to get to know you in a very short time. In my case as well as some other guys around me, sitting down with another flying buddy going over stories proved just as successful. So: professional prep is perfect (and in many cases a good idea) for some folks, but definitely not required for a successful "continue the process" call.

 

[ivauir]

A little perspective from a 2nd year FO: It doesn't matter where you got the type, or if you "prepped" for the interview. You need to be a "real person" at the interview and that real person better not be a jerk. If they ask where (or if) you got your type rating it is NOT a test, they are making conversation!
Good interview prep will not over prep you or make you canned. It'll get you to relax and be yourself. Having every question in the gouge memorized along with a "great" answer will make you canned. If you are comfortable with your interview/conversation skills and don't think prep will help then it probably won't. If you are looking for a silver bullet to "get" you the job then you are screwed - you could interview prep with Herb and have Crumy give you your type rating, but when you walk in that room YOU need to let that interviewer know who you are. If you fail in that or if who you really are is not a good "fit" then you get to try again.
Both the guy who prepped me and the place I got my type are no longer in that line of work. Both did a great job for me and I'd recommend them if they were still around. For me prep was money well spent, because I got nervous as he!! and I needed a dress rehearsal and some educated, unbiased feedback. Only you know yourself: if you think you need help, then spend the money and do not second guess yourself. Just don't kid yourself into thinking you can buy this job.

 

[SkiMoguls]

Type or no Type! Prep or no Prep?...hmmm

prep was money well spent, because I got nervous as he!! and I needed a dress rehearsal and some educated, unbiased feedback. Only you know yourself: if you think you need help, then spend the money and do not second guess yourself. Just don't kid yourself into thinking you can buy this job.

ivauir,

You hit the nail on the head and its not new information, but it needs to be repeated because people need to hear it! You certainly can't buy the job with a type. It will get you in the front door much quicker but that's about it. Having a great attitude and going above and beyond the call of duty everyday will go a long way to get you past the Decision Board.

Thanks for adding your thoughts to this post,

Ski

 

[SkiMoguls]

Decision Board Meets Soon!

Since I posted this thread last month I was going through what many of you are going through right now. Hell...Waiting for a phone call or hoping not to get a letter. I was one of the lucky ones and just wish everyone who is meeting the next board--Good Luck and hope to hear from you soon.

Chase has answered the question of "How long do I have to wait after the DB meets to hear anything?" I think that he has answered it so many times that he has it saved on disk and copies and pastes his response. So I thought I would save Chase that trouble and tell you that it is about 6 days to 2 weeks. I heard on the 21st from Kim after the June 15th DB which was pretty quick. Only 3 or 4 guys out of 12 that I interviewed with, received letters that same day which was surprising to me.

If you make it...great! See you there!
If you don't...don't sweat it. You still have a very enviable and elite occupation that many are envious of. Keep the blue side up (Civilian), doesn't matter for the military, and reapply in 1 year.

Let us know here if you make it past the decision board or if you have any questions.

Swimmin in the pool,

Ski

 

[chase]

Ski,

do you do laundry & ironing too? I'll turn over more of this to you anytime !!!

thanks for providing the "scoop"! Congrats on getting the call, hope to see you in big D soon,