Well, I needed something to read this morning when I sat down to send a message to Kerry, and picked up the Company's September edition of Fly By. Flight Ops related stuff and usually very interesting info in it. I don't think any of the info regarding hiring was Top Secret or higher, so I will pick out the info that I think some of the SWAnabbes and current Poolies might be interested in.
- Several thousand online apps on file.
- Standard things considered (meet min flight times, etc) in getting interview, but education and the 737 type are considered. Neither are show stoppers, but it goes to show that the heavier resume often wins.
- Spend entire day in Dallas for Interview, split up by lunch at HQ.
- One group does 3 interviews, one being with a People Department Recruiter, and the other two being with Pilots. Additionally, your log book will be reviewed.
- The other group does the LOI (Line Oriented Interview) which consists of a decision making exercise conducted in a paper cockpit trainer at the Training Center. Two additional Pilot Interviewers conduct it. They are looking for a good thinking process, ability to make decisions, use all resources, etc.
- After lunch, the two groups switch.
- Interviewee is scored in each of the above events. So 4 pilots look at you and only 1 People Department individual.
- The Decision Committe evaluates ALL fo the applicants and make the final hiring decision. It consists of the VP of Flight Ops, VP of People Department, Senior Chief Pilot, Resgional Chief Pilots, and all other Chief Pilots from the domiciles.
- Committe reviews resume, flight times, checkrides, incidents/accidents, interview results, LOI results, references, training records, and letters of recommendation.
- Letters of Recommendation can make a big difference, so if you are interviewing and know someone here, get as many as you can. Make sure they are accurate and sound good.
- Select rate for the past several months is 50%, almost double the historical rate of the past decade. That tells you that times are good for getting hired if you get the interview, but also tells you that nothing is guaranteed. I guess I got lucky 5 years ago when I interviewed if the rate was about 25% then.
- Plan for 2004 is 404 pilots.
- Plan for 2005 is 500+ pilots.
- Update your online application every 6 months, minimum. It might ensure it stays active.
