Swa Interview Experts

[SWABound]

I just finished up with the interview process and feel really good about it except the LOI. I did okay but not great. I know I made up points in the debrief but I don't know if it was enough.

The only problem is everyone in our group felt really good about the entire process. The atmosphere and people are so friendly and fun that you can't help but think you did great. Facts are that it's really competitive and not everyone that feels good about it makes it. Hopefully, more than a few did. Does anyone know how much weight they put into each portion of the interview process or are they all equal?

 

[GivvitF16]

I'm no expert, but I made it past the interview. I felt that I interviewed well but tubed the LOI. Fortunately, I still got the call. Looking back at the LOI, I asked questions, solicited inputs, made a decision, and heavily critiqued myself.

To answer your question on the weighting. I've heard the LOI is a pass/fail and I've heard of people not getting the call because of the LOI, but I can't substaniate this.

The hiring rates are good now. We had 11 extremely sharp people and myself on my interview date. We went 9 for 12.

Good Luck,

Givvvit

 

[SWABound]

Well, I'm glad you felt the same way. However, it's going to be a long month...

 

[RVR300]

Don't sweat it. They look at everything. Your screenname is just asking for a jinx though!

 

[SWA/FO]

Everytime I thought I did well on an interview - nobody hired me. When I interviewed at SWA - I had no idea, other then I had a good time going through the process.

 

[falcon20driver]

What's the LOI?

 

[enigma]

What's the LOI?

It's like a LOFT(line oriented flight training). You get to role play. They give you a scenario and you work throught the problem as if you were in the air. I haven't personally done it, only know about it from reading hear and elsewhere, but I understand that the scenarios are usually something along the line of a passenger medical emergency. You have to utilize all of your resources and resolve the problem.

You know, involve all of your crew, work with dispatch, etc.

enigma

 

[Resume Writer]

While I cannot say the weight the LOI is given, I would think it would be pretty substantial.

My reason for saying this is because they can get a good idea of how you will work with others, your leadership abilities and your communication skills.

One of the keys to the LOI, in my opinion, is the ability to delegate; but not too much or too little. Too much and it looks like you will take no responsibility. Too little and it looks like you are a control freak.

Remember in the LOI, when you are speaking with the "flight attendant" that you speak in non-technical language. Make sure you communicate the plan to the FA and have them pass it on to the passengers. You need to keep EVERYONE in the loop. This includes your FO, dispatch, ATC, etc.

These are just my opinions, as I have not been through the LOI myself. However, coming from the background of hiring and working the line as an FA, I can tell you that many times the pilots would make announcements to the passengers that left them scratching their heads and thinking the engine was going to fall off!

Kathy

 

[SWABound]

While I cannot say the weight the LOI is given, I would think it would be pretty substantial.

My reason for saying this is because they can get a good idea of how you will work with others, your leadership abilities and your communication skills.

One of the keys to the LOI, in my opinion, is the ability to delegate; but not too much or too little. Too much and it looks like you will take no responsibility. Too little and it looks like you are a control freak.

Remember in the LOI, when you are speaking with the "flight attendant" that you speak in non-technical language. Make sure you communicate the plan to the FA and have them pass it on to the passengers. You need to keep EVERYONE in the loop. This includes your FO, dispatch, ATC, etc.

These are just my opinions, as I have not been through the LOI myself. However, coming from the background of hiring and working the line as an FA, I can tell you that many times the pilots would make announcements to the passengers that left them scratching their heads and thinking the engine was going to fall off!

Kathy

It's a CRM check with alot of pitfalls. You don't have long to gather info. and make a decision. Once I did that and started briefing the pax they said don't worry about it. They were glad I did it but didn't want me wasting precious time giving a brief you would normally do after making an informed decision.

 

[Resume Writer]

It's a CRM check with alot of pitfalls. You don't have long to gather info. and make a decision. Once I did that and started briefing the pax they said don't worry about it. They were glad I did it but didn't want me wasting precious time giving a brief you would normally do after making an informed decision.

Not sure when you decided to brief the pax, but that should come as one of the last things you would do, if you do it at all. I would say first ATC to get alternates, analyze fuel, then contact dispatch to make a decision and then the FA once a decision is made to inform and have the FA brief the pax.

Kathy

 

[SWABound]

Thanks,

I think I did okay because I debriefed well. I was just too nervous.

 

[SWAdude]

Thanks,

I think I did okay because I debriefed well. I was just too nervous.

Don't worry about being nervous. This interviewers expect that. If you weren't at least a little nervous it must not mean that much to you.

The LOI I understand is a complete package decision. If you debriefed well then you probably did fine.

Keep us up to date with your progress.

Best of luck for you!!

SWAdude