SWA Interview Number Crunching

[Falconjet]

SWA Hiring

From my very limited experience I would have to say that 1 in 4 interviewees being successful is too low. While some smaller interview groups may have experienced that, most of the people who interviewed that I have talked to said that most of the folks in their group were successful. Of course SWA will be able to be more selective when they resume interviewing (assuming the economy remains stagnant and the applicant pool continually gets bigger) but I can't imagine that only 25% of the interviewees are successful.

At just about every airline hiring right now the gouge says that if you make to an interview you are 1) qualified for the job and 2)they want to hire you. The job is yours to lose. It costs big money to interview people and I've got to believe that more likely 75-80% of the folks interviewed get into the pool. Otherwise the company would be wasting a lot of money on interviews. The bottom line is that at least half the folks from my interview group were successful, and I think more like 75%.

Your mileage may vary, see your dealer for specifics.

 

[corndog]

Falconjet

You're wrong.

Corndog

 

[ivauir]

my .02

At just about every airline hiring right now the gouge says that if you make to an interview you are 1) qualified for the job and 2)they want to hire you. The job is yours to lose.

I think 1 in 4 is about right. But that number was generated when they interviewed everybody in the order those apps were recieved. It would be easy to argue that now the hiring % will be higher because the candidates are screened before interview - However, it has been suggested by several knowledgeable sources that SWA gets pickier during times like these. The bottom line is - nobody knows.
If I had taken the 8 G gamble on myself and gotten the type before the interview I'd be coming up on my probation check - instead I am still waiting. But, I know myself well enough to know that interviewing with 8K invested would have put me under the gun. Some guys think having the type shows their commitment (I am sure it does) and that helps them relax. So if you have a choice I'd go 100% with my gut - there is NO WAY to predict the outcome of the interview and no way to guarentee it.
For most today there is no choice, no type = no interview. Just don't throw money at HP and expect to get a job. Make sure SWA is for you long term, get to know the company, and be fully prepared for the interview.

So being very conservitave, 10 grand to get interviewed for a 25% chance at a job.

It sounds like you are already in the interview pool: as long as you are prepared to suck up the extra months (year+) of waiting (if you are hired) I'd sit tight too. Just remember, the pilots interviewing you did go out and get their types just for the interview, as did most of the people who will be interviewing for some time to come. My point is, realise how lucky you are to have a choice right now and in the unlikly event it comes up, express your gratitude.

Best of luck - I'd love to see your smiling, suit wearing selves in DAL really soon!

 

[Moosedryvr]

Ladies & Gentlemen,
Had the opportunity this weekend to spend some time with a member of the SWA Pilot Recruitment team (why they need a team to recruit pilots for SWA I don't know!).
Here's what she had to say in a nutshell:
- Interviews/additional hiring for '03 is doubtful
- Very good chance for those who already have apps in the stack AND HAVE TYPE RATINGS to recieve interviews in either very late '03 or 1st qtr of '04.
- If SWA were to start "full-up" training they would most likely burn through those currently in the stack w/ type ratings in 3-4 mos.
- SWA is implementing a COMPETITIVE interview process. (My understanding was that they no longer plan to interview all applicants, but will competitively screen to determine who will offered the opportunity to interview) Guess what a key weighting factor is in this COMPETITIVE process. Yes boys & girls, a 737 type.
- As far as competitive minimums are concerned - if you have the minimums to apply (1000 hrs PIC, etc.), you are competitive.
- SWA is cautiously optimistic regarding the future. They are prepared pounce on the apps they have in the stack if the situation warrrants, but are planning for a more realistic late '03 -early '04 resumption of interviews

My take on the above info:
1. Get your type if you want a chance for a SWA interview. Although it was never stated outright, it did NOTsound like SWA would be calling anyone without a type any time soon.
2. SWA is going to be a greeat place to be in the future; lots of new airplanes combined with lots of age 60 retirements equals instant seniority
3. Poolies hang in there, it sounded like those curerntly soaking should be out by X-Mas '03 at the latest (my interpretation of the info offered, NOT stated in any form by the SWA People Dept rep).
4. If your timeline sets you up for '04, place SWA high on your list of places to be. If your needs are more immediate, not so much.

All the best to the SWAnnabe's out there. Hope all find this info useful and not too depressing!

 

[Pig]

Moosedriver,

Thanks for that info. That is the kind of stuff that can be useful for people who are contemplating other options, such as a return to active duty or AGR jobs, or pushing hard for a move to a corporate.

For those who were wondering where the 1 in 4 number comes from for successful interviewees, That is what we were briefed at Higher Power by the SWA pilot recruiting women.

Can someone confirm whether or not an applicant that puts in there app with out a type rating, then subsequently gets one, would be put at the bottom of the interview stack or whether they would be fit in to the typed stack according to their original app date?

 

[chazman]

I was told at AIR INC DFW that once you get your type you go in the stack with types at your ORIGINAL application date.

Chaz

 

[Falconjet]

well Corndog: I've certainly been wrong before and I'm sure I will be again. I focused perhaps on the beginning of the discussion and my own interview groups' experience.

I must say, after re-reading the middle posts, Pig, that if the SWA People people said it is 1 in 4, then it must be 1 in 4 and I don't get the question. In the original post it looked like speculation, not a quote from SWA.

Obviously some interview groups will have greater than 25% and some will have less, my group was on the high side evidently.

In any case, I was just trying to relay my experience. I would still recommend getting the type as soon as possible if you want to work for SWA, even if you beat the Nov deadline and are in line for an interview without it.

Best of luck. FJ