SWA memphis

[Resume Writer]

The interview process with CSA (which is what I did until the baby was born) is very much the same as the pilot process, with the exception of the LOI and they use a group interview to screen people out.

They use the same type of questions that SWA has copyrighted. You go through an interview with an HR person (or two) and then you go through with a line person (much like the pilots). The questions asked might be slightly different, but they come from the same competencies of what SWA is looking for in a candidate.

I agree with you that people will either use a prep service or not. As I said, it is up to them. I have prepped pilots for regionals, majors, cargo (large and small), corporate and National Guard slots (to fly a highly competitive aircraft). While each interview might be different, and I tailor the interview prep to the specific situation, the process is still very much the same.

Kathy

 

[SWAdude]

RVR300,

"If you're to the point of being qualified to fly for SWA, then you would think one could navigate their way through a 'tell me about a time' question without coming across as a total rube."

Your interview must have been one of the easy ones. There are some questions that I wouldn't ask as for I thought they were too difficult. Go to this website and honestly tell yourself I you can come up with a thorough answer after only a few moments of though for all of the questions.http://www.willflyforfood.cc/Southwest.htm


"Guess that's not the case. I understand everyone who runs interview prep services have to plug the virtues of their service--its a business like everything else-- but I also think its in your best interest to make sure guys fork over the $$ for your assistance."

I do not run a business nor will I. I have never nor will I ever earn a single cent on the information or opinions I have.



"Granted, the military guys who are new to the civilian side of the world would probably benefit the most from using prep services, I still think they can get as much, if not more, from talking to their friends who work here."

Actually I found the military types to be better prepared than the civilians. Something you may not know is their network of information and people is far more vast than the civilians.



"And you are wrong if you think the interview team can't tell who used a prep service and who didn't."

No you can't tell who has used a service and who hasn't. The services don't make robots out of the candidates. They polish them a bit.


"If you are a bit shaky or nervous about the interview, first ask yourself why. If the prep will ease your nerves and give you a feel-good, then go for it. But if you look at the group of candidates on any given day, you can tell just by looking who's wearing the prep service interview facade."

Again, way off the mark.


"Anyway, we're beating a dead horse here. The pro-prep people (especially those who run prep services) will go on and on about why you should use them. And then there is the rest of us who didn't use prep, who 'prepped' our friends and gave them the gouge."

You got the job. Congratulations. It certainly doesn't give you enough insight to know how the whole system works. Your perspective could be damaging to a friend that might want to interview with SWA and I would recommend that if you really want them to be offered a class then stop giving them advice. Really. Its that far off the mark.


"Go with what works for you, because if for whatever reason it doesn't work out, you'll beat yourself up over it forever. For what it's worth, if you were interviewing at UAL or AA or DL, then yeah, I'm sure the prep services are necessary. For SW however, it's more about the real you."

You are giving advice based on what. All airlines try to find who you are. Delta use to have a psychologist you would have to talk to for about an hour. Tell me a prep service to deal with that type of line of questions.


"Good luck to everyone. SW is a fantastic place to call home!"

Absolutely! Six total airlines that include three majors, this is home.


"One more thing! STOP WORRYING!!! Christmas is but 4 days away. Toast to the season, fly safe, and keep your chin up. It doesn't matter if you're a crop duster or an astronaut. Your personality is what is going to get you hired."

Can anyone tell you how to feel? Two words. Mutual-Respect.


"Merry Christmas to all"

Thank you. Merry Christmas to you also.


Respectfully,

SWAdude

 

[SWAInflt]

Kathy,

I don't know how the flight attendant interview process works, except that it is vastly different from the pilot side.

FWIW, I've recruited Inflight for awhile now...the process is pretty straightforward.

Potential F/As are invited to a Group Interview which lasts several hours. During that time, the candidates are given an overview of the job, training, lifestyle, benefits, etc. Next up is a team building activity and an oral presentation that allows the interview team to evaluate the candidates and decide who should be chosen to "continue in the process"

Phase II is a series of two face to face interviews, one with an interview team member and another with a recruiter. Each interview averages about 40 minutes and consists of a series of TMAAT questions. After both interviews there is an on the spot "Decision Board" when the interview team member and recruiter, compare notes, discuss the candidates strengths and weaknesses and make a decision.

The "Yes" candidates are called within a couple of weeks for drug testing and are placed in "the pool" once they clear backgrounds. The "No"s get the dreaded letter within 14 days.

I have no idea how it compares to the pilot interview process but that's how it works with inflight.

Since the topic is interview prep let my add my .02 cents...one of the most frustrating parts of the one on one interviews is extracting useable information from candidates. Say I ask a candidate to "Tell me about a time when you went out of your way to assist a Customer." The most common answer is usually along the lines of...."Well, where I work now, we always try to look for opportunities to go above and beyond and I think that is a good philosophy for any company." That is all very nice but it didn't answer my question. I am asking the applicant to tell me about a specific time when they went out of their way to help a Customer. Anyone who has worked in Customer Service long enough to rate a second interview as a F/A for SWA should be able to answer that question...you'd be surprised how many can't or just won't. In the end we both suffer...I have to ask the same question 4 diffferent ways just to get an answer and in some cases, the candidate blows their chance at getting the job...for this go round at least.

Where interview prep would help...from my perspective is that if someone would just sit down with these folks and help them take a look a their experiences from my perspective.....it would make things go much more smoothly in the interview and increase their chances of success. There is a difference between a rehearsed candidate and a prepared candidate and we can tell the difference.

 

[Echopapa]

RVR,

Let me preface this by saying that I do not run or have any finacial stake in any interview service.

Here is a simple risk versus return matrix on interview prep:

1. No interview prep: Risk..no job. Return....save $300
2. Interview Prep: Risk...$300 wasted Return....multi million dollar career.

How would you feel if you go an interview, didn't do the prep, and then didn't get hired? ...I should have had a V8? For the rest of your life you will be troubled by the nagging question, "would that interview prep have given me the edge I needed to be hired?"

You took a big risk and it paid off for you....but that was a foolish risk that I do not condone.

I spent the money and got hired simply because I wanted the absultely best chance to succeed. You are most likely not going to get another crack at this process.

EP

 

[:-)]

Miscellaneous Ramblings

With apologies to Tony Hogg..

And a couple o questions,

About interview prep. Military guys have been getting it for years, to them it's just a part of their service experience. They actually worked for an entity that gave training as well as took their labor. Many civilians get to the point of a big interview with ever having taken part in a real interview. I happen to be such a case. I had a bunch of time (many times over todays regional mins) in the scheduled service environment before I ever actually participated in a "real" interview. Up to that point, my "interviews" had consisted of something like a short period with the Chief Pilot and maybe a mickeymouse written test. I had absolutely ZERO training for presenting myself in any kind of professional environment. Getting interview prep is just a way to expose ones-self to the situation. Would a prudent pilot make his first DCA departure without having studied the departure? No, he wouldn't, and no prudent pilot should go into a major interview without having studied/practiced/prepared for the experience.

I'll agree that the prep services popular in the mid nineties might have been turning out clones, but that is exactly what UA, DL, AA, etc, wanted.

Remember dear ones, it's all about getting the job. RVR300 happened to get on without any professional prep, but that was sometime around 1996 (according to his posts). You may do the same, who knows? Go ahead and prep yourself if you feel lucky.

Can we talk about the SWA process?????

My study tells me that it's smoke and mirrors. Ponder this, They claim to screen for personality, yet they allow someone who fails to try again at a later date. I'll submit to you, that such a policy is tacit admittance that the process is not valid. After writing that flame attractant, I'll go further and say that whole dog and pony show is intended to pacify pilots who want to keep their hand in the hiring process. Here's my reasoning, (btw, I'll admit to making certain assumptions. my experience being limited and based upon anecdotal evidence gleaned here and on other interview sites) SWA uses line pilots to administer the one on one interviews, but the interviewer doesn't get to make the hiring decision. If the system


.....duty calls, I'll complete this later, Or most likely re-enter the fray at a point down the line and spend most of my time on defense instead of continuing my ramblings.

Calvin

 

[RVR300]

Good Lord boys, GO DO THE PREP, forget everything I said. Tell them what you think they want to hear, or what the prepper thinks they want to hear. After all, according to SWAdude no one can tell.

If spending the $300 dollars is going to put yourself at ease, then (as I said) go for it.

This thread started with a guy in Memphis looking for advice. Mine was to not be a lemming and the rest of you jump all over me for it. I have nothing to gain here except to fly with good new first officers. Now you guys probably have the poor dude in Memphis about ready to have a heartattack. Good job.

There is an expression: keep it simple. This isn't nuclear physics. It's tell me about the best and worst, what have you learned, how have you grown, etc. Is it hard to talk about the worst event in your life? I should hope so.

No, I would not say my interview was easy. It's an interview. And yes, we talked about all the extremes of the career, the good and the bad. Don't be affraid to be yourself. Is that the same advice I'd give to someone interviewing at UAL? NO. Anyone who's interviewed there can back that up. But this isn't UAL or anywhere else.

Like everyone that interviews at SW you come out of it feeling good. Sure you can second guess yourself all the way until you hear word from the DB.

Had I to do it all over again, would I do anything different? Not a chance.

But hey, I already have the job. SWAdude seems to think my info is off the mark. For him, maybe it is. For me and the guys I helped out then evidence to the contrary.

It's not rocket science. You guys should embrace this 'dreamshot' and look forward to the experience. What I get from reading the other posts is that many of you are terrified and completely stressed out about it. I say 'relax' and I get hit with words to the effect of 'what is your basis on that'

Basis: 15 years of airline flying. Two commuters, one charter, and SWA. 4 successful interviews (UAL being the lone bad one-thank God for that) Jetstream 31's then EMB-120 Brasilias, then ATR-42s, then MD-11s, then SWA.
Was the Southwest interview the nicest? Of course. Did I know I had the job? Of course not, no one does until you hear from the Chiefs.

Don't do what everyone else says, do whats right for you.

 

[needsumluv]

Thanks for all the info folks. If people could let me know who they used for their prep work and why they thought they were good/bad?

Thanks in advance again,

Needsumluv

 

[SWAdude]

RVR300,

You tell not to get the prep but yet you haven't used it. You give interviewing advice yet never have been an interviewer at SWA. Just because you got the job doesn't mean you are right or wrong. Your personal experience is valid. But one experience through this process pales in comparison to those that sat behind the desk and seen hundreds of interviews from a different perspective. The perspective that I'm sure You would have wanted 8 years ago. I too interviewed at SWA and got the job without any prep. But I can also see where prep would have benefitted me even more.

Personally I listen to those who seem to have more or different experience than I so maybe I might learn something.

You plainly give, at best, incomplete advice to this board that people come to for guidance. Your pride has clouded your judgment.

Respectfully,

SWAdude

 

[AlbieF15]

I've helped a bunch...at SWA, JB, FedEx, AirTran and ATA. Got a few UPS guys going through soon...we'll see how that goes.

Why don't you ask former clients about what they think?

If you want some emails of my former SWA clients, send me a PM. You can get their take on what helped (and/or what didn't...)

Cheers...

 

[scoreboard]

Reagan, what a President

Like I told Albie before I used him for a prep session, "The last time I interviewed, Reagan was President", I just wanted the experience. If you have lots, don't prep, if like me it's been years or decades, by all means, see what is out there.

 

[RVR300]

SWAdude, I stand corrected. I guess my confidence level was a little higher than yours was when we interviewed. Obviously it worked out well for each of us.

But you're pushing this prep thing onto these guys making it sound like they will be disadvantaged if they don't do it. And, using your position as a member of the interview team gives it officiality, and you know that is not the official company line.

 

[SWAdude]

SWAdude, I stand corrected. I guess my confidence level was a little higher than yours was when we interviewed. Obviously it worked out well for each of us.

But you're pushing this prep thing onto these guys making it sound like they will be disadvantaged if they don't do it. And, using your position as a member of the interview team gives it officiality, and you know that is not the official company line.

I'm not pushing anything. Its up to the individual and how they want to approach the opportunity. Some would be at a disadvantage if they didn't prep. Some would not. I'm not trying to suggest anything of the sort. Just supporting the option. Prep is also a benefit to the company. It can allow us to really get to know the person. It helps relax them. I have no doubt that we have not hired great people because the interview was difficult for them. Prep has been a large part of this business for going on 20 years. Remember FAPA? Irv Jazinski? I am no longer a member of the team and I would not be partaking in this type of discussion if I was. I have been very clear that I am a former member of the team on any of my posts that I have mentioned this experience. Once again you are just plain wrong. So tell me. Your in the know. What is the "companies official line". In all the symposiums that I attended and meetings with Paul Sterbenz then Greg Crum the Team had weekly during interviews, not once was preparation a subject or for that matter even mentioned.

This all started with this post from you:

"DON'T PREP.

Prep yourself: Write down every question you can think they might ask you, then answer them yourself.

Who would you rather talk to, a ANG mx who went forth and got his time and ratings, etc; OR A ROBOT WITH PROGRAMMED ANSWERS?

Trust me, be yourself. Don't be everyone else."

Then someone challenged you and you said:

"Okay guys, I just work there, what do I know."

Thats when I chimed in. You give advice to some that sounds like an authority when you are not. Prep is not a bad thing and you make it sound like the team knows when one has received it when that also is not true. The more you try to sound like an expert on this issue the more credibility you lose.

Were you more confident than I going through the interview? Maybe. But I think you certainly were more arrogant. Congratulations on earning the job 8 years ago.

Respectfully,

SWAdude

 

[Hugh Jorgan]

And by the way, out interview team can smell an interview prep answer a mile away. This is what they do.

I thought they did a better job of sniffing out dickheads than this!

 

[canyonblue]

I believe the reason is simple; they do not portray their strengths and personality when they tell a story, because they do not know "how" to tell a story effectively.

Kathy

Well I sure found a way to portray my strength and personality in story telling for my interview which I recommend to all:

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was open time"

 

[RVR300]

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was open time"

Canyon,
Now that is funny! I don't think I've ever picked up an open time trip that didn't somehow turn into a complete cluster! But it does make the job more interesting.

I know SWAdude will jump on this, but a direct quote from a good friend who is currently on the interview team, when I asked if my other bud should do the prep, he said: "NO, we hate that."

THAT is from the source. SWAdude may not agree with it, and many of you guys on here may not as well, but I'm passing along what was told to me by the guy in the comfy seat.

 

[SWAdude]

RVR300,

Ask your friend how he can tell with certainty who and who hasn't received the prep. It was NEVER an issue when I was there.

Were not talking about your "imaginary" friends are we. I find it interesting that you have found a "good" friend on the team during this discussion. Why didn't you say that to begin with??

No credibility.

 

[RVR300]

SWAdude,
I wasn't aware one had to post their qualifications on here before posting. But you obviously won't let this go.

With all that is Holy, I do indeed have a good friend currently on the interview team, who has given me the information which I have posted here. This individual has earned my admiration and respect. I flew with him as a First Officer years ago and have used his cockpit management skills as the basis for my own. Out of all the Captains I flew with as an FO, this is the one that really stands out. There is probably no one in our company better suited to conduct interviews. So you'll have to forgive me if I hold his viewpoints and advice a few rungs higher than your attack-style barbs against mine.

It serves absolutely ZERO purpose to proport any knowledge or inside info for the prospective new hires that would be to their detriment.

As far as their ability to 'spot' a prepped guy, I imagine its about the same as being able to tell within a few minutes of meeting, the background of your first officers.

In any case, I don't doubt you have these guys best interests at heart, as do I. I just wish you could acknowledge another viewpoint besides your own. You are for prep, and said you wished you had done it; I'm not, and didn't, and will continue to pass along my friend's advice to anyone who asks.

 

[SWAdude]

You are for prep, and said you wished you had done it

RVR300,

Show me where I said that. My direct quote:

"I too interviewed at SWA and got the job without any prep. But I can also see where prep would have benefitted me even more."

Again, you have no credibility.


I imagine its about the same as being able to tell within a few minutes of meeting, the background of your first officers.

No, Your imagination is wrong.


I just wish you could acknowledge another viewpoint besides your own.

I have. My direct quote:

"I'm not pushing anything. Its up to the individual and how they want to approach the opportunity. Some would be at a disadvantage if they didn't prep. Some would not. I'm not trying to suggest anything of the sort. Just supporting the option."

You seem to think there is no option. And that is terrible advice. And I quote you again:

"DON'T PREP.

Prep yourself: Write down every question you can think they might ask you, then answer them yourself.

Who would you rather talk to, a ANG mx who went forth and got his time and ratings, etc; OR A ROBOT WITH PROGRAMMED ANSWERS?

Trust me, be yourself. Don't be everyone else."


So you'll have to forgive me if I hold his viewpoints and advice a few rungs higher than your attack-style barbs against mine.


I'm sorry you feel like your being attacked. You are just plainly passing off bad information.

If all your looking for is for me to admit that both are acceptable. I do. Never thought otherwise. But I'm certainly not going to discourage anyone asking for help on either or any front.

Remember RVR300, this thread is about someone seeking some information so they might be able to better themselves. And you flat told them not to. That is very self-righteous.

 

[RVR300]

Dude you sound like an angry guy.
Sorry you think I lack credibility. Sorry I disagree with you. Sorry you can't let it go. Oh, and sorry I paraphrased when I should have gone back, copied, bold typed, and pasted your direct quote.

Actually, you sound like one of the regulars in the RP.

But I'll give in to this: if a guy thinks he needs prep, then he should get it. If you feel qualified, confident, and secure, then don't. But all you've done here is make these guys second guess themselves; criticizing my advise, questioning my credibility, etc. Your theme is very familiar. Are you sure you're not a regular in the RP? Maybe on the editorial board?

If that makes me sound self righteous, well I'm sorry, because I'm not. As a matter of fact, I'm about the most altruistic person you'll ever meet. SWA hired me because of my personality. My resume is what got me in the door, but the person is what got me the job offer.

 

[Hugh Jorgan]

SWA hired me because of my personality.