SWA Poolies...A Look Back 1 Year Ago

[chase]

When I was living in a van, down by the river during my days as a motivational speaker I use to use this technique to help the folks that were wondering...."where was I a year ago?".

For the SWA poolies it seems a long way from getting the call for the interview, to the interview & now walking on the property or getting ready to walk on the property at Southwest. For a lot more folks as you know the aspiration to come to SWA is only that right now, a dream, not reality. However, as you read this for those poolies lucky enough to get the call, a year ago you were in the exact same situation as these folks, waiting & hoping but something you did, someone you knew, your preparation, a decision you made to improve yourself or make a bold step (maybe), has put you in a position to now be fulfilling your dreams. It may have been a plan, a process or something else that in looking back may have made the difference. You may have the secret to helping others put their best foot forward.

Yes I know for many it was a difficult year as they were turned down by SWA & are frustrated but your stories would be worthwhile too as to maybe what you would do differently, maybe nothing. Admittedly SWA fails to select perfectly good matches for us....a human process run by humans...what a surprise that it isn't foolproof!!

I'd like to offer up this "gift idea" FOR those about to begin the process or for those who are in the process. For those folks who have been through the process regardless of the situation please take a few paragraphs to reflect on the following:

1. Where you were a year ago & what you were flying, doing in preparation for SWA (if anything).

2. What was something you wish you had known before starting the process & that you would pass on to others?

3. Was there any one single thing you did that helped put you in the best position to be selected?

4. Any other thoughts, reflections about your experience with SWA...were you treated fairly, how was your overall experience in applying, dealing with the PD department & the interview folks.

5. If you were turned down do you expect to apply again & what will you do differently.

Thanks for those who are wishing to contribute. I believe this might be a useful tool/gift for those wanting to come to SWA & a way to motivate those who read this to realize a year from now they could be sitting where those are sitting who have been selected.

cheers & God Bless,

 

[Skyrunner]

Humble Advice

Hey Chase,

Great idea. I don't hold much clout but will offer my humble advice to future interviewees. I've had my app in for many moons (paper and electronic). I had the honor to interview on 6 Dec.

1. A year ago I was just starting my 1 year Iraqi Freedom tour flying the Herk. I was prepping by constantly keeping in contact with my references and buds/budettes at SWA and former squadrons. They were absolutely invaluable(Is this a word?) in keeping me in the loop at where I stood on getting a call for an interview. I guess you really find out how many friends you have when they bombard the People Dept with questions on your status.

2. I guess the only thing that caught me off guard in the interview was how fast paced it was. After all, I'm a Herk pilot and used to doing things a little slower I won't get into the LOI due to the fact that Southwest wants to keep it a secret and I know Lee is watching this site The hard things to get ready for the interview are getting all your old transscripts and making sure your contact numbers are A-Okay.

3. I guess maintaining currency and keeping a positive attitude in these tough times were the two things that help me get a call for an interview. Keep doing what your doing and drive on with a good attitude. Try not to let frustration seep into your attitude. Try to enjoy what your doing now and good things will come to you.

4. I really haven't interviewed for too many jobs in my life. The people at LUV make you feel completely at ease during the interview. From the PD staff to the interviewers, everybody had this positive aura and playfullness around them. I was in awe the whole day. Even during lunch, there was a lot of laughing, joking and getting to know you. My friends that where going through training there were trying to get me to buy the SWA pajamas at the gift shop in the cafeteria and wear them for the rest of the interview. That says it all.

5. If I get the letter I will definitely apply again and wait it out. If I could do it again, I would be more relaxed. During the interview, just be yourself and answer the questions honestly and with a bit of humbleness. I didn't do any interview prep and I guess it showed. Could be bad, could be good. Who knows?

To all 12 of the 6 Dec interviewees that read this: I'll be thinking about all of you in the next couple of months and hope for the best. It was a pleasure meeting ya'll, take care and fly safe.

Adios,

SR

 

[FliptheDuck]

Reflections of a Poolie

One of the biggest hurdles I saw entering the app process was my experience compared to the others on this board. I would see #'s like 3000 TT, 2000 Turbine PIC posted as "minimums" to get the interview call.

Perhaps things have changed since September, but it didn't prohibit myself and 2 others (1 military, 1 civilian commuter) from getting the interview. My #'s walking into the interview were:

1700 TT, 1200 PIC (all Turbine)

Regarding the seemingly veritable necessity of being a Check airman, etc, that sometimes is littered on this board: neither myself, nor the 2 others I mentioned previously had such credentials. Two of us had been Instructors for the previous years, but not evaluators.

In short, don't let the so-called minimums prevent you from taking action to get on with this world-class organization. They know what they want, and what worked last month for #'s probably won't be the working model for success in following months. Do everything you can to influence the items (type rating, etc) that YOU can change. Leave the rest up to whoever your greater being is, and the SWA People department.

 

[chase]

Thanks folks for providing some perspective...hopefully more will contribute to offer their perspective & encouragement!!!! Shows why you'd be good matches at SWA...willingness to help others!!

 

[BobbyB]

Chase has posted several times before a list of things that you can do while waiting for the call. Find those posts and DO WHAT HE SAYS. You want to be able to answer the phone when it rings and take the earliest interview date. That means have your diplomas/transcripts/ SSN Card/Passport and all the things that take time.

While you are doing that, build turbine PIC.

Build some more Turbine PIC

The instant that you meet the MINS, put in the application. You may not feel competitive right now, but as the interviewing continues, the unwritten numbers for competitive total and PIC time will come down.

Allow yourself to entertain the idea of investing in a type rating. If you REFUSE to get one unless you are hired, you may have some extra time to build PIC while those who invested in the Type get called for interviews. I don't want to start the type/no type debate, or the PFT debate, but the numbers show that MOST of those interviewed got the type. Just the way it is.

Search all of Chase's posts, and read them again. Keep the faith, be prepared, and make sure your phone isn't off the hook.