milflyboy said:
How long does it normally take from you get the call until your class start date?
This can vary. If your availability is immediate you may go as quickly as 4-6 weeks but unlikely at this point in my opinion because of the number of folks who are awaiting class & since they have slowed slightly in classes. More likely 2-4 months knowing they have a pool of folks sitting around awaiting for class. They will usually give you some sort of idea (beginning/middle/end of 1Q'05 for example for folks awaiting the Oct DB) when they call to say continue. Remember, the call to "continue" is not offering you a job yet. It will run another 4 weeks or so before you're moved from one file to the next but you may or may not get the call that the indepedent background check is complete. That is why I advise calling the PD after 4 weeks to check in with them to see how your package is doing...at that time they will give you a rough idea of when you might expect a class date but that again isn't anything to go quit your day job over with yet. If you need a certain amount of notice tell them at that time and they will take note of that & keep that in mind when they start assigning folks for classes. Just be up front with them, they like that vs. surprises.
Are you able to push your class date if needed (Let's say you have to give your current employer a certain notice).
Yes you can, ONCE ONLY! Not uncommon to do & it may not even be for the reason you stated...a family issue that can't be resolved, a death in the family, upcoming move that requires you to be there, other issues...again be upfront with them & they'll slip you to the next class. For the rest of this year that may be tough to not have it slip by a month which may not be to your liking but next year the most you'd have to wait for that next class is probably 2 weeks, much mo better!
From the call until your class date, is there anything you have to do at SWA?
Not sure what you mean but I believe you are asking "do you as the applicant have any other requirements to accoplish to continue in the process?" If that is your question the answer is no, nothing you can do can speed up the process or is required of you. Again if you haven't heard back after 4 weeks from the "you made it through the DB", then give them a call & check in, otherwise go to Hawaii! It was fun!!!
When are you actually employed by SWA?
When you show up on property for the first day....you get an ID the morning of and can apply your flying privileges that first day along with your family, very sweet.
Do you sign a contract during the interview or when you show up for training?
I believe this was already answered by someone but I'll add my thoughts; the additional letter for you to sign that will be sent to you prior to your arrival will come after the CP calls you. He'll explain it but if not, it is pretty self explanatory, no contract that insures you that SWA will hire you but a legal document showing that Southwest has invited you for training and future employment but it doesn't lock them into you either....if you go postal the next day you won't be welcomed at Southwest on your training date....Southwest can reject you at any point if you fail to maintain the standards you had up to your interview & beyond.
Hope that helps,
