Tips on Successfully Interviewing at SWA?

[skengdon]

I videotaped mine. Here is my 6 minute way to hit it big.

(You at least hit it big with every age group, from the Senior CA to the new F/O)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMH0bHeiRNg

HAHAHA...that's a good one. =>

 

[52560]

I think that is the answer to getting a job. If you pull off that dance and you don't get the job, it's nothing but a crap shoot who gets hired. I made my appointment with the chorographer!!! Look out Dallas!

 

[Wolf King]

SWA didn't hire me... I think the interviewer felt that being in the cockpit with me would be like being in a cage with a wild animal; maybe it was the crusty dogsh%t on my shoes...dunno...

On the other hand, I do cut a mean jig!

 

[AlbieF15]

Why are some slamming Chase? He's done more to pass on info and encouragement than about 99% of the posters here, and all he does is take face shots for it.

I don't agree with a LOT of things airlines do to candidates, but trust me--I don't make the rules. Chase may not be completely objective, but his only fault is he likes the company he works for and wants to HELP folks but still not compromise his position as someone inside the company that is (fairly) well known. Those of us outside the company (like me) can say we LOVE Southwest or we think they are a bunch of queers...and they can't touch us. Chase is in a different situation. So--if people WANT information from a source inside, then they should also respect the fact that inside information will always be flavored with its own spin or bias. However, I think the record will show a lot of folks have benefited directly from his help, and his help is wanted by a lot of folks.

Its easy to say "Chase...your system is flawed...why don't you go throw Rebekkah Krone and the HR department off a bride and fix things..." However, that is very unrealistic. He's an F/O, doing what we can. I don't always like the FDX process, but as of yet Jack Lewis hasn't called me at home to ask for my suggestions on improving it. I don't think expecting a line bro to make changes is very realistic.

 

[Wolf King]

Yes,

Chase is a good dude. Any airline manned by a bunch of guys like him would certainly prosper.

 

[Uppercrust]

Yes,

Chase is a good dude. Any airline manned by a bunch of guys like him would certainly prosper.

Ooohhh Chase...... MAKE LOVE TO ME!!!!

 

[FlyBoeingJets]

....chase, why would you be interested in "helping" SWA hopefuls unless you KNOW the process favors one type of personality over the other, and that this causes good people to fail? Might you have had a few friends try and fail?, so you're trying to come to grips with a system that you now realize isn't optimized to finding the best person for the job? Think about this, if the SWA pilot hiring system works, aren't you doing the company harm by helping people manipulate the system?

Think about it bro...

I'll try and explain my logic. Here goes.

Every SWA insider (left nameless to protect the guilty) I've ever spoken to, represents the SWA interview as nothing more than a "get to know you" session. The constant refrain is, "just go in and be yourself". After lurking here for years, I've read many, many times that the SWA technique isn't a game, it isn't trickery or anything like it. It is just an opportunity for them to get to know you. I've spoken to some of you via PM and been told that SWA stands by their system, and that SWA is confident in their systems ability to choose people who possess the SWA "personality".

Taking all of that into consideration, adding it to SWA's well known dislike of interview preparation, I find it odd that you attempt to help people pass the interview.

To me, it is logical that if you believe in your systems ability to predict performance, then you will avoid interfering with the system. Yet, I see you interfere with the system; therefore I can only conclude that you must not totally accept the ability ofyour system.

My analysis would be this: Chase, knowing that the SWA interview/selection system sometimes misses on good people, and recognizing that such misses are the result of shortcomings in the "system", is attempting to help those good people circumvent part of that system.




Love ya man,

I know this is meant for Chase, but I'll offer my opinion just in case it helps....

Your logic would make sense if this was a scientific experiment, but it's not. Its an interview that is meant to gauge your ability to work with other people, communicate and make decisions. And, most importantly, get and keep the most qualified applicants.

No system is perfect. People aren't perfect. The system might let you down or an individual interviewer might grade you too harshly. But that is life. IMHO, they are trying to gauge whether or not you are ethical and have a positive outlook on life. Are you easy to work with? Will you handle a crew or passenger issue correctly? Will you be a good employee that volunteers to do more than the minimum? That is what people mean by "get to know you".

But you are wondering why it changes. I think its based on competition and supply vs. demand. You know the truth by now, they don't hire everyone who comes in for interview. There is a competitive aspect to the hiring process. Sure the interview counts but the board makes the decision. And they will hire those who look best and who have similar backgrounds.

Most importantly--Chase is not interfering with the system. He is trying to improve your interviewing skills. Skills that will serve you at any interview. No gaming of the system. Attacking his logic and advice on this forum is, IMHO, folly. You may not be able to use all his advice, but I see no agenda at all in it. Just an exuberance that may irritate those who feel loss.

Why won't he say anything about the LOI? Because those that know how it is graded aren't allowed to say anything. But I'm thinking it is a straightforward test of your ability to manage time, gather information, make a decision and interact with a "crew". Another chance to "get to know you". To get to know how YOU do your work in the pilots seat.


Why does everyone here stand by SWA's interview process? It's not that. It was a challenge that was met and we all left with positive feelings. So we have nothing to hate about it. Interviews don't always go well. When they go well we breath a sigh of relief.

 

[Wolf King]

Ooohhh Chase...... MAKE LOVE TO ME!!!!

I guess you want to dance. I like to dance.

 

[Uppercrust]

I guess you want to dance. I like to dance.

Let's dance brother man!

 

[Wolf King]

PM me the music.

 

[chase]

Albie...thanks, I'll send you that $50 I owe you :beer:

Wolfking...ditto but I don't think I owe you any money...yet...we haven't bet landings have we? If so, I probably owe you.

flyboeingjets...good summary...you've hit the gist of it...Libby Sartain use to do the same thing in the late 90's

Uppercrust....I've spoken to the FI moderator and he has some good recommendations for some "luv" counselors you may wish to speak with that could offer you some counseling ....made me laugh...thanks!

I write mostly for the lurkers who don't wish to join in or simply wish to glean as much information from as many different sources as possible....in an earlier life a portion of the brief was always geared toward "contingencies", "what ifs"....this board provides some of that intel from Albie, resumewriter, and others too numerous to identify & thank...for the person hoping to get the call who does, maybe some of these comments might provide the help they need to acquire the job they really are hoping for....nothing more cosmic than that in offering the drivel from my keyboard....cheers & yes cheesemo I'm studying....still hate the fact my sim partner looks like he is young enough to date my oldest daughter....what a great gig's he got for the next 20+ years!!!

 

[ASA Captain]

Open Question

I am wondering what impact the 1-on-1 interviews have in the DB. Does anyone have any insight as to the effect of the opinions of each interviewer on the db discussion.

I guess this is really a question for someone on the DB, but if a pilot doesn't click with one of the interviewers, how much will it affect your chance of getting the job? Do all three interviewers have to like your stories?

And to that issue, how much does each story affect the outcome?

Anyone who did get hired: Can you think of a bad story you used that you regret or when you were waiting for a call (my DB was this week) you thought about something you said that you wished you could have taken back, but still got the job?

For example, maybe you told them about the time you told your FO to fly the d@#* airplane and quit whining about his wife leaving him cause you were on the arrival and you were trying to listen to the playoff game over the ADF.

Anyone make a real blooper and still make it?

 

[Inspector 12]

Does anyone know if the DB was meeting for one day or two this week?

 

[SupaFly]

,

Good discussion on all my points. I can't speak for Chase, but I infer that in his past someone helped him out with the process, and he's just passing on to those following. Maybe he believes in karma. I think SW is happy with their system, but the process is about human interaction, and having a little insight to the process, the opportunity to mentally prepare for the ordeal, may allow a few to relax more and let their winning personalities peek out through the nervousness and trepidation. I know, the process is supposed to be able to get through that, but going in with confidence and not the fear of the unknown is better for both the candidate and the interviewer.

Anyway, as a predominant lurker, I'm happy to see a little intelligent conversation. Especially about ballwalking.

Regards,
S-Fly

 

[canyonblue737]

thanks to some hard work, good fortune, and info from those on this board...

I interviewed back in the winter (once) and got hired..

what worked for me:

1. Smile 'til you face hurts (smile at EVERYONE!)
2. "....there WE were..." instead of "....there I was...."
3. make it known to everyone how much you WANT TO BE THERE!

best of luck to all!

I think not enough people do #3. Hard to believe but I think many folks give good answers to questions and smile but when given the opportunity don't say, "thanks for the opportunity, i really want to work for this company and if i am lucky enough to be given the chance i will give it my all."