Tips on Successfully Interviewing at SWA?

[7S3W7A]

My logbook review was INCREDIBLY painful! My interviewer was civilian and spent about 10 minutes multiplying everything that I had on my form by .3 or some other random #. She quizzed me on every column that was listed. It was a painful process. The other 2 people that I interviewed with were quite pleasant.

The LOI was crazy! Would have been much better if they would have laid out planned alternates. Basically, you sit down with a situation and have to pull stuff out of your magic cape. No charts, no flight plan, etc, etc.

Otherwise, it was a very nice experience...

I've have never read a more sterotypical military post in my life.

1. Why didn't you make it easier for the interviewer and do the math before hand?

2. Do you have a brain or does someone have to write everything out for you in big letters?

 

[mule]

I've have never read a more sterotypical military post in my life.

1. Why didn't you make it easier for the interviewer and do the math before hand?

2. Do you have a brain or does someone have to write everything out for you in big letters?

Alright, let's turn this into a civ vs. mil post...very smart there...those arguments go very far.

I had a sheet that was broken out very clearly for her. It had all of the times with and w/o conversions, but because she was a civilian and didn't believe that us military folks are capable of using a calculator, she "double checked" every number that I had (sarcasm...in case you didn't catch it). Even though I met the mins with and w/o the conversion, she had to make sure us sneaky mil guys weren't trying to pull a fast one on her (more sarcasm for you).

Boy, if I just would have had your advice before the interview, it would have made it sooooo much easier. Gosh darnit, where were you before the interview? Please continue to grace this board with your wonderful tidbits. Thanks again!

Thank you for the kind advice for the poor little military guy that has never had any experience with the fast paced civilian world that you live in.

 

[:-)]

,

A lot of brain cells used to analyze the logic...I have to keep things simple. After 7 years I've assumed many folks who visit the FI Hangar>Aviation Interview Board>Major are looking for information that could help them during an interview. I don't know the secret formula for SWA, I don't believe there is one as evidenced by the variety of folks who are selected compared to those who are. Engaging in a discussion on a topic that might help others was the motive....as I've recalled this story many times, in a previous time the head of the People Department came on a compuserve forum and routinely encouraged folks with helpful information on how to best present themselves for an interview....basic information but spot on that helped me & many others who use to regularly visit there....she also routinely answered questions from strangers on the forum...she was super. I'm no exec VP by any means....just an FO who hopes folks put their best foot forward....we've all had help from someone...just paying back a debt to those who helped me. Nothing more cosmic than that my friend.

Chase, my sometimes smartarse comments aside I do respect you, so 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.

My logic tells me that your attempts to offer help, whilst eminating from the goodness of your heart, are nothing more than a concession that the system is not accurate nor trustworthy.

Love ya man,


PS, (added later) Do you hand out advice on passing the LOI? If not, why?

 

[:-)]

I've have never read a more sterotypical military post in my life.

1. Why didn't you make it easier for the interviewer and do the math before hand?

2. Do you have a brain or does someone have to write everything out for you in big letters?

He there bud, I think it's called sarcasm

 

[:-)]

Let me preface this post by saying that with a military background, I can't offer much experience in civilian hiring practices, so this is opinion only...

, have you ever known someone smart who didn't score well on the SAT? Just like there are really intelligent people who don't test well, I'd bet there are excellent pilots (in the cockpit and in the crew room) who don't interview well. If Chase can help those out, then he is adding value to this forum.

Obviously, SWA understands that some people interview better than others. You have to give SWA the benefit of the doubt on this one and conclude that the SWA pilot hiring process allows for ineptitude in interview skills. Chase may be adding value to the forum, but he isn't adding value to SWA.

Those who are excellent pilots and interview well don't need the help, and the idiots who try to hide it in the interview will probably have tells that distinguish their idiocy. Sure, the system is not perfect: good people like T2Pilot don't get the call.........

If Chase wants to prevent this occurance, Chase should be working from within the company structure to change the system so that it doesn't allow good people to slip past. Helping applicants is good for the applicants, but detrimental to the company, or at the very least it is counterproductive.

......... and bad apples slip into the company, but a few words on an online forum with the goal of helping out those looking to move up in the industry from those already there is a good thing. Except for a few on this forum who think their stuff doesn’t stink and wants everyone to know it, most comments by declared SWA pilots seem intelligent and helpful, so maybe it works.

Agreed, I should mention that I luv to tilt at windmills. It is my contention that the process/technique utilized by SWA is less than optimum, and I sometimes come out from under my rock to try and make that point. I do, fits of smartarse aside, respect Chase and am glad that his advice helps people succeed.

I'm still waiting for a class date, so the process is still fresh in my mind. I actually enjoyed the LOI, but I am the type who relishes a good challenge, facing a problem, gathering information, making a decision, delegating responsibilities, and critiquing the process to do better the next time. I've never seen seven minutes go by so quickly.

Agreed again, I believe that the LOI is the only part of the interview that accounts for a darned thing. That would be because, AFAIK, the LOI is controlled by the ops side of the house, where the rest of the process is controlled by, and graded by, HR.

There was nothing in the interviews that really surprised me, but I had a lot of time in the upper bunk on an aircraft carrier crossing the

Atlantic to remember personal stories of flying, teamwork, leadership, and learning. I did leave a little dejected, because in the last interview I didn't finish a question well. I missed the opportunity to say "This is what I learned about that..." allowing the interviewer to relate one of his own stories while I tried to convey that any mistakes I made were the result of youthful inexperience and not character flaws. Of course, this is what stuck in my mind, so I spent the next five weeks thinking up more places where I should have said this, or had a better story for that, becoming more and more depressed and convinced of failure. In the end, it worked out for me.

I approached the interview as a chance to tell good aviation and personal stories as if I were trying to make a good impression on a new supervisor, or fit into a new social setting. I wanted to show that I could be trusted with the lives of 137 customers in the back, that I would make decent conversation passing the time at the hotel bar on an overnight, and that a captain wouldn't look at his trip and mutter "Oh great, not eight hours in the cockpit with this kid again." I would recommend interview prep to anyone who has not looked for a job recently, a lot of time thinking about personal events that detail desirable personality traits, and a suit that makes you feel comfortable and confident.

Supa

congrats on your success in the process.



BTW, I have no idea why the forum software is breaking up the last quote at Atlantic.

 

[puddlejumper101]

I will have to say this, what has been said on this thread is actually very helpful. I don't know if I have what it takes, but I would rather know whats in store instead of being surprised. No other interview in the industry is as intriguing as Southwest. While I know my personality won't change, the way I prepare can. I am still months away from being in a position to interview (I do have the type), but merely reading all of this is slowly helping me prepare mentally for this interview. I am beggining to think that personality is the only thing that matters in this interview. All of the preperation in the world won't change who you are, it's just a matter of being yourself, proud yet humble, excited, enthusiastic, and hope that the personality I have fits into the mold. Am I close to getting this right? I have no clue, if I get turned down then either I missed the entire point or my personality does not fit with SWA. (hope not...)

 

[Tejas-Jet]

My logbook review was INCREDIBLY painful! My interviewer was civilian and spent about 10 minutes multiplying everything that I had on my form by .3 or some other random #.

I guess it all depends on who you get....my logbook review was as painless as one can get. Took all of 2 minutes...if that !!! Ex-military guy.

Wanted to see the date of my type rating ( thanks to my old legacy carrier for that), any failed checkrides (1), and my total times....that was pretty much it.

Tejas

 

[PHX767]

I guess it all depends on who you get....my logbook review was as painless as one can get. Took all of 2 minutes...if that !!! Ex-military guy.
Wanted to see the date of my type rating ( thanks to my old legacy carrier for that), any failed checkrides (1), and my total times....that was pretty much it. Tejas

Mine went the other way. Ex mil guy who took 15 minutes to go through my civilian logbook. Everything was tabbed, had a spreadsheet with all the times, he kept saying, this is really hard, a form 5 is so much easier....

 

[SWA/FO]

Review your logbook to find stories, then Interview Prep...Inteview Prep..... & Interview Prep....

 

[canyonblue]

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

 

[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.