I am a little concerned. Two years ago I, along with many other SWA hopefuls, invested our time and money and got our 737 type rating. It was my understanding that having a 737 type would put you in a better position for an interview with SWA. It is a sign of a person’s commitment and willingness to do everything possible to earn an interview. Now, however, those with out a 737 type rating are being interviewed at the front of the line! I don’t know exactly how the hiring department at SWA can justify this. I like many of my friends have waited patiently for over two years. I am a Captain at a regional airline, have a four year degree, a perfect safety record and have invested in a 737 type rating. It seems more than unfair to those of us who have listened to the advice of the people in charge at SWA to be put at the end of the line. The good ol’boy network is alive at SWA. I was under the impression that a fair method would be used to choose applicants. I ask the hiring department to not forget those who are still paying for their type ratings and praying for an interview. Please STOP interviewing based on the buddy connection. Those who paid their dues deserve better from SWA, we love the company enough to sacrifice for it even before being interviewed.
Welcome to Flightinfo.com
- Register now and join the discussion
- Friendliest aviation Ccmmunity on the web
- Modern site for PC's, Phones, Tablets - no 3rd party apps required
- Ask questions, help others, promote aviation
- Share the passion for aviation
- Invite everyone to Flightinfo.com and let's have fun
Unfair Interviewing at SWA
- Thread starter jetvison
- Start date
- Watchers 11
Welcome to Flightinfo.com
- Register now and join the discussion
- Modern secure site, no 3rd party apps required
- Invite your friends
- Share the passion of aviation
- Friendliest aviation community on the web
learjetguy
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 9, 2003
- Posts
- 63
And remember one thing, ain't nothin guaranteed , especially in aviation.
johnnyV
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 12, 2002
- Posts
- 113
Only a month?
Wow, how long a month can feel like! It is very tough to be patient, but there are alot of people out there probably worse off than us. Imagine being unemployed, family expenses, paying for the type. OUCH!
Hang in there. I am hopeful that the process is a fair as the PD folks say it is.
JV
Wow, how long a month can feel like! It is very tough to be patient, but there are alot of people out there probably worse off than us. Imagine being unemployed, family expenses, paying for the type. OUCH!
Hang in there. I am hopeful that the process is a fair as the PD folks say it is.
JV
'72Gremlin
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 1, 2003
- Posts
- 179
Juan,
There are people getting interviews without the 737 type. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to the People Dept's logic. By and large, though, from what I've heard the vast majority of interviewees (the guys I know) have their type.
Jetvision,
As far as calling interview practices "unfair", I would say the opposite. IMHO it's very fair. To exclude pilots who didn't buy their types is unfair... to Southwest.
So sit back, relax and reread Chase's post: "Why haven't I been called for an interview". You'll get your chance. As a matter of fact, keep your phone line open because calls are now being made for May interviews (not that I got one--I don't have my type!).
Gremlin
There are people getting interviews without the 737 type. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to the People Dept's logic. By and large, though, from what I've heard the vast majority of interviewees (the guys I know) have their type.
Jetvision,
As far as calling interview practices "unfair", I would say the opposite. IMHO it's very fair. To exclude pilots who didn't buy their types is unfair... to Southwest.
So sit back, relax and reread Chase's post: "Why haven't I been called for an interview". You'll get your chance. As a matter of fact, keep your phone line open because calls are now being made for May interviews (not that I got one--I don't have my type!).
Gremlin
I'm just guessing here but do you suppose that in the last two years pilots with a type rating and actual experience on the 737 may have been furloughed.
Paying for a type and having no actual expeience is not exactly paying your dues.
Most, if not all, with the exception of SWA apparently, require no less than 300 hours actual experience in the aircraft, or they don't even care that you have a type.
Some apps say that if you don't have 300 hrs. don't include on app.
Give it a while so they can work their way down to your expeience level before you get to uptight!
Paying for a type and having no actual expeience is not exactly paying your dues.
Most, if not all, with the exception of SWA apparently, require no less than 300 hours actual experience in the aircraft, or they don't even care that you have a type.
Some apps say that if you don't have 300 hrs. don't include on app.
Give it a while so they can work their way down to your expeience level before you get to uptight!
Hugh Jorgan
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 25, 2001
- Posts
- 2,307
jimEJet
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 17, 2002
- Posts
- 90
Jet
Wow, you buy a type and EXPECT TO GET CALLED RIGHT AWAY??
I remember waiting during the big hiring boom for my interview call from...let's see...UAL...AAL...DELTA...NWA...and uh...CAL...
It never came.
Guess what? After waiting three years and 2000 PIC JET, I finally got called from SWA, thank gosh and then I had to wait over two years in a pool....by the way...I'm very grateful for it too!
Concerning the good 'ol boy network, I think it is alive and well at all airlines, however. After getting my interview at SWA without any internal recommendations, I would say, this is the best chance you've got to beat the good 'ol boy network as you suggest.
I know exactly what you are going through however. You are anxious to get going. I do not fault you for this. Keep you anxiety at bay though. You WILL get you chance! You are typed, which I was not. And you are very qualified. Keep a positive attitude and remain excited, however.
Please, put your sense of entitlement aside. You did put your finances at risk, however. You made that choice to better your odds. It's not a sure thing by any means.
I once again do not fault your anticipation.
Be patient grasshoppa! They will get to you. They will. Rest assured the people department will interview you and when you are sitting there during the interview they will realize how dedicated you really are above and beyond the type rating.
Plus, enjoy your days as PIC. It may be a few years before you push the levers with your right hand again.
Keep the Faith Jet!
JimEJet
Wow, you buy a type and EXPECT TO GET CALLED RIGHT AWAY??
I remember waiting during the big hiring boom for my interview call from...let's see...UAL...AAL...DELTA...NWA...and uh...CAL...
It never came.
Guess what? After waiting three years and 2000 PIC JET, I finally got called from SWA, thank gosh and then I had to wait over two years in a pool....by the way...I'm very grateful for it too!
Concerning the good 'ol boy network, I think it is alive and well at all airlines, however. After getting my interview at SWA without any internal recommendations, I would say, this is the best chance you've got to beat the good 'ol boy network as you suggest.
I know exactly what you are going through however. You are anxious to get going. I do not fault you for this. Keep you anxiety at bay though. You WILL get you chance! You are typed, which I was not. And you are very qualified. Keep a positive attitude and remain excited, however.
Please, put your sense of entitlement aside. You did put your finances at risk, however. You made that choice to better your odds. It's not a sure thing by any means.
I once again do not fault your anticipation.
Be patient grasshoppa! They will get to you. They will. Rest assured the people department will interview you and when you are sitting there during the interview they will realize how dedicated you really are above and beyond the type rating.
Plus, enjoy your days as PIC. It may be a few years before you push the levers with your right hand again.
Keep the Faith Jet!
JimEJet
Your time will come
Jet,
My understanding of the current process at SW is your buddy has to have an interview scheduled before a SW pilot can write a recommendation. The switch to the electronic app. changed the it from the old method, where you could get some pull from your friends already here. I really don't know of any way that a line pilot could accelerate the interview for anyone, so before you go throwing stuff like that around, it might be wise to think about it....Thats just my opinion, but it's based on the info the company gave us regarding the process... Dad
Jet,
My understanding of the current process at SW is your buddy has to have an interview scheduled before a SW pilot can write a recommendation. The switch to the electronic app. changed the it from the old method, where you could get some pull from your friends already here. I really don't know of any way that a line pilot could accelerate the interview for anyone, so before you go throwing stuff like that around, it might be wise to think about it....Thats just my opinion, but it's based on the info the company gave us regarding the process... Dad
Just finished my type at HPA. From several SWA visits, the way they draw appilicants varies day-to-day. Ie. sometimes high PIC with no type, low PIC with type, etc etc. There are now 900+ apps on file with types and growing. HPA has averaged about 15-17 types a week lately. So hang in there, they can only interview 12 a day, 4 days a week usually for 144 a month. Word is they need alot more than that.
Dear Jetvision
I posted a thread sometime ago that was started because of the same concerns you voiced. One other person referenced this thread, I've included it below, my apologies if you have already read it:
"Why haven't the called me yet?" thread
My apologies for repeating some of the same thoughts but you lets review where we stand right now in terms of applicants & in terms of some "guesstimates" on what that pool may look like in terms of qualified folks.
So far through the month of Aprill less than 300 persons will have been interviewed by SWA. When one considers the total number of applicants is easily 5000 (maybe more), the total number of persons who have been interviewed is barely over 5%. The odds that you would be in this top group are obviously mathematically small. Does that ease the financial pain you experienced in getting the 737? Of course not, it is simply reality. It doesn't make
How many in the pool have types? Who knows? 1/3rd some say, maybe less, maybe more. What does that mean? Some folks have types but barely meet the qualifications in other ways...TT, PIC time, etc.
Are these folks getting called? I have no way of knowing but I would think they may not be the type of candidates to call in when you have such a deep pool of talent waiting to be called, such as folks without types who have lots of experience, leadership & flight but may not have a type or folks like yourself who do have the type & great leadership experience....but there a lot of you guys out there!
But you say "I have all of that & a type so why not me?" Why not you? Of course you meet the criteria for a good candidate but the reality is you may not meet the criteria that SWA is looking for this month or maybe even next? That doesn't mean SWA doesn't "luv" you, just that they are looking for a broad, diverse group of pilots to choose from. What is that criteria? I use the example of fine restaurant in my other thread & that is exactly what SWA is looking at...a menu of highly qualified, diversified pilots with broad experiences. Choosing the same "meal" each month isn't in SWA's style & would get predictable & boring. There are ample opportunties to "taste" all levels of experiences, personalities by choosing from the menu but that doesn't mean one group has an advantage over the other, just that it isn't predictable...as someone said, that's the world of aviation.
While SWA has not promised you a call by a certain date or before any one particular group, it is fair to say SWA is prepared to & will (IMHO) interview every eligible candidate who applies....they have done that in the past & I expect them to do it now. Not many airlines have done that in the past or are willing to do that now either I believe.
How long will it take? Do the math....it may take awhile but certainly the majority of interviewees have been those with types. Therefore I believe your chances are higher to be called sooner with a type than without....nothing scientific & only one persons measily opinion (mine), but I think it is based upon some reasonable logic...getting a type takes time & SWA will be needing to turn potential interviewees into new hires (some of them anyway) rather quickly. However, those without types will continue to get called & I endorse that approach 100%. There are many buddies of yours, furloughed folks & others who will make great SWA pilots, not having a type doesn't negate any of those factors.
The variables are too mind boggling to imagine but I understand that your post may have been more venting than slamming, please don't think that SWA has changed the way they are making the final selection for pilots....it hasn't. Your eagerness to get called is understandable as well as the disappointment in not getting called already but as one poster said, the reality is the other 95% of folks who haven't been called could be thinking the same thing but don't be discouraged....good things comes to those who wait.
Put your energies toward continuing to advance your flying career (it sounds like you are, congrats) & preparing for the day you are called & having all the things required for the interview (do you have all your documents ready to go next week if they called?) to include a clean logbook & thorough knowledge of your flying history that could be told to an HR/pilot interviewer. If so, that is great but I encourage you to don't give up hope or get down on LUV. Your time will come & if your desire is as great as you say it is to work at SWA, you'll do just fine. Good luck & hang in there.
Happy Easter, focus on the important things...family, friends,
cheers,
I posted a thread sometime ago that was started because of the same concerns you voiced. One other person referenced this thread, I've included it below, my apologies if you have already read it:
"Why haven't the called me yet?" thread
My apologies for repeating some of the same thoughts but you lets review where we stand right now in terms of applicants & in terms of some "guesstimates" on what that pool may look like in terms of qualified folks.
So far through the month of Aprill less than 300 persons will have been interviewed by SWA. When one considers the total number of applicants is easily 5000 (maybe more), the total number of persons who have been interviewed is barely over 5%. The odds that you would be in this top group are obviously mathematically small. Does that ease the financial pain you experienced in getting the 737? Of course not, it is simply reality. It doesn't make
anyless qualified to be a great candidate when you do get called so again focus on what you can do to make yourself the best candidate. More on that later.
How many in the pool have types? Who knows? 1/3rd some say, maybe less, maybe more. What does that mean? Some folks have types but barely meet the qualifications in other ways...TT, PIC time, etc.
Are these folks getting called? I have no way of knowing but I would think they may not be the type of candidates to call in when you have such a deep pool of talent waiting to be called, such as folks without types who have lots of experience, leadership & flight but may not have a type or folks like yourself who do have the type & great leadership experience....but there a lot of you guys out there!
But you say "I have all of that & a type so why not me?" Why not you? Of course you meet the criteria for a good candidate but the reality is you may not meet the criteria that SWA is looking for this month or maybe even next? That doesn't mean SWA doesn't "luv" you, just that they are looking for a broad, diverse group of pilots to choose from. What is that criteria? I use the example of fine restaurant in my other thread & that is exactly what SWA is looking at...a menu of highly qualified, diversified pilots with broad experiences. Choosing the same "meal" each month isn't in SWA's style & would get predictable & boring. There are ample opportunties to "taste" all levels of experiences, personalities by choosing from the menu but that doesn't mean one group has an advantage over the other, just that it isn't predictable...as someone said, that's the world of aviation.
While SWA has not promised you a call by a certain date or before any one particular group, it is fair to say SWA is prepared to & will (IMHO) interview every eligible candidate who applies....they have done that in the past & I expect them to do it now. Not many airlines have done that in the past or are willing to do that now either I believe.
How long will it take? Do the math....it may take awhile but certainly the majority of interviewees have been those with types. Therefore I believe your chances are higher to be called sooner with a type than without....nothing scientific & only one persons measily opinion (mine), but I think it is based upon some reasonable logic...getting a type takes time & SWA will be needing to turn potential interviewees into new hires (some of them anyway) rather quickly. However, those without types will continue to get called & I endorse that approach 100%. There are many buddies of yours, furloughed folks & others who will make great SWA pilots, not having a type doesn't negate any of those factors.
The variables are too mind boggling to imagine but I understand that your post may have been more venting than slamming, please don't think that SWA has changed the way they are making the final selection for pilots....it hasn't. Your eagerness to get called is understandable as well as the disappointment in not getting called already but as one poster said, the reality is the other 95% of folks who haven't been called could be thinking the same thing but don't be discouraged....good things comes to those who wait.
Put your energies toward continuing to advance your flying career (it sounds like you are, congrats) & preparing for the day you are called & having all the things required for the interview (do you have all your documents ready to go next week if they called?) to include a clean logbook & thorough knowledge of your flying history that could be told to an HR/pilot interviewer. If so, that is great but I encourage you to don't give up hope or get down on LUV. Your time will come & if your desire is as great as you say it is to work at SWA, you'll do just fine. Good luck & hang in there.
Happy Easter, focus on the important things...family, friends,
cheers,
Falconjet
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 28, 2002
- Posts
- 1,586
Good Points all
Another thing to consider, jetvision, is that once you do get an interview and pass, you will jump right back ahead of anybody who interviewed before you and didn't have the type. I spent an extra year in the pool because I didn't have the type when I interviewed, and I can assure you that year had a huge impact on my life and where I ended up working.
Patience is certainly a virtue and you definitely need to demonstrate some, the process is slow and frustrating, but that is the way it goes.
Good luck.
FJ
Another thing to consider, jetvision, is that once you do get an interview and pass, you will jump right back ahead of anybody who interviewed before you and didn't have the type. I spent an extra year in the pool because I didn't have the type when I interviewed, and I can assure you that year had a huge impact on my life and where I ended up working.
Patience is certainly a virtue and you definitely need to demonstrate some, the process is slow and frustrating, but that is the way it goes.
Good luck.
FJ
LJDRVR
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 26, 2001
- Posts
- 1,134
I feel your pain bro!
Jetvision,
I know how you feel, but you've got to be patient. How long are you willing to wait for the best job in the world? I'm prepared to wait a LOOONG time. And you know what? There's a chance I won't ever get my shot at all. (They may not call or I won't be what they're looking for) Read jimEJet's post. Read it again. Do you enjoy your current job enough that if SW doesn't pan out you'll still be happy to work there until you're 60? If not, then use this time to secure a job that you will want to retire from. Pick one that will broaden your level of qualification, just in case.
One word of caution, however. Take great care to not allow any feelings of resentment, jealousy, or anger towards SWA creep into your psyche. If you do, they'll smell it a mile away.
Good luck brother, our day is coming! (And if it's not, that's O.K. too!)
Jetvision,
I know how you feel, but you've got to be patient. How long are you willing to wait for the best job in the world? I'm prepared to wait a LOOONG time. And you know what? There's a chance I won't ever get my shot at all. (They may not call or I won't be what they're looking for) Read jimEJet's post. Read it again. Do you enjoy your current job enough that if SW doesn't pan out you'll still be happy to work there until you're 60? If not, then use this time to secure a job that you will want to retire from. Pick one that will broaden your level of qualification, just in case.
One word of caution, however. Take great care to not allow any feelings of resentment, jealousy, or anger towards SWA creep into your psyche. If you do, they'll smell it a mile away.
Good luck brother, our day is coming! (And if it's not, that's O.K. too!)
capt. megadeth
Metal Momma!
- Joined
- Oct 12, 2003
- Posts
- 2,898
Jetvision,
I feel for you. First off, I think it's CRAZY to expect people buy $8000 types just so you can possibly work there...but it is a good company to work for and obviously enough people are willing to do it. I will admit I have thought about it in the past. I almost feel that if you go get a type you deserve the job but that's just not the way it goes. My question for you is: Have you been applying elsewhere while you wait? There are other airlines out there and you may just miss out on another good opportunity while you are waiting for SWA.
I feel for you. First off, I think it's CRAZY to expect people buy $8000 types just so you can possibly work there...but it is a good company to work for and obviously enough people are willing to do it. I will admit I have thought about it in the past. I almost feel that if you go get a type you deserve the job but that's just not the way it goes. My question for you is: Have you been applying elsewhere while you wait? There are other airlines out there and you may just miss out on another good opportunity while you are waiting for SWA.
Last edited:
hopeful
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 20, 2002
- Posts
- 119
Jetvision,
Are you the same guy who was crying about letters of recomendation being unfair?
You got a type and you will get called for an interview. It is pretty arogant to think you should have been called already. You may have great qualifications, but i guarantee you the next guy in line has better quals. You may have bought a type, but you can't buy personality. Sorry, your out of luck.
BTW, quit crying!
Are you the same guy who was crying about letters of recomendation being unfair?
You got a type and you will get called for an interview. It is pretty arogant to think you should have been called already. You may have great qualifications, but i guarantee you the next guy in line has better quals. You may have bought a type, but you can't buy personality. Sorry, your out of luck.
BTW, quit crying!
Share this page
Latest posts
-
-
Question Stiff throttle assembly - Carbon Cub FX-3
- Latest: Cactus Charlie
Latest resources
-
-
-
-
-
AC 90-89C - Amateur-Built Aircraft and Ultralight Flight Testing HandbookAmateur-Built Aircraft and Ultralight Flight Testing Handbook
- Neal
- Updated:
