Originally Posted by
NWA320pilot
We did.......
I was offered employment at NWA. There wasn't a shrink or psychological test.
Originally Posted by
Wasatch Phantom
Basically when interviewing someone he was trying to get a feel for what they'd be like to fly a four day trip with, or work through a complex abnormal procedure with. It really was that simple.
Originally Posted by
PinnacleFO
Obviously I have not had an interview yet but at first I was amazed at how strict it is and how you are a one and done if you fail the hr portion. It seems though that the written portions you can study for, the hr part is more them seeing what kind of person you are. If you go in there prepared and act like yourself, they will probably hire you but if you are yourself and they say no thanks, then They are probably not the right airline for you anyways. Even if you were invited back in 6 months on the hr portion, its not like your answers should be any different if you were being truthful. Having said that i bet its a very stressful day and I hope to be a part of it soon.
I couldn't agree more. I've only flown with 2 guys who I'd rather not fly with again. But even so, I don't have them blocked on my PBS preferences should we end up on the same rotation.
The hiring process in my opinion was very straight forward. They really want you to relax, feel at home, and be yourself and not let the nerves get to you. For me, it seemed the only unknown variable was the aviation knowledge test. I thought it was really hard and I had no idea if I had passed.
The HR panel interview was a known quantity but definitely wasn't easy. Between the gouge on this forum and my interview prep, I knew every single question that would be asked during the interview. But knowing the questions is only part of the battle. What they're trying to do is match the person on paper to the person sitting and talking in front of them. You have to know how to phrase every answer in a way that is methodical (Situation - Action - Result - Reaction) and be able to do that while answering their question in a couple of minutes without rambling or falling on your sword.
They are trying to evaluate:
1. Are you a safe pilot?
2. Do you have good leadership and communication skills?
3. Do you value other employees and passengers?
3. Could I fly a four day trip with this person and not go crazy?
Everyone can have a bad day which is why I tell people to leave nothing on the table. Prepare as much as you possibly can. Scrub your application ... have friends do it as well. Get yourself looking like a million bucks. New suit. Fresh haircut, shave, and fix your fingernails if they're unsightly as mine are because I tend to bite them. Go to an interview prep. Practice interviewing. Practice interviewing in your suit if it makes you uncomfortable. Have someone randomly give you a question and form your answers using the template above. Get feedback on your responses. Learn how to always smile while giving your responses unless you are discussing a serious topic. But always go back to smiling.
This is the game you need to play in order to get hired. It isn't hard if you prepare and are ready. If you don't want to play, or if you don't like the rules of the game, don't play and apply elsewhere.