This entire thread was instrumental in preparing me for my interview a year ago. As soon as I got back to my hotel room, I jotted down detailed notes so that it would be fresh. As a 'thank-you' to this thread and all who contributed, here's my offering to those with upcoming interviews.
Names and specific details were omitted to protect the guilty. Please excuse the incomplete sentences and overall bad grammar.
Mind you, this was a year ago, so it's anyone's guess as to how the upcoming interviews will be conducted.
Stayed at the Courtyard Marriott, as did most of interviewees. Shuttle drives through the departure level at MIA every 15 mins, so just wait for the big red Marriott van and flag it down. There is a Champion's sportsbar in the Courtyard and there were a lot of Atlas crew/trainees/applicants in and out of there. Happy hour is 4-7.
A van was scheduled to depart at 06:40 for the training center. You could take bags with you if needed or leave at hotel concierge. If you take to Atlas, they have a storage room you can leave them in and they are very cool about it.
Breakfast doesn't start until 6:30 and the van is at 6:40 so you don't have time to eat. Plan accordingly. There is a Starbucks next doors in the Marriott.
The training facility is just east of Land Mark Aviation (formerly Signature) on 36th Ave.
Introductions
Repeatedly reminded that there were no hidden cameras, no agenda, no trickery. If you are thirsty, grab a bottle of water. Shown where the coffee machine was. He Joked that he mentioned to one interview group that he likes chocolate chip cookies, so at lunch NO ONE touched them. We all laughed and he re-emphasized take or do what you needed as far as restrooms, food, or drink.
Video/Power Point Presentation about Atlas history/growth/success.
Started paperwork. Some paperwork required blue ink, so they suggested that you did everything in blue so you don't screw it up. They offered blue pens to those who had black, which was just about everybody.
First four were called back to start interviews, the rest of us started paperwork.
Girl came in to administer the essay. Given a note pad and 30 mins.
My first interview was the employment background.
Next, was the tech interview.
Lunch. Catered with finger sandwiches/wraps, sodas, cookies, salads. Very nice. During this time a recently retired line capt, now indoc instructor, came in and ate with us while answering questions.
HR interview.
After hr interview had some free time to finish up and double-check my paperwork and hang out until my turn for the tour. This was about 20-30 mins. A 16 year ANC capt that was on break from recurrent wandered in and chatted with us and answered questions.
Facility tour. One group timed it right and was able to get into the new -400 sim.
Overall, it was a great and non-threatening environment. They emphasized over and over that they wanted you to succeed and you were there because they wanted to hire you. It was just a final opportunity to make sure that you are a fit for Atlas and the Atlas lifestyle is a fit for you.
Stuff I'd recommend you bring:
Blue pen
All of your PRIA info (mainly 5 year employment with addresses and phone #'s)
A couple of copies of your completed application (was about to turn mine in when I noticed a smudge on one page. Good thing I had a backup)
Copy of the Pre-qual sheet you had filled out when you first applied (some applicants PAQ's got lost in the system, so they wanted them filled out again). Make sure you have your original docs, too.
Good luck!!
Last edited by UP Pilot; 08-24-2012 at 12:15 PM.