Well, I wouldn't go that far, 2loud. They DO want people who genuinely want to work there. That gives a slight preference to people who either already live in the Pacific NW or who have family ties there.

They also have a marked preference for people with flying experience in the State of Alaska. In the last couple years, the community service experience has also become a prerequisite.

And, of course, having recommendations from pilots either in management or the Training Department carries a lot of weight. Those are the guys you'll be speaking to at Puyallup, OBAP and WIA. Make sure you put your best foot forward there. Their votes really count.

At Alaska it also helps if you are related to a current Captain, are female and/or have an ethnic background that will help HR check the diversity block. However, that is less important than the three areas I outlined for you.

All that said, as with any interview, how you present yourself will be the key factor. I've seen ex-military guys with tons of multi-engine transport time get shown the door because they didn't fit the Alaska profile.

Again, best of luck in your quest. This is the most hiring Alaska has done in the past 25 years, so if Alaska is you goal, this is about the best opportunity you'll ever have.