According to the "Derg" on JC, Delta wants applicants that volunteer with outside activities, not with the best aviation qualifications.
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So far, it seems that "the key" is volunteerism. The people that I know who were hired that weren't part of the "flow", SSP or "I threw footballs at the USAFA" were h e a v i l y into volunteerism.

Do I like the system the powers that be have set up, absolutely a discussion for "Story Time with Uncle Derg" because I certainly have strong opinions about parts of the process, but it is what it is and you don't have to like it, but if you want the job you have to hold your nose and deal with it.

I gather they're looking for people who are going to be "more than pilots". Hell, even I'm in the ambassador program (doing a trade show next week!) and I'm at the point in my career where I could be resting on my laurels. They want sharp, motivated people and you can't swing a dead cat and smack fifty of them so their discriminator, right now, seems to be those that are volunteers.

I didn't do it. I'm just giving you a peek into the box.