JJ,

I think what a callback means is everyone understands that no interview process is perfect, and mistakes are sometimes made on both sides of the table. When FedEx first brought on the cog test/aptitude battery back in 2011, there were a rash of failures. Whether it was a true "computer glitch" or someone finally said "what the ???" quite a few folks were called back for a second shot about 6 months later, and most of those were hired.

Interviewers have bad days, bias, and make mistakes too. It happens.

One key difference is many pilots won't have to wait for their next job--it will just be at Delta, United, SWA, or somewhere else. You can certainly make a case this job is one of the best if not the best in the business. You can also make a case that a guy who is flying and off probation at Delta or SWA may not feel like coming back for another kick in the jimmy 12-18 months later about the time he or she is getting year 2 pay...which these days comes pretty close to year 2 at FedEx.

FedEx recently passed on retired O-5 we helped. Apparently wasn't his day in the interview, and he didn't assign blame to others. That said, he'll be deciding between which of the legacy offers he will take, and I think he will stay at the company another 20+ years. We lost this guy, and while there are plenty (for now) other solid candidates to fill our classes, I do sometimes wonder if the recruiters at the majors realize that many times its a one shot deal for these guys. If you don't want them--fine. Understand, however, once you let them through your fingers most won't be back.

A little Karma story....separating guy goes to Atlas, then gets an interview a year later with Delta. Delta says "you missed it by "this" much"...come back in 6 months. He does, and in addition to his second shot at Delta AA calls as well. He gets both offers, but the AA class in about 2 months later. What would you do? If you said "go to Delta-quit-then go to AA after IOE..." you would be a winner. Any loyalty to Delta was squashed with the first rejection, and domicile became the driving force. Would he have left Delta with 8 months on property to start over? Probably not... So, they had highly trained, 121 + military guy in their pocket, but let him slide. They got to give him a "practice" type rating for their trouble. This guy is gonna be the most loyal AA guy ever, because they took him the first time and made him feel like he was wanted. SWA has gotten a couple of our guys with FDX CJOs simply by lavishing on the luv and kool-aid. We will be one of the last carriers to feel any pilot recruiting shortfalls, but that doesn't mean we are immune. The interview should be just another step in the recruiting process. It doesn't just bring on pilots--it creates loyalty and morale that can extend decades after the process if done correctly.