Originally Posted by rightseat

If your are following a 121 track these are my suggestions and the path I took:

1. Study your tail off for every training event to make sure there is nothing to chance.
2. Upgrade as soon as possible when it fits your QOL. I did not not upgrade into a NY base but did commute for six months to get the upgrade.
3. Get into an industry leadership volunteer position. In my case, I was a new pilot mentor for my regional carrier that assisted new pilots in training and through the early months of being on the line.
4. Differentiate yourself with a Masters Degree (what I did) or 737 type (I did not), or some other significant strategy.
5. Keep a perfect log book. If your is not perfect now, make it electronic and make it that way.
6. Apply at every window and attend all Pilot events you can get to.
7. Be nice to everyone in the industry. You never know who will be the one to make your career. The person that helped me the most was just a casual acquaintance that just really liked me.
8. Stay in touch with everyone that goes to Southwest. I had over ten letters of reference.
9. Read the book NUTS. It is not current on the culture but it is still a ton of history on the company.
10. Plan to use an interview Prep. I would not have gotten the job without it. My first practice interview was a straight out “F”. I used a lady named Brenda who is not well known but probably made the difference in my getting the job.
11. Build your TPIC as quickly as you can to get over the 1,000. You can apply at 500 but to have any real chance, you need 1,000+. However, start to apply and attend events at 500.
12. Have your resume looked over by a professional resume reviewer or several Southwest pilots and/or your interview prep person.

I hope that helps. That is what worked for me.