For whatever reason, the SWA interview team appears to disfavor the Emerald Coast program. I’ve heard of a SWA interviewer who suggested he could “spot an Emerald Coaster a mile away.” The implication may be that one digs himself into a hole when he is invariably recognized as someone who utilized their services, thus having to be even more impressive to earn the position.

Furthermore, it is suggested a common reason for rejection is a candidate’s inability to reveal her true nature during the interview process. Said differently, she failed to show who she really is, which gave pause to the decision makers, whose job it is to make hiring recommendations based on her true nature.

Presenting an overly-prepped facade and mistakenly thinking the purpose of the interview is to give so-called “great” answers to TMAAT questions and make solid, timely decisions in the LOI seems to be the downfall of many great candidates.

Instead, consider working with a friend, mentor, or, if need be, a service that will help you effectively organize your thoughts and present them sensibly without taking the “you” out of your experiences. When it comes to the LOI, consider how a sense of urgency and a difficult problem might simply be tools an interviewer uses to peek behind the curtain at the “you” you really are when you’re not paying close attention to your presentation (in favor of solving the problem and making a decision).

Good luck to all of you!