So I got the interview invite. They then sent me a bunch of things to do; an application, ticket reservations, and a 12 page "homework" assignment. . . Is this normal?

Also I thought I had read they were not hiring or interviewing for a while?

Finally if I did get hired there can I still choose the A320? And how long to get to Cali?

Any insight?

 

Don't know about the class breakdowns for this fall but you can always wait for a 320 class. Also, anyone interviewing this fall is probably looking at post holiday class dates due to the time it takes to complete all the background checks (there have been exceptions.)

Just be aware that LGB is a very senior base and although the most junior 320 F/O in LGB has only been at JetBlue for several months, you can realistically expect to NEVER hold 320 Captain in LGB due to the size of the base and airport slot restrictions. LGB will not grow in size. This also means even if you can get a F/O slot after several months, things will move slowly and expect to sit reserve in LGB for quite a while as an F/O and commute to the east coast for a captain bid.

Whether any additional bases open in CA is anybody's guess but I'd except any new bases west of the Mississippi to 'go senior' due to the demographics of our pilot group.

Hope this helps a little bit. Congrats on the interview.

 

the whole big interview homework packet is normal. they want to do all the background and PRIA checks before you are offered a job.

you complete those forms ASAP, then go for the interview. it is not a technical one, just a "tell me about a time when......." interview with a line pilot and a HR person.
then you get an "exit" interview where again you are asked "tell me about a time" questions with either a line captain or a HR person.

they will start your bacground & PRIA checks rigth away ( I don't thinkt they do your current employer PRIA until you pass the interview).

after the interview, let the process take its time, if there are any questions they will contact you, do not contact them. once all your BG & PRIA is done it goes on a pile . every few weeks the Pilot Hiring Board meets, they take those files that are completed and give you a score based on you phase 1 ( interview day) and your phase 2 ( you backgroung, PRIA, flying experience....) and you are offered a job or not.

the bad part is that it takes a while to wait for the pilot hiring board and all the BG/PRIA checks. the good thing is that everything is done when you go to training .

overall you will notice that the blue guys/gals on interview day are truly nice, not fake nice as everyother interviewer/hr person from other airlines I have interview with are. that was a nice surprise . seems like a nice company with nice people. hopefully the pay , benefits and QOL will improve and they will open more west coast bases .

have fun , is a nice interview experience. I interview in may 16, got a job offer 12 weeks later, I accepted it, no more long haul flying for me for a while.

good luck.

 

Thanks for the info guys I appreciate it!

 

West Coast bases??? Is that something on the outlook for J Blue???