Pilot41

Assuming you have someone at SWA willing to will give a recommendation how does the process work? Do they offer the recommendation once you're called for an interview or after you have filled out the online application?

fender1

used for actual interview purposes.

zippy

You bring at 3 written recs with you to the interview (I had all non-SWA guys for this). The online recs from people within the company can be done during the month of your interview and up until the decision board (please correct me I'm wrong on that).

The online recs are the most valuable (provided they say good things about you) and only have value at the decision board, not for the interview.

Good luck.

Pilot41

Just so I'm clear. Any buddies you have at SW submit their recommendations after, not before the interview has been scheduled. Internal recommendations do not help get the interview?

C-130 guy

That's right. You can have a million internal recs but they won't be seen until after the interview. They will contact internal recs that you have flown with if you "passed" the interview. When I applied for the job they didn't know if I had friends who worked there, only after your interview will they find out if you know someone. Good luck...

zippy

Yep. BUT, your buds can do the online recs before you interview. It just won't help you any until the DB. And I would recommend getting as many online recs as you can (as long as they will say good things about you).

Razor

Some of my buds at SWA did online recs as well as write letters they hand delivered to Chief Pilots.

I tried to give the guys I asked for recommendations as much information as I could (resume, times we had flown together, awards, etc) to make it as easy on them as possible. As one guy said, "Help me, help you."

shredder

I'll second other points made here:

They can put their online recs in as soon as you complete your app.
You need a minimum of 3 paper recs at the interview...3-5 good, 7+ is overkill.
If your internal recommenders are willing to hand a paper rec to their chief pilot and talk about you with them - ASK THEM TO DO IT! (also have them do the online one as well).

Don't put anyone down as a reference unless you are 100% sure they will say you are without a doubt a perfect fit for SWA. If you have any reservations, don't use them. I was told that this is the #1 reason people don't get the job...because when phone calls are made and people you provide as reference are only a little enthusiastic about you. Lastly, don't be surprised if after the interview they call people that you did not provide as references who are current SWA employees...ie...someone from a past squadron or commuter that you may have flown with. They seem to have a good grasp on how to get in touch with people in your past. So if you must, you may want to make some phone calls to such folks.

Good Luck and I recommend you read nuts and take it to heart.

ZapBrannigan

Sorry to resurrect an old thread. If you interview and they do not call references within a week or two, is that a pretty good sign that you are out of luck and were not selected to advance to the DB?

Thanks

captscott26

Process:

Get recs, govto interview, get rejection letter, aaaaaannnd repeat.