Paraphrased From todays Senior Chief Pilot memo:

As you might know, Southwest will begin interviewing Pilots again in July. New Hire Pilot classes have been ongoing since January, and we have been filling those classes from our pool of candidates who interviewed in 2007. With the addition of three June and three July classes, we will have trained 288 Pilots in 2008. The scheduled classes through July will nearly deplete or pool of available Pilots; therefore, we will resume interviews to fill future classes.

Approximately 120 interviews will be scheduled for the month of July, and we plan on interviewing a similar number in August. For the fall, we will adjust according to the needs of the Company.

The most important thing you can do is ensure they have a current application on file. If potential candidates have not logged in to their account in the last six months, we consider them no longer interested in Southwest—even if their application still exists. In this scenario, we would remove the applicant from the available pool. Let your friends know that they should update their account monthly or whenever there is a significant change in their flight status (i.e., they have a new job or type rating).

As always, having a 737 Type Rating is important, since candidates with this type rating would be available for class immediately following their selection. Current application minimums can be reviewed at southwest.com.

The interview groups are made up of six applicants in the morning and six applicants in the afternoon. The half-day interview in Dallas begins with a tour of Headquarters, fingerprinting, and paperwork, followed by a panel interview consisting of the candidate, a Pilot, and a Recruiter. A second interview focuses directly on the applicant’s logbook and flight history and is conducted by a Pilot. The last event is a Line Oriented Interview conducted by two Pilots.

 

Sounds just like the old process. They run it well, and you can't help but walk out of there charged up. Would like to see the profile on folks they do interview.
Z

 

It seems like such a looooooong road from my lowly regional to SWA. I wish I had the credentials to try for an interview. Maybe some day.....

 

Only took me 15 years. Not long at all

 

I just updated the app, haven't done it since Aug. '07 but it was still there and let me update it like the old days so not sure about this 6 month thing...

 

Good luck to all that are trying for LUV. I have heard that they will mainly focus on only those who already have types. I guess I am out for this round.

 

We are the game in town right now. Buying a type stinks. Look at this in a different light. It is an investment. I have been with the company for over ten years and my investment has paid off. You only live life once, beg, borrow, do what you need to do to get a type.

 

Just an observation, but when you update your app be sure to click on both links. one link will give you the long form with all the info, type airplane flown, job info, hours, criminal history etc etc and the other link updates your personal info.

I could be wrong but the link that sends a signal to HQ that you've actually updated your stuff is the one that updates your personal info. it will be the one that sends an e-mail letting you know you've landed at SWA etc.

otherwise, just my guess but you can update your hours on a daily basis and it won't matter.

the reason I mention this is because a buddy did a query on my application and the PD said it wasn't current. i thought it was strange since I had just updated my hours etc the week prior. so, I updated both links after I told him the second link sent me an e-mail. I'm not sure if it helped but perhaps there is a difference.

BTW, I've had an app in the system since early 07 and have received a call to interview next month, w/o a type rating. anyone know if they use a ratio of typed vs non-typed when selecting applicants for interview?

good luck

 

I have no problem getting a type if offered a job, but it is really hard to justify in hopes of an interview. I have been trying for LUV for several years now and will continue to update. It looks like I might be furloughed soon and just maybe I can get the govt to pay for the type. It won't be hard since I am current and qualified on type.

 

No I don't think they use a ratio, you probably have a lot of flt time, I'm guessing. Your on your on in the interview they don't care about type ratings, letter of recs, its all about your personality. Flt time and letters are when the boards meet.