Or perhaps the computer program that scores the apps just happens to pick guys who have a diverse background and have risen to leadership positions over their peers for interviews. This includes 30 somethings and plenty of civilian guys. Maybe then the interviewers filter out guys with chips on their shoulders and entitlement attitudes. After that perhaps the chief pilots score the candidates based on their interview and recommendations from the pilot group.

Of course, thats just a theory of mine. You're probably right that they just call a bunch of 40 year old "yes sir" military types who will follow any order and brainwash them so they will vote yes on a contract as you suggested.

The average age of new hires is around 40, and most of them do have military background. However, plenty of guys are in their early 30's to late 50's. Several have slugged it out at regionals over the past few years and some are civilian only but just about everyone has instructor/evaluator/check airman/other leadership experience. And what company wouldn't want a guy/gal like that? The guys getting hired now are older beacause they are the most qualified and they are available because there has not been a whole lot of hiring over the past 6 years or so.

ATR-unless you are in your early 20's I'd say you have as good a chance as anyone. However, something tells me that your hostility towards certain groups of people who have found success is a big turnoff and that attitude usually prevents people like you from getting in leadership and authority positions. Even if you're the chief pilot of your company and have a billion pic hours, all it takes is one 40 year old mil guy who knows you and takes offense to your comments to walk into the people department and give them a heads up and you're done for good at Southwest.

 

first off I have no chip on my shoulder, I work hard and have all the leadership credentials you speak of. I also have no ill will to SWA whats so ever. I love SWA and would want to be apart of it someday. I have been turned down twice now and can only hold myself accountable. But it does make a guy wonder why 80% that are successful are military late to early 40's with 0 121 time.

thats all I'm saying is if your not going to give a guy a fair shot. Then why have him waste the time to come down and interview. My interview group there was a very low percentage of us hired and I am including both groups for the big day. Those that did get the nod were all military. My first time interviewing, same thing all military.

I hold no grudges to the military guys, I wish I could do it over again and join up. I thought I knew better.

Again best of luck to those interviewing. Stuff happens for a reason and maybe I am destined to be where I am currently at....its not all that bad.

 

I'll try and answer this: the guys from the military that get interviews in the first place (in todays job market) are generally in the top percentage of all the mil dudes that are looking for jobs. They typically have a broad range of flying experience including international heavy or fighter experience with lots of combat time. Thats in addition to all the leadership and life experience they bring to the table. It's not surprising that a big percentage of them are sucessful.

I don't think you're trying to rehash the old mil vs cvi debate (neither am I) but a lot of guys just don't understand what a typical 40yr old mil pilot has done over their career.

I didn't mean to imply you have a chip on your shoulder but in every post you write something that strikes me as a bit immature. (see comment about getting a fair shot) What makes you think you didn't get a fair shake at your interview? The mil guys I've met that have been hired have been trying to get on at SWA for a LONG time and they worked hard to get and succeed at their interview. You may not think its fair that they got hired before you but perhaps some of those guys wish they had an oppurtunity to get a seniority number 10 years ago instead of sweating it out in Irag/Afghanistan. For a guy who separates and gets a type or a mil retiree who does the same, they are taking a big risk and can't really go back to their old job if they aren't successful at SWA. Many other companies look down on them for getting the type as well. Southwest really likes it when people really want to work for them. They are looking for the entrepenurial/risk taker type. My guess is that if you've been called for an interview twice, its because you're qualified and competitive. I've heard several stories of guys who got hired on their 2'nd or 3'rd try. Just don't begrudge a guy who's fortunate to make it the first time just because of their military service.

 

Got a tour once of the SWA Flight Training Center. You have to admit it looks like a military aviation museum. There's a lot of cool stuff on the walls.

 

Thanks for the input and good luck in your future endeavors!

 

As a minor sampling, my class had 20 guys. Only 4 were non military. I remember my wife asked me on the break during spousal orientation; "How did you get hired here". Regardless of opinions, I'm here to tell you that over 80% of the Captains with whom I've flown are ex military. In 3 years the only dick I've flown with was .... Ex Mesa

 

Is anyone on these boards scheduled to interview next week?

I still have not received any additional communication, nor are there any documents listed on the Hiring Forms tab of pilot credentials.

I sent an email to the pilot credentials address listed on their Contact page but have not heard back yet.

Does anyone have a Flight Ops contact # or some other appropriate avenue for me to get help with this problem as time will quickly run out over this weekend.

Thanks for any help!

 

Who has replaced Kim in the hiring dept?

 

I know of several military pilots who were instructors and evaluators that did *not* get the nod at SWA. Don't feel like you're the only one and all the mil guys get a free pass into the door. They do tend to focus on mil pilots but it's certainly not a sure thing for any of them.

 

I'll take it one step further. There are plenty of mil guys who have been applying through multiple hiring windows and are still patiently waiting their for their FIRST chance to go for an interview. Like me. It's not automatic for us, by any means.