Seems this rumor is ramping hard, that SWA will open the application window for approx 200 positions soon, like withing a couple of weeks.

Not even intending to start a discussion on why or why not this is a valid rumor, or smart for the company, or a good career choice. Just saying that if you were intending to apply, now might be a good time to make sure you have all your stuff together.

EDIT: After further review of my rumor sources, 12 Sep was the date that was most heavily rumored about.

 

This Thursday. Sept.12......

 

I've heard the same from a different network..."Southwest is hiring 200 folks in 2014 due to planned international growth, retirements and the new FAR rules for crew rest. SWA plans on opening the application window this Thursday, Sep 12, and interviews will be conducted in Oct."

 

Just got the message myself from my SWA bro network...how long until the website crashes...

 

Good sign that the industry is strong, nice to see the second-tier majors starting to hire.

 

Are not they expecting a surplus of pilots due to the 717's going o Delta?

Of course I know it's not all at once, but still seems odd this fast.

 

Nevermind.

 

Southwest a second-tier major now that's funny!

 

^ I was thinking the same thing

 

FROM: TERRY GLEASON—SENIOR CHIEF PILOT DATE: SEPTEMBER 10, 2013
RE: Pilot Hiring
We are preparing to resume Pilot interviews. We anticipate hiring an additional 200 Pilots with
interviews
beginning in October. These Pilots will be trained during the first quarter of 2014 to position us
for the impact of the FAR 117 duty and rest requirements to balance for future attrition and
increased vacation.

Candidates who meet our minimum qualification requirements (see details below) should visit
southwest.com/careers to apply. Qualified applicants will be sent a link to a secure third party
website, PilotCredentials, and asked to fill out a candidate profile that details their career and
flying history. Candidates who have already created a profile will receive an e-mail with specific
instructions on how to become an applicant for this hiring cycle. We will invite candidates to
interview based on competitive experience. Consideration will be given to total time, PIC time,
aircraft flown, type ratings held, currency, overall aviation experience, career progression,
positions held, and education. The B737 type rating will be required for employment but is not
required in order to interview.

We anticipate the application window to open on September 12 and remain open for approximately two
weeks. We encourage you to tell your friends and colleagues to apply if they meet our
qualifications and are interested in a career at Southwest Airlines. All qualified applicants will
be considered, so there is no need for an
applicant to be first.

Process
Candidates apply through southwest.com/careers, answer prescreening questions, and upload a simple
résumé.
Candidates who meet minimum qualifications for employment will be e-mailed a link to create a
detailed profile.
Candidates will be selected for interview based on competitive experience.
In-person interviews will be conducted in October, November, December, and possibly January.

Minimum Requirements for Consideration
USA DOT/FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (ATP)
2,500 hours total flight time, or 1,500 hours total flight time in a turbine aircraft
A minimum of 1,000 hours in a turbine aircraft as the PIC. Only time in a fixed wing aircraft is
counted toward this minimum; this specifically excludes simulator, helicopter, WSO, RIO, FE, NAV,
EWO, and UAV.
Actively flying for two of the last five years preferred
High school diploma or equivalency required
Four year degree from an accredited school desired
B737 type rating is not necessary for interview, but will be required for employment.

Once selected for interview, candidates will be notified via email to complete an expanded
application. They must provide a minimum of three letters of recommendation from individuals who
can attest to the Pilot’s flying skills and character by having observed him/her over a sustained
period of time. Those letters may be hand carried to the interview or submitted via the Pilot
referral tab