I would really like to chat with anyone who has recently been hired by CAL. I also think I need some good interview training.

Start saving now. Our new hire benefits, (or lack there of), are an embarrassment to the industry. No medical benefits for 6 months and rock-bottom pay. Our PBS system will leave you in tears and our reserve system was crafted by Lucifer himself.

Other than that, its a great place to be.

JSTARS - can't help you with the sim - I had the MD-80 sim and did the prep with the clown that used to be in Dallas. However, I do believe you can now do the 737 sim prep on campus with Ray Brendle. Maybe some other folks can shed some light on this...

For the panel - I prepped with Albie Hagan @ emeraldcoastconsulting.com. Outstanding prep - it was a series of me listening to some prior prep's and then a 1 on 1 (STS) phone session for a few hours preparing all my answers. I'd say over 90% of the stuff we practiced was spot on for the panel. I was much more relaxed going into the interview as a whole. I scoff anyone who says you don't need prep with a professional. This is a career we're talking about.

Good luck - I've enjoyed it so far.

I've heard a lot of good things about Emerald Coast, but I would be careful on how you answer the question if asked, "Did you do formal interview prep." Emerald Coast will tell you to deny it. I believe that if asked, the interview team already suspects it of you anyway. If you deny it and they question your integrity, then I'd say you've probably just lessened your chances a lot. I was asked that question during my SWA interview and I answered honestly (Minimal interview experience, wanted to come across as professional as possible, yada yada.)
I echo what Scrapdog said .. I would highly recommend interview prep!! I have a military background, so it paid dividends for me. Best of luck.

Patch

Good luck man!

Is that an e-mail address. The website looks like a computer consulting firm.

JSTARS,

If you want you can PM me. I have some gouge and people you can talk to.

I just can't believe (I can) that in this day and age a company would not have medical benefits available for 6 months for pilots of an airliner. I just can't see any other professional taking a job offer like that. Does management have to wait 6 months? Does a new VP wait 6 months? Does CAl have a union? Who signed off on that.


Man that really boils me.

Anyway....good luck on the interview.

Welcome to the new world of airline flying............

Brilliant post. How observant of you.