Fair enough, everyone sees the world through the lense of their own experiences. The luckiest among us get to choose.

 

Yup. Amen Bro. And we are damn lucky all things considered.

 

I appreciate all the military pilots and people in general. I also appreciate anyone with 10k plus hours and years at regionals. What I can’t figure out is how someone with 8000 hrs (only part 135 and corporate), Masters degree, I have been a DO and Chief pilot (part 135) and current Safety Manager (part 91) can’t even get an interview invite. I’ve applied to every window for 1.5 years. I understand many are qualified but feel I’d be on par with many I see getting hired. I guess I’m not smart enough to trick the computer into picking me...it feels more like a lottery than a true look at what people have to offer. I have read so many times on here about SWA valuing leadership positions and degrees and have both. I guess they don’t value it as much as people say?

 

wow. crazy that no calls

 

Have you had your app reviewed by a professional? I couldn’t believe the things I missed that the guy from Checked and Set found.

 

^^ This ^^

Maybe it’s just a coincidence, but within a few weeks of making the changes recommended by Checked & Set I received the invite. If you haven’t had your app professionally reviewed, do it!


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It would be nice if the companies specifically stated what the hoops are right from the beginning. I find it frustrating that they all state their minimum requirements to apply, but beyond that, it’s all speculation. The computer is obviously using an algorithm to slice the list, so it would be extremely helpful to know that algorithm. As a mil/“f-whatever” guy, it was easier because I knew guys with almost my exact résumé and whether or not they were getting an interview and where. For a civilian guy, it seems a lot more random, with extremely varied numbers/titles/etc. It’s like you’re stabbing in the dark at a target that should be illuminated.

 

Something that might trip up people is having conflicting or negative information out there on other websites. If you're on linkedin, your profile ought to be up to date and show that you're looking for full time airline pilot employment. Resume on linkedin should be current too. Other social media needs to be pretty clean, nothing antisocial or whatever with your name associated with it. I tried to avoid political and other intense discussions for a couple years online while I was applying, because it would be pretty pathetic to lose a job because of some random facebook reply to some meme that was dumb to begin with.

With a lot of experience... Maybe get the application scrubbed by checked and set or Rebekah Krone or someone like that, and then make sure your application has a few fresh letters of recommendation uploaded alongside your resume on the pilotcredentials app. If you know someone at SWA who will recommend you, get them listed as an internal rec on pilotcredentials and ask them to go through the recommendation process internally (letter to chief pilot works I think). That should at least get you looked at.

 

I was hired 4 years ago with lesser but similar quals but had the type. I find it funny that people think 121 time is so important. Even HR people will tell you to get 121 time and they are wrong also. The list of qualified 121 pilots is longer than MIL and 135 guys, much longer. Plenty of Skywest captains wondering why they aren’t getting interviewed. I believe the main trigger to be the type rating. Funny how people are advising to take huge pay cuts to get 121 time yet advise against the 10K type.

 

People would be surprised how many times they omit something silly and it’s enough to get bypassed by the computer.

Often times, it’s not enough to just update your hours. Be sure your “Last flown” date for each type is accurate. Also, your medical should be first class and up to date. Be sure your available date is not in the past. Your 10 year background should be spot on with no omissions or gaps, same with residential history. Be sure both your applications (Southwest.com and pilot credentials) are done correctly and accurately...

Then when you think you have it nailed, have a friend look it over for accuracy.