How many LORs are too much?
 

I have an interview coming up and was curious to see if anyone had any input as to how many Letters of Rec would be too many. I have 3 internal recs and have an additional 5-6 LOR from current and past co-workers and bosses. Would that be too many? I’m kind of thinking that previous bosses (2) and maybe 1-2 other co-workers in addition to the internal recs would be sufficient.

If I turn in, say, 10 LOR would it seem as if I’m trying to compensate or cover something? It seems as if many have 3-5 or so. What do you all think?

Thanks
Asolo

The only people that will read/consider your LORs are the chief pilots if you make it to the decision board. Your letters can be what pushes you over the fence, so if you feel that you can get that many strong letters, then go for it. Better to have too many than not enough. Internal recs (submitted via out internal swalife website) are very valuable. Good luck!

I had like 7. I met a guy a couple years ago who had like 45. Had his whole squadron write him one or something. So more than 3 and less than 45?

On the LOR subject, I would say no more than 10 including your internals. (my opinion). I think it also depends on the quality and depth of the LOR. It's better to have fewer well written and elaborate LOR's than have a flood of them with a lot of fluff.
Was there a DB yesterday? If so, any calls and background of successful applicants? Congratulations in advance.

Got the call
 

Got the call yesterday around 5pm. Excited! Waiting on the class date email.

Chiefs may get the letters and provide a thumbs up or down, but know that if HR says “no” at the interview, it’s over and no chief pilot can override it.

Thanks for the replies ! I think I’m going to stick with the high quality LORs.

Southwest loves internals so I’d have as many of those as you can get (LinkedIn is your friend) , I had those my chief pilots and since I was a captain /lca I had a few students / FOs write one, helps for recentsy.

Do not over read this, I had good friends of 20+ years write a couple letters about our friendship etc. Its ok to show you are a human, in my case it worked out.

what would cause "HR" to thumbs-down a guy ?


It appears the SWA process, aka interview, 7-minute exercise, logbook review, etc is pilot-heavy


yes ?