Psycho18th

I think this is a really personal decision. At a SWA interview, they want to get to know you. If they feel you are putting up shields and spouting memorized answers, you aren’t getting hired. By the same logic, if you are too nervous to speak coherently, they won’t get to know you either and you won’t get hired.
You need to walk into the interview confidant enough to talk about yourself and having examined your personal experience enough to show that your background, actions, and attitudes will serve the company well.
Having never interviewed before and knowing how nervous I’d be walking into my first interview for a multi million dollar career, I chose to use a prep service to help me get some interview skills. It helped me look back over my experiences with a different perspective and realize what I bring to the table. It let me walk in still nervous, but with enough confidence I could relax a bit to “be myself”, speak coherently, and land the job.
A lot of folks can do that without prep. You may or may not be one of them.
They didn’t ask, but I was ready to explain why I thought it was important.
I interviewed spring of 2017, in case the landscape has changed since then. Hope that helps.

Skyward

I used Cage Consulting to prep for UAL. They helped me get MY stories and how to deliver them. I interviewed and was offered the job. Shortly thereafter, I was offered an interview at SWA. I just used what I learned from the UAL prep and the gouge online to feel comfortable with SW. I also studied up on SW history and culture. It worked perfectly, and I did great at the interview. I accepted the class at SWA.

The interview prep was well worth it and highly recommended. I would not have done as well at either interview without it. The Cage prep for UAL was great to learn how to answer TMAAT questions, btw. The key is you want them to be YOUR stories. Help them get to know YOU and YOUR decision making process and what YOUR priorities are. Be friendly and tell them you want the job.

If I hadn’t already prepped for UAL and felt confident for the SWA interview, I would have definately paid for SW prep though.

Good luck

Swingline78

Here's the real deal. If you don't do any prep at all you are interviewing with a ton of people who have. So you are being compared to other candidates who are more polished and practiced than you. None of the reputable prep companies "can" your answers. And if you haven't practiced the LOI stuff your going to look like a dingus next to someone who has. It's an unfair world we live in that you have to pay people to help you get these jobs. But it's just the way it is. And if you hire someone who is selling you right answers then fire them. Can you get hired without it? Absolutely. But seriously why take that chance? Just my 2 cents. During my interviews (3 of them) just the confidence in having told my stories to someone who was a professional made me feel better.

GlassBird

Well... that WAS quite the can of worms!

Cheap- it seems you’re implying I’ve never had a major interview before, and you’re correct! A while back, before my first Southwest Career Expo, I purchased prep services from Emerald Coast and attended one of their events. Seemed like a lot of good info, but others seem to steer me away from them, particularly for Southwest. EC did give some SW-specific advice at their event that updated some of their prior material: “SW doesn’t want to hear about your family in the intro, they know you’ve been prepped” etc.

WhaleSurfing (& at6d)- Durning the Career Expos, SW gives you some one-on-one time with an interviewer and THEY go over your application and resume. I figure having Southwest go over their own app with me is better than having any external company do it. The captain I spoke with at the last Expo specifically told me he had no problems with my resume and he wouldn’t change a thing.

Flitestar- Exactly. I’m still torn because EVERYONE except the people at SW and you have said differently; should I take SW’s own advice, or the advice of a bunch of folks I don’t know on the internet??? (No offense to any of you folks, most of you have enough good posts on here for me to know you’re not dummies!)

I guess it does come down to personal preference. Thanks to all for inputting your 2 cents.

btodd77

When I went to the job fair in June, swa did mention not to get prep. With that being said, I did get prep done with Ace Interview Prep and I can’t recommend them enough.

After my interview, the interviewers asked if I had done prep. I told them yes and with who. That didn’t seem to be a deal breaker as much currently in class. Do with that story what you will, but you’re talking about a multi million dollar career. You want to go in as prepared as possible.
BT

BigWillyCapt

This is exactly what I would say. ^^^^


I interviewed in spring of 2018. From my informal polling/conversations, I would say almost everyone I talked to used some kind of prep. Probably 9/10. Vicki at ACE is highly recommended and cheaper than some others. I used Cage Marshall. But don't rely on the prep to get you the job. Use it as a tool to prepare yourself, and make you better.

drovehooks

Sad to learn of Herb passing. But seems he did a great job for a long long time.
I've read this thread and several of the others related to hiring; lots of great info for me. However, I'm looking for a recruiter or such to converse with about my specific issues. Not how to apply, what resume should look like, etc., but of any possibilities for someone in my position.
PM, or have fun going direct here, if you've the knowledge and time. Thanks.

jbeauv

She did my resume

Botched

what issues?

BigWillyCapt

I would recommend Vicki at Ace Interview prep. She helped a friend in my class with some tough issues and he got the job. Highly recommended by many I've talked to and reasonable rates compared to some others.