Airline Pilot Central Forums - Advice for interviews?

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Any advice on the attire for the in person? I know it is a logbook review and the LOI, so does this tend to be a business casual (polo/slacks) kind of thing or a suit and tie affair? They really didn't specify in any of the communication I have seen as of yet.

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Originally Posted by AZflyerMD (Post 3466912)

Everyone wears a suit and tie

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Originally Posted by AZflyerMD (Post 3466912)

absolutely suit and tie

I used EC and felt very well prepared. In my opinion, they do a good job of giving you a framework (not canned answers) for the interview/LOI, and you kinda reap what you sow with the paid prep. I think it’s more about organizing your thoughts, stories, and experiences so they just naturally roll off your tongue when asked a question. Virtual and in person were both very positive experiences… dress sharp, let your personality shine, RELAX, and provide genuine answers to their questions. For the LOI just do what you would do on the flight deck… quickly analyze the issue, use good CRM, be decisive and make a command decision before the clock hits 0:00. Remember they are looking to hire future CA’s with leadership potential and good decision making. Good luck!

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Originally Posted by KelvinHelmholtz (Post 3466917)

Everyone wears a suit and tie

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Originally Posted by bobble (Post 3466937)

absolutely suit and tie

Exactly what I expected but figured I would just verify.

Thanks

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Originally Posted by bobble (Post 3466247)

I used Spitfire Elite and felt very well prepared.

I used Spitfire and thought it was a complete waste of money, unless you're interviewing for FedEx and have a military background. Complete garbage for half-decent regional folks.

Southwest is upfront about not being associated with any interview prep companies. Just be yourself.

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Originally Posted by Ripper (Post 3466413)

For whatever reason, the SWA interview team appears to disfavor the Emerald Coast program. I’ve heard of a SWA interviewer who suggested he could “spot an Emerald Coaster a mile away.” The implication may be that one digs himself into a hole when he is invariably recognized as someone who utilized their services, thus having to be even more impressive to earn the position.

Furthermore, it is suggested a common reason for rejection is a candidate’s inability to reveal her true nature during the interview process. Said differently, she failed to show who she really is, which gave pause to the decision makers, whose job it is to make hiring recommendations based on her true nature.

Presenting an overly-prepped facade and mistakenly thinking the purpose of the interview is to give so-called “great” answers to TMAAT questions and make solid, timely decisions in the LOI seems to be the downfall of many great candidates.

Instead, consider working with a friend, mentor, or, if need be, a service that will help you effectively organize your thoughts and present them sensibly without taking the “you” out of your experiences. When it comes to the LOI, consider how a sense of urgency and a difficult problem might simply be tools an interviewer uses to peek behind the curtain at the “you” you really are when you’re not paying close attention to your presentation (in favor of solving the problem and making a decision).

Good luck to all of you!

This is why I love Southwest's process over, say, Delta's. They don't want to see a robot.

Bull. Southwest wants polished individuals who interview well. It’s not data, but the only ones who did not make it past my interview group proudly stated they didn’t want to “waste the money on prep” since SWA cared to see the real them. Well, they must have liked “fake” me over real them.

pay the money, get put on the hot seat when it doesn’t have a multimillion dollar career riding shotgun on it, and put the best version of yourself forward on interview day.

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Originally Posted by MainlineHopeful (Post 3467347)

did you get the job? The owners of spitfire are certified good people and probably would refund you if you weren’t satisfied. Spitfire worked for me but I also fit your descriptor to a T. I wasn’t a regional guy and I needed all the help I could get to answer questions right and soften my edges.

The only guys in my interview group that didn’t proudly announced that they didn’t do any prep.

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Originally Posted by bobble (Post 3468195)

Yeah, I received the offer and am excited to start. I was turned off by Spitfire due to the overwhelming majority of the material focusing solely on FedEx. And, as I said, it was very focused on those with a military background. I'm a pure civilian and as a LCA at a regional, I felt that the it was a waste of time. Specifically, the LOI content that they teach does not translate to SWA's setup. If I could go back and get my $600 or whatever it cost, I certainly would. I've always been skeptical of these "expert" consulting firms, as they almost seem like fraud. No hard feelings though, that's just my opinion. You win some, you lose some.