ZapBrannigan

Interesting if true. Any word on when they're going to open a window and spool up the hiring for those 300?

WHACKMASTER

Feb? March? I don't know.

IlikePlaness

I know this is a vague question as it is always changing, but does SWA look for anything in particular with its civilian candidates?

- 4300 TT
- 1100 TPIC, 250 in jets
- A.S. from ERAU in Aeronautics, Working on the B.S.
- Have the type from Higher Power
- Attending WAI and the SWA tour the first day

I understand finishing up the B.S. is priority number one. Just curious if anyone has any insight on something else in particular they desire? Thanks in advance for any feedback!

ZapBrannigan

I don't know if there are any metrics anywhere regarding average qualifications, but I can tell you this. My class was 25 mil / 5 civilian. All 5 of the civilian were between 8000-11000 TT. All 5 had at least a four year degree. (There were several masters degree folks in class). Two of the five had flown the 737 at other carriers.

That's just one example from a single class though. Not sure how it compares to the overall.

Despite some of the belly aching here it really is a good place to work. Take some of the "industry leading schedule flexibility" with a grain of salt but everything else is pretty terrific. Love it here and have no regrets.

e6bpilot

That demographic is pretty standard throughout the company. I would say there is heavy military hiring right now, but a pretty even split of the captains I have flown with (maybe 60/40 mil/civilian) are civilian only. As the pool of retiring LTCols dries up, I suspect you will see a lot more regional guys heading our way.

I will also second what Zap said about the company. I really like it here and the pay, even on first year, is manageable. (Full disclosure, I get a military retirement too). My crappy seniority allows me to pick up extra trips for second year pay during off peak times and everyone is, for the most part, super friendly and easy to work with.

Dukeuno

I am like you looking in and wondering what would help to get an interview. I can say I had 5 buddies get hired last year, and 3 were Check Airman ( also two did not have a 4 year degree). I do think it would be good to get your bachelors, but also if you have an opportunity to become a Check Airman that would help.
Also I was told to update my app on a regular basis, they can track this. I actually do it once a week now.

Burton78

You're definitely on the right track. In my class (approx. 65/35 - Mil/Civ) most Civ guys hired were Check Airmen. And yes I'd say updating your app regularly helps dramatically as its just another indicator that this is where you really want to hang your hat.

shoelu

I agree with the posts quoted. Most definitely check airman and frequent updates will increase your odds at an interview.

Remember, this whole process is simply a computer program pulling out applications for an interview from those on file. The parameters are most definitely set and tweaked by the people department.

Consider this scenario: It is decided that they would like to interview 500 applicants for 200 positions. The parameters may be set to pull applications with these qualifications-1) 737 type rating. 2) 4 year degree. 3) Check airman or instructor pilot. 4) Updated application within the preceding 90 days. I am of course only speculating on the actual parameters set.

The cheapest option for making sure you may be one of the applicants called for an interview is to update frequently. I have been told by those that do the hiring that this shows your continued interest in the job. Of course checking more boxes such as check airman and college degree will always improve your chances.

Statistically over the last decade I believe the hiring has been fairly even between civilian and military. When I was hired my class was evenly split, as were all the classes hired that year. That being said, there was a time when many more military pilots were hired than civilians. If you look at current captains at the airline you will most likely see more military pilots than civilians however I would guess the F.O.'s to be much more evenly split.

coryk

2 guys hired this year at SWA didn't have a 4 year? Not saying that's a good or bad thing, but it's an interesting observation to say the least.

coryk

On a continued note about persistence, how about attending multiple job fairs that SWA attends? Additional functions at the airline (helping out certain committees, union, etc)? Volunteer work within the community/VFW?