Wouldn't that mostly benefit people who can easily get to DEN and leave out a lot of good candidates? It's probably a chicken/egg thing with the job fairs too. I'm guessing the perception has been set that any significant airline has got to make it to at least the big job fairs and United doesn't want to miss the opportunity to find some really solid people there, just as the reality is that the fairs can help the candidate also regardless of whether people think they're a waste of time and money.

As a new United guy who was plenty qualified I knew that there were also well over 10,000 of my "best friends" also qualified and with apps in. Heck, most regional pilots who are looking to move on have apps at 4-10+ airlines easily... it doesn't really take much effort to do that and for most people, a few of those airlines are probably not really where they want to be, but are simply better than their regional. It does take a bunch more effort to show your face at a few fairs, M&Gs, etc and it's not like anyone is going to (or can) make that same effort for 10+ airlines. So someone who is first, well qualified and second, makes the effort to introduce themselves to United in multiple ways is probably someone truly motivated to work specifically at United.

I don't know if it's the ideal solution, but it seems to work.

Why not give each pilot on the seniority list a free pick. One person they are willing to sponsor and vouch for. You only get one pick, so make it count. If the person is hired and completes probation, then you get another pick. If the person does not get hired, you have to wait a year before you can recommend another candidate. Pick the most qualified candidate from that bucket of people. That would probably narrow down the process immensely.

Just thinking out loud.

That does happen informally. I know someone who went to bat for a guy, he got the interview and went to the sim and couldn't hold level flight. Subtract one pilot on the seniority list they take a recommendation from.

HR shot that down like a hot potato three years ago. I swear HR is a bunch of angry women looking to make life difficult.

Always thought we would want to hire the most qualified not the pilots that have the time and connections to show the most interest in the company. Jmo

How difficult is it getting to TK when United issues a PS ticket from an airport near you? Seems like we're leaving out a lot of good candidates who don't attend OBAP or WIA.

How many of those who make the effort to meet United also make the effort to meet DAL and AMR? It sounds like a racket to me.

My point is that there are a ton of highly qualified people who all look the same on stats that all have apps in now, obviously as the amount of candidates narrows in the future M&G's and WAI/OBAP will have little impact on hiring. Right now it matters, I want to be @ UAL so I am fine with attending because it helps me stand out among equal peers.

I understand what you are saying i just dont agree. I don't think tons have the same stats as you say. But best of luck to you.

At WAI I was told that there are approximately 3000 highly qualified applicants on file with UAL. My guess is that they are probably all applying to UAL/DAL/AAL and some at SWA and Alaska.

Probably within a year things are going to change drastically as the top group gets hired at the big three is my guess. I have been told I have the background to get hired in the first group but I am not holding my breath. Thanks for your well wishes and I agree the game is a bit silly but I am willing to play for now.

Cheers!

w/ a PS ticket I'd buy that as a pretty good way to vet people. The conferences have definitely turned into a money printing machine for the hosts.