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Southwest Airlines Community

Back to Work - The Sequel

jlamb1
Adventurer C
The "gift" of feedback...one of the greatest gifts someone can receive is the gift of truthful candor.  A friend of mine likes to say, "we all need 'grace and truth' but remember 'grace' comes first for a reason."  Throughout the year, I have received my share of 'undeserved favor'...that is grace, and thankfully my share of LUVing truth.  This blog has been a blessing in both of these areas.  In particular, one of the longest running threads, "Back to Work" has given our Recruiting Team real insight into the questions, hopes, and dreams of the People applying to work at Southwest Airlines.  As our small gift back to those trying to work here, our Recruiting Team will monitor this new blog thread and periodically respond directly to questions.  They will try to anticipate questions and leave a tip or two that might make the application process seem less like a process.  My thanks to all of you for giving all of us in the People Department at Southwest Airlines the gift of feedback.
214 Comments
v_
Explorer C
I was wondering if anyone knows when fll will be hiring and how long you can be in the pool.?
Lisa23
Explorer C
Hello All, I had my RSA interview yesterday in OKC and it went extremely well. Unlike Kathy I had a phone prescreening prio to my one-on-one thus I did not do a group interview. I arrive about 40 mins earlier and was called in about 10 mins before my start time. The interviewers were extremely nice and made feel very comfortable. I was so nervous the day before the interview and all day before I arrive because I had been doing mock interviews with my husband. We were trying to make sure I hit all the key points while maintaining professionalism. I was so focused on being professional I almost forgot that SW wants to see your FUN side. This is what brought me back to reality and helped ease the nerves. I was asked questions like, why do you want to work for SW, do you have any problems being coached, and give a customer service experience you've once had good/bad? I was also asked to explain the position titles I previously had. I left feeling extremely comfident and await a reply. The only thing that concerns me is that my interviewer said " We will contact you by email within the next 2 weeks". That made me nervous because how can she be sure of that when the background investigation can take from 1 week to 30 days as I've been told, or has the policy for backgrounds changed? Have they predetermined I'm the person for the job or have they predetermined the exact opposite :~( I wasn't led off into a second room like an another applicant was! In any case I am hopeful that I did VERY well. Regardless of the outcome I am just honored to have had this opportunity. HOWEVER I REALLY WANT THIS JOB!!!
Kathy23
Explorer C
Hey Everybody! Thanks for the prayers Lisa & I am so glad that your interview went well! You are alos in my prayers 🙂 I hope everything works out for you! I think that every location has their own hiring process so I wouldn't worry too much. I have been working with the company doing the employment, background & residential verification for the last couple of days. Making sure that they have everything that they need. I had to fax over my transcripts and fill in a gap in my residential whereabouts. I was told today that they have everything on their end and to check with my recruiter to see if they need anything else from me. Only problem is I don't have her contact info!!! Does anybody know how I can find her???? I interviewed in Las Vegas so I am hoping to contact her a.s.a.p. I really want this opportunity as well and I am very excited to hear that things are moving right along! Best of luck to you all!
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
Lisa, I interviewed for RSA in OKC, too, last November! 🙂 I had a group & one-on-one, but unfortunately, wasn't picked for training. 😞 I just have to keep trying! Thought for the day: Why is it called a joystick? Did someone named Joy come up with it? SWA LUV! 🙂
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
I meant to say I interviewed for RSA in November 2006, not 2007! Anyyay, please keep us posted! "Tough to tell, ain't it?" "Isn't it." "That's not funny!" "That's not funny!" "That's not funny!" Those lines are from my top favorite movie, The Parent Trap, with Haley Mills, Maureen O'Hara, & Brian Keith. I LUV that movie & have it at home. :) SWA LUV! 🙂
Randy_Nist
Explorer C
Hi Kathy, Our hiring event in Las Vegas last week was very successful and our Recruiters and Employment Specialist are very busy processing the many candidates that we visited with. I will make sure that she calls you Monday morning. I wish you the very best! Randy Nist- Employment Manager-Las Vegas
Lisa25
Explorer C
Randy, Think you meant Kathy ... not Lisa.
blusk
Aviator C
He did, Lisa, Randy sent me an e-mail over the long weekend to change it, but I was distracted by other stuff this morning. I will change it now. Brian
Angela_Okonski
Explorer C
Hello, I am interested in a position in the reservations call center at Midway Airport. I applied online at Southwest Airlines Career about 2 months ago but have not received any response yet. I worked at a call center before but not for airlines. I like the new website for the careers it's much more easier now to apply. I also put my resume in. I also applied for CSA and RSA but more interested in reservations. If you can let me know if MDW will be hiring for reservations that will be great. Thanks Angela O PS Email Me back with info
joe-mdw-plane-d
Frequent Flyer C
Blog boy distracted? Haha not him ;-) I'm here and you are there. But where is there? Joe
Kathy23
Explorer C
Thank You Randy! I received an e-mail from her, she said that she might be in contact with me sometime this week. Thank You again for the support! Best of luck to everyone! 🙂
Lisa25
Explorer C
Hello All, Well today I recieved a message that my interview was successful and that my background process will begin next. After the background screening is completed I will be placed in a RSA pool awaiting a training class date which starts in May. Orientation starts two weeks prior to my training class date. I'm no longer worried about my background b/c I disclosed all the info about my credit and prior work history and was still selected to continue. I assume after the background clears i will await a start date. Kathy do you have any updates? I'm keeping you in my prayers as well as those that continue to seek SWA employment. Please do the same for me! I'll keep you all posted.
Kathy23
Explorer C
Congrats Lisa!!!:) I also have been contacted by a very nice lady doing my background check. I'm hoping & praying that everything works out for both of us!! Thanks again for your prayers! Best of Luck To Everyone You Are All Also In My Prayers!
Anonymous548
Explorer A
Shari et al, For a technology-related position, what is the best way to get my resume' viewed by a human instead of it being thrown on the pile with the thousands of others? Sometimes I think my only real chance would be to stand on Love Field Drive and wave while wearing a sandwich board promoting myself. 😄
Regina2
Explorer C
Hi Everyone! Maybe someone can answer a question for me. I applied for a position as a CSA for Tulsa back in January. I live in Detroit but I'm moving to the Tulsa area within the next 2 months. Thought I'd get ahead of my job search and hearing that there were openings in Tulsa at Southwest was like a dream come true! Anyway, I submitted my resume online and have yet to hear anything from anyone. It didn't concern me much because I could always look at the website and find out when Southwest was holding career fairs and figured that whenever they held one in Tulsa I could just go then. However, since the website has changed and does not inform us on when the career fairs are coming anymore, I'm starting to get concerned now. Tulsa has since been taken off the hiring list and I never received an e-mail to let me know that they received my resume at the main office. Does anyone know how I would find out what's going on with the Tulsa hiring and whether I still have a chance at working with Southwest? It would truly be a dream come true for me if I did get the job because I have worked in customer service for the past 20 years and I feel as though Southwest is the absolute best airline out there to date! (I've only traveled on one other airline once. Okay, I admit I cheated on Southwest with another airline, but I came back begging for forgiveness and now after a little counseling, our connection is stronger than ever ;D. I learned my lesson and I'm never going to roam AGAIN!! ) I know it would be my pleasure to serve the customers and employers of Southwest. But right now I would love any input on how to deal with my little situation. If you have any answers or suggestions I would love to hear them guys. Thanks for taking the time to read about my little ol' plight. Take care everybody!!
Kathy23
Explorer C
Hey Everyone! I am going today to do a drug screeening! I am sooooo excited to hear back from someone! Be sure to check your e-mails on a regular basis! I will keep you all posted! Best of Luck To you All!
Lisa25
Explorer C
Hello All, Well I'm sure my background cleared. I talked to a lady from the background agency today and she informed me that everything cleared and that she would be forwarding the information on to SWA. She stated that I could have been cleared last week but it took my last employer 3 days to get back with her. In any case, I guess I will be going for a drug test soon! (No Worries!) I realise that hiring is done on a first cleared basis, so I wonder how many folk were placed in a hiring pool before me given I had a 3 day delay. ( Must exercise patience ...) Kathy, did you have to fly to a different location for your drug test or was it done locally. How were you contacted about the the drug test?
Shari_Perez
Explorer B
Brian in BNA, I love your enthusiasm and creativeness for the Ã
Leah3
Adventurer B
Hi, Regina! I live in TUL! 🙂 That's awesome! 🙂 Please let us know when you hear something. I noticed, too, that TUL was taken off the hiring list. 😞 You will LUV it here. "I'm going back to school, I'm going back to school. Hi ho, the derry oh I'm going back to school!" Yes, I am going back for a second Bachelors degree; this time it's in Psychology, which is what my Associates is in! I want to work in the Mental Health field & have been really interested in it since my first Psych. class in high school. It's rewarding, & also, when talking to my Psychologist, she makes me want to go into that field. SWA LUV! 🙂
joe-mdw-plane-d
Frequent Flyer C
Leah, What happened to your ideas of being a f/a, csa, rsa, cmt, cbs, nbc, tnt,tnn,etc? So you will get a stand and a sign that says 5 cents please and the doctor is in? :-) Did you know that LeAAh has AA in it? Joe!
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
Yes, Joe! I probably will. 🙂 When do you start training? I want to hear, please, how things go! :) Thought for the day: Why is it called baby sitting when you don't sit on the babies/kids? When you want to fly the best, fly Southwest! SWA LUV! 🙂
joe-mdw-plane-d
Frequent Flyer C
I will Leah! I wait for my phone to ring everyday with the hopes of a start date, but it is just not my time yet. I am supposed to be next in line though. I had to take another drug test as the old one expired. I know it will be worth the wait!! :-)
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
Thanks, Joe! I'm glad you're next in line. 🙂 That's good! Thought for the day: Why is it called candy when it's not made out of cans? SWA LUV! 🙂
Kathy23
Explorer C
Hey Lisa! Nice to hear that we're both moving along in the process! I was contacted by e-mail for the drug screening. It gave me 48 hrs from the time I opened the e-mail to take it here locally. Then I had to e-mail a number from the receipt I was given to the lady who had sent me the e-mail. I contacted her to make sure that she had received my e-mail and she then told me that the drug test was just another step in the process and it could be another 4-6 wks. So I am patient as I know that it takes time for the results to come in. I saw another person who had interviewed the same time as I did in the medical center she was also there for her screeening. So I am hoping that I am not too far behind in the process. You are still in my prayers as well as everyone else that is patiently waiting to join the SWA family! Best Of Luck To You All!!
joe-mdw-plane-d
Frequent Flyer C
Hi Kathy! It's been six months for me. Some positions fill up alot faster though. There was a person who interviewed the same day as me for an ops agent and he is already working in PIT. The line for ap. techs is a bit longer. I can't even imagine what it is like to go through 325,000 resumes each year. 4,000 of them were just from Leah. J/K Leah. Then to interview over 29,000 people! I'd never be able to keep track of all of them! Joe!
Lisa25
Explorer C
Sounds good Kathy. I got another email congratulating me on moving through the hiring process and offering me a slot at the orientation which takes place April 21. I suppose to start my 3 weeks training on May 5. I still have not been asked to take the drug test and my background investigation is still pending. I think that the pending issue is due to non-communication between SWA and the investigation agency, b/c the investigation agency told me I cleared and the info was forwarded to SWA. Obviously SWA has not gotten the memo as of yet, LOL . But I'm truly in good spirts and can't wait to go to the orientation class. I'll let you know all about it if I go before you get a date! Good luck to you all! Lisa
Anonymous548
Explorer A
Thank you Shari, I reviewed the list of positions again, and lo and behold.. found a "Marketing Planner" position that I am well suited for! ::fingers crossed:: 😄
Regina2
Explorer C
Hi Leah, Sorry it took me so long to get back to you. I did hear from someone from the company which I was very happy about. Now I have good news and bad news. The good news is that they still have my resume on file at headquarters so I'm very happy that the computer gremlins didn't make off with it :). The bad news is that they are not currently hiring in Tulsa right now. It was a little sad to hear, but like you I have no intention of giving up that easily! In the meantime I'll just have to focus more on my move. I can't wait to become a Tulsan! Hope to hear from you soon. Take care of yourself!
Leah3
Adventurer B
Hi, Regina! Thanks for the update! I'm glad they still have your resume but sad they're not hiring in TUL now. I know you'll LUV it here! :) Joe, I sent in 3,999! 🙂 You were close on your guess! Ha, ha! The People Department would flip their pancakes! Thought for the day: Why are the called pinwheels when they're not made out of pins? SWA LUV! 🙂
joe-mdw-plane-d
Frequent Flyer C
Leah, Fill out the other resume, what are you waiting for? You Owe Kim $56.95. BTW Joe! :-)
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
Okay! I'll do that & send Kim $56.95. Ha! :) Thought for the day: Since shoes come in half sizes, why don't clothes? You could wear, say, a 5 1/2 in a dress! SWA LUV! 🙂
Wayne111
Explorer C
Hello Everyone, After applying for a Ramp Agent position @ LAS, I spent the last 34 minutes reading through Back to Work and Back to Work - The Sequel. So I thought I would toss my name into the mix. My fiance and I just returned home (BUF) from Vegas last night and while we were checking in our boarding passes, I spoke with one of the reps at the counter about hiring positions w/Southwest. He informed me the company was always looking for Ramp Agents @ LAS, so here I am, jumping on the first opportunity I have seen. As a passenger, I have flown Southwest 4 out of my 8 flights throughout my lifetime (the 4 Southwest flights, I was able to choose, the others were out of my hands unfortunately). I have enjoyed all 4 flights greatly. I would like to ask two questions: a) Might there be any Business Analyst / IT / Web Design (or similar) positions available at LAS? b) Should I be accepted for an interview at some point, is it possible to interview at Southwest in BUF (not that I wouldn't mind flying out to the southwest again)? My goal is to re-locate to Henderson/Las Vegas, NV or the Phoenix, AZ area with employment from Southwest at some point in the near future. Thank you for your time.
Randy_Nist
Explorer C
Hi Wayne, Thanks so much for your interest in Southwest Airlines. The positions we primarily hire for in Las Vegas are entry level positions such as Ramp Agent and Customer Service Agent. Southwest Airlines is Headquartered in Dallas Texas, this would be your best bet for an IT or Web Design posting. I encourage you to continue monitoring Southwest.com/Careers. Thanks again for your interest and I truly hope our paths cross in the future. Happy job hunting! Randy Nist Southwest Airlines-Sr. Manager People
Nicole10
Adventurer C
So, SWA announced that growth is going to be scaled back in the coming quarters. What does this mean for People Growth? And how about Internal Audit? Still love SWA! ;-) Nikki
joe-mdw-plane-d
Frequent Flyer C
Nikki, it means all people over six foot tall will have to be downsized. ;-) On a more serious note, there still is a net increase of 7 aircraft this year so more people will still be needed and there are 47 openings. They are looking to hire 4000+ people this year. Joe
Jeffrey2
Explorer C
I am currently in the pool for A Ramp Agent position for PBI. I am looking for anyone that works at PBI that might have information on Ramp Agent positions opening in the near future. Help!!!! Hope an opening is coming soon .Thanks for you help in advance. Looking forward to working with you all at SWA. Thanks Again Jeffrey
joe-mdw-plane-d
Frequent Flyer C
Hello everyone! I got my call and am going to the big d for training in two weeks! Joe! :-)
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
Congratulations, Joe. That's good. By the way, I've decided to give up on getting on with SWA.
joe-mdw-plane-d
Frequent Flyer C
Leah, that is a major :-(. Going to be a psychologist instead?
Lisa25
Explorer C
Hello All, So I went to my orientation yesterday for the RSA position and it went really well. Basically it was an informational on what to expect as employees of SWA. I must say I have great expectations! I go for my drug test today then I start training on 5 May which lasts until 23 May. I'll recieve my badge after successful completion of training (no sweat) and considered an official SWA employee thereafter. First day of work, May 26! How are things coming for you? Any new news Kathy?
joe-mdw-plane-d
Frequent Flyer C
Lisa, Congrats! Are you training in Dal May 5? I'll be there that week. Joe
Lisa25
Explorer C
No I won't. I'll be training here in OKC for 3 weeks. I don't go to DAL until Jun 8 and it's only for a weekend for some sort of flight course.
Michelle28
Explorer C
Congrats Joe! I've been in the pool for CSA for BHM for about two months now. I can't wait until something opens up here! 🙂
joe-mdw-plane-d
Frequent Flyer C
Thanks Michelle! It took me about 8 months to get out of the pool. Lisa, Have fun in OKC! Joe
Leah3
Adventurer B
Yes, Joe, I hope to! Well, after my second Bachelor's, I have to obviously get a Master's & license! If I decide to try again for SWA, I can use my Psychology on the Customers! It's too bad I can't be a Psychologist two days a week, an FA one day a week, a CSA one day a week, & an RSA one day a week! I'm sure you're counting down the days. I would be! :) Thought for the day: Why are they called Jumping Jacks? Did Jack come up with that? SWA LUV! 🙂
joe-mdw-plane-d
Frequent Flyer C
Leah, You don't need a license. That is only a myth. Want to buy the Brooklyn bridge? My parents have some oceanfront property for you in Arizona. ;-) :-) airplane detail guy.
Dan_Adams
Explorer C
Howdy everyone! I am hoping that someone in the People dept. can help me with two questions? 1. If a new applicant worked in management (NYC Recruiting and Int'l Compensation) at a competing airline, even though this was 7 years ago, will this likely harm their chances of coming on-board with SWA? 2. Background on question 2 - After being extremely blessed with great jobs minus a degree, I finally decided to go back to school and finish. After making the difficult decision to return to school, I am now one semester away from graduating with a BS-Aviation Science and a BBA-Human Resources. The remaining classes are available online which allows me to finally move forward and attempt to join the SWA team now. The question is how the online application system will read my resume. The job that I am applying for does require a degree in Aviation or Business or a 4 year degree and airline experience. Even though I have previous airline management experience and I am preparing to graduate with an Aviation degree and Business degree, I am afraid that the computer program will not move my resume forward because I have not graduated. I am so SUPER excited about applying to SWA but should I wait until I do graduate or will the computer program somehow work with my situation? Sorry for such a long post. Thank You so much! -Dan Adams
Leah3
Adventurer B
Hey there, Joe! How were your first two days of training? I bet these two weeks will fly by (ha, ha. Get it? Fly by?)! Thought for the day: Why are they called Sun Chips when they're not made from the sun or shaped like it? SWA LUV! 🙂
James6
Explorer C
Hi Everyone, I have recently applied for the Training Scheduler I position with SWA in Dallas. I hope to hear something soon and would luv the opportunity to interview. I have told several people about applying for the position with SWA and they have all said the same thing, "Great company to work for but good luck getting on with them" and my reply is always the same, "wow, thank you for those words of encouragement." Hearing the words "good luck getting an interview" might scare the new college grad but I am no stranger to competition. If one of the fine folks in Dallas should happen to see this I would luv to lean more about this particular position. FYI: To all of you aspiring NUTS! I just finished a great book that really digs into the history of SWA. If you want to learn more about this fascinating airline, then NUTS! Southwest Airlines' Crazy Recipe for Business and Personal Success is the book for you.
Not applicable
Please keep us posted, James! 🙂 That's exciting. I have the book "Nuts!" & am reading it again; I've read it so much some of the pages fell out & I taped them back in! Observation for the day: "Edit" spells "tide" backwards! SWA LUV! 🙂