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Back to Work

jlamb1
Adventurer C
I was thumbing through the November/December issue of AARP's magazine the other day, and read an interesting article about a few jobs that might be particularly attractive to the readers of AARP. 1) Ski greeter. That job seemed logical, i.e. getting paid to hang out at your favorite resort. 2) Cruise lecturer. Again…logical. Fun, getting paid to travel and meeting People from all over the world. 3) Airline Baggage Handler. Was this a misprint? I've spent just enough time on the ramp to know how hard our Ramp Agents work. But as I read on - flexible hours; good hourly wage; excellent health benefits; free travel, it makes a lot of sense for someone wanting a secure job with a great Company! The article quoted a baggage handler with another airline, "you needn't be a Superman", and "you need to be able to lift 60 pounds, which isn't hard if you're in reasonably good shape." With all of our growth in cities like Las Vegas, Phoenix, Baltimore, and Orlando we always seem to need People with Fun-LUVing attitudes and strong backs to work on the ramp. If you're a baby boomer (or not) and are interested in free travel and a meaningful job at a great place to work, go to www.southwest.com/careers We are closing the comments on this post because Jeff has written a new post on this very subject.
157 Comments
Tracy10
Explorer C
Hey Lisa. I am a new hire Provisioning Agent at Southwest and I was told that the pool could be up to one year but I think it all depends on how busy your city is in determining when you will be taken out of the pool and put into a position. I'm sure a Manager or Trainer will answer your question soon on this blog they usually do. I LUV working for Southwest I've been there for 7 days and it's like no place I've ever worked before the people there are really like a big family. If they gave you any contact information I would give someone a call and ask about how long they think you wil be in the pool they are very helpful. Goodluck1
Shari_Perez
Explorer B
Lisa, Tracy is exactly right in her answer to your question. There are many variables that determine when we need to bring our New Hires on, from out of the 'pool'. Feel free to contact the Employment Coordinator you have been working with if you have any questions. Hang in there, it will be worth the wait! Tracy - Welcome OnBoard!! Good luck in your new position as a Provisioning Agent.- We are glad you are part of the Southwest family!
Lisa_Nichols
Explorer C
Thank you Tracy and Shari for your feedback! I have since spoke with Lori (the person handling my application) and she has been very helpful and friendly letting me know that we are just waiting for the position to open. I am very excited for that call to come.... I know it will be worth the wait! Tracy, I'm glad that you LUV your new position. Congrats!
Katrina_J_
Explorer C
Hey everyone, i'm from Chicago and I applied for full-time Csa position and had my group interview last thursday. Luckily that same day the recruiters told us if we have been selected for the one-on-one. And my next interview is in October, I'm so excited that the process seems to be moving fast. Good luck everyone! Go SWA!
Terence_O_Donne
Explorer C
I recently attended a group information session and I loved the energy that Michelle and Lorraine. As a person considering employment with Southwest, I feel that it helped that they both had good attitudes. What I noticed were all the great attitudes and smiles in the room. Obviously that is not to say that safety, efficiency, good work ethic and accuracy or important, as well as others. However, a great attitude is necessary. I also enjoyed where prospective employees told their own short stories. It can reveal quite a few things, which can be useful to a hiring manager in order to make it easier to select candidates. It is an excellent time saver as well. I Ã
gabrielle1
Explorer C
I attended a group session for Ramp Agent in Oakland, CA. We were told that we should receive an email regardless in 3-5 days. Today is the 5th day and I called the Alameda office. The lady that answered the phone said it would take 10-15 days. I am anxious to know if I was selected for a 1-1. I've been checking my emails more than usual because of what we were told. There is another group interview next week. I am wondering if I should go to that to talk to a recruiter. If they really need people, why does it take so long? Shouldn't they know who they want to talk to in depth sooner that 2 weeks?
Shari_Perez
Explorer B
Gabrielle, Thank you so much for your interest in joining the Southwest Airlines family! The Ramp Agent position is a great position here at Southwest. I can 'hear' from your comment how anxious you are to hear from us about the outcome of your interview. Depending on the volume of interviews that are conducted during the week, it can take anywhere from five days to a little more than a week to hear back. So, stay patient, and we will keep our fingers crossed for you! Good luck and I hope all goes well!
spineda
Explorer C
Hello SWA! My name is Salvador and I live in Norfolk, Virginia. First of all, this blog was such a great find! What a wealth of useful information! I came across it while researching employment opportunities with SWA. I am so excited to learn that ORF is currently hiring for CSA positions!!! My mother used to work at Norfolk International when I was a child and it's so amazing to go there today and see how much the airport has changed and grown. IÃ
Jeffrey2
Explorer C
Help? I was contacted by SWA for A job as A Ramp Agent at PBI on 10/09/2007. We set up an interview on 10/29/2007 at PBI. I attended the interview and it felt like it went great. I am so excited to work for SWA I can not sleep. One week later I got a call from A lady doing A background check, this got me even more excited that the are taking the time to check on me further. Now I really cant sleep. On Monday It will be Three weeks since my interview and I have not heard A word. At the interview they said I would be contacted in 10 days. Help Help Help ......... Sleepless In Palm Beach.
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
Salvador, in answer to your question, here's what I did. I waited (by the way, I interviewed-both group & one-on-one for FA, CSA, & RSA) about 3 months & when I hadn't heard, I called DAL & reminded them I'd applied for FA & was still interested. This was for my Group Interview. A week later, I believe, I got the letter inviting me for a Group Interview. I found out that day of the first one that I was going back for a second; two & a half weeks after the second one, I called to check the status but didn't get a yes or no. Not long after that, though, I got the dreaded letter saying I wasn't selected for FA training. 😞 Now, when I interviewed for CSA, I'd sent in my resumÃ
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
Jeff, in answer to your question, they are definitely doing a background check, right? I just want to make sure I understand. I don't know why you haven't heard yet, but surely it's good! I'd think so, anyway. Perhaps you can call if you don't hear something soon. That's my $61, 819.71worth anyway. Please keep us posted! :) SWA is So Wonderfully Awesome! 🙂 Thought for the day: Do dogs have fur or hair? 🙂
spineda
Explorer C
Leah, thanks for the reply! I really appreciate the insight you gave about your own personal experience with attempting to land, or rather, TAKE OFF with a career at SWA! I hope that your determination will pay off. I will definitely keep checking the Careers section of the website to see when a recruitment event will take place in my city. Thanks again! Salvador
Jeffrey2
Explorer C
Leah, Thank you for your reply. Yes they did do A backround check. Are you saying that it is OK to call the person that contacted me from SWA and interviewed me. (do they get mad about direct calls). Still sleepless ...........................
Jeffrey2
Explorer C
Hi Leah. Is A background check the same as or done at the same time as the job reference check? The lady that contacted me was checking on my job references. Sorry for the confusion...... Thanks for your help .....
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
Hi, & you're welcome, Salvador! Please keep us updated! 🙂 I hope my determination pays off, too. Hi, & you're welcome, too, Jeffrey! I wouldn't think they'd get mad at getting a direct call from you, especially if it's been a while. To me, it shows you're still interested. Am I correct in saying that you're waiting on the results from the background check? I'd think they'd do that & the job reference check at the same time, but I'm not positive. When you do hear something, please let us know! :) Funny thought for the day: Wouldn't it be hilarious to buy a picture frame with the person's (or with people's) picture(s) in it & show it off to others, making them think they're part of your family? :) Well, I better get ready for bed! Zzzzzz. SWA LUV!
Shari_Perez
Explorer B
I have to say I just "LUV" the enthusiasm you all have in wanting to join the Southwest Airlines family. We ask that you are patient in hearing from us, as the times do vary for each step of the Employment process. If you do feel that an inordinate amount of time has passed, you are more than welcome to call the Employment Coordinator you are working with for the position. Good Luck to all of you!
spineda
Explorer C
I stopped by the Southwest ticket counter at ORF yesterday. I spoke with CSA Ms. Janice who was so kind and helpful to me. First of all, I had to say congratulations because it was just announced in the local paper this week that SWA is the NUMBER ONE carrier at ORF for the calendar year, and they are expected to hold the lead through the end of the year. Well, I wanted my inquiry to be short and sweet because I didn't want to hold up the line of customers. I explained to her that I visited Southwest.com and saw that there were openings for Part-Time CSA positions. I told her that I submitted my resume online and asked if she knew of any upcoming recruitment events or group interview sessions. She said she didn't and that the manager was currently unavailable because he was in a meeting. However, Ms. Janice was so nice to provide me with the manager's name and direct number. I know this is one of the busiest weeks for the entire airline industry, so I told her that maybe I should try next week. However, she suggested that I could probably come by on Wednesday (tomorrow). So now I will give the manager a call and set up a time that is convenient for him to personally receive my resume. I just wanted to share my experience with you all. I have to say that I was a bit nervous, but it was such a relief to be greeted with so much warmth at the SWA counter. I'll keep you guys posted! Thanks, Salvador
gabrielle1
Explorer C
I had my 1-1 on Monday 11-26-07 in Oakland. It went well. I was fingerprinted and took my drug test. All the people at the 1-1 were passed to the next level for testing. The atmosphere just seemed so fun and friendly. I am so anxious for everything to clear. I've been background checked for employment before. I am wondering if the process is any different? **praying for an expedited clearance**** This blog is a gem! 🙂
jlamb1
Adventurer C
Gabrielle - I am thrilled you had a good experience in OAK. No surprise. We have a great Team there. The background process is similar to other background checks...except...in addition to verification of employment, criminal history, etc. we also check to see that you were nice to your siblings, always sent mom a card on Mother's Day, and that you ate your veggies before eating dessert. Otherwise, pretty much the same. Jeff Lamb PS: I'm sure it won't take long, most are complete in under 10 days once the process gets started.
Nicole10
Adventurer C
Wow, this has got to be the longest running string of comments I've ever seen on Blog Southwest! It's about 10 months old! I too am an SWA hopeful. I've applied on southwest.com and most recently through a professional affiliation (The Dallas IIA), and I have a weird question. Everytime I re-vamped my resume (which I do a lot - hey, continous improvement) I re-submitted it online. I want them to have the latest and greatest version, you know? Well, a financial/accounting recruiter told me recently that (applying more than once) is not a good thing and frowned upon by potential employers. Can anyone enlighten me? Please tell me he's just referring to stuffy accountants and not my dream job! ;-) Nikki
Nicole10
Adventurer C
Scratch that - it's a year old! Also good luck to all of you lucky ducks with interviews! Nikki
Barbie1
Explorer C
I received a call that I was chosen to move forward with the background check and drug screen. Does anyone know if Southwest does urine samples or hair folicle samples? I was scheduled to have my hair cut and colored this weekend but don't want to do anything that will make me look suspicious. Thanks!
Denese
Explorer C
I was invited to a group interview for CSA in October of this year and had a 1 on 1 November at SFO with Michelle Woods from Alameda. I left each meeting knowing Southwest is where I want to be. It was not the normal interviews. The group laughed, shared experiences and had a moment to learn about others. I was truly impressed with Michelle's deliverence of information. We had questions and she (Michelle) had answers. My 1 on 1 was great. I was nervous but I felt at home as Michelle introduced me to other employees, not just by their names but by their job descriptions. Thanks Michelle! I have not heard back from Southwest but did have contact with a company called First Advantage saying they were hired by Southwest to do background checks. I have been truly blessed to keep my background pretty clean. I am hoping for the best. Okay enough about me. Has anyone recently gone through CSA training or have information on what to expect in Dallas? Thanks for reading and best of luck to other applicants! Denese
gabrielle1
Explorer C
Thanks Jeff ;) So, I cleared the background check and waiting for Dallas to let me know.... **twiddling thumbs*** btw, they did question me about the time I smacked my brother for eating all the CapnCrunch..... ***check email, then twiddle thumbs again***
Denese
Explorer C
Update***** Cleared Background I called People Department this morning and went this afternoon for fingerprints and drug screen. Denese
jlamb1
Adventurer C
Congrats Gabrielle - looks like you sped through the process with flying colors in spite of the "brother smacking" incident. I'll be sure and steer clear of your cereal...stop by and introduce yourself sometime.
Jeffrey2
Explorer C
Hi Leah itÃ
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
Hi, Jeffrey. Congratulations! 🙂 I honestly don't know the answers to your questions. 😞 I'm sorry! I wish I did. I bet someone like Blog Boy (Brian Lusk) can tell you. Please keep us updated! Thought for the day: Do you sleep in the bed, or on it? SWA LUV! 🙂
blusk
Aviator C
Leah, I don't know the answer to Jeffrey's questions, but I know that our People Department folks monitor the blog. Brian
Shari_Perez
Explorer B
Jeffrey - Congratulations for making it into the pool for the Ramp position at PBI! The time a candidate stays in the pool varies, it all depends on the hiring needs of the Station. You will remain active in the pool until there is an opening. Just a couple of things to know, depending how long you are in the pool, an updated background checks/fingerinting or drug testing may be required - all of these have a time limit on them, and they will expire. If you are in there for an extended amount of time (one year or more) you may even be asked to come back and visit with the People Deptarment or the Station Leaders again. Hopefully PBI will have an opening soon so you can join the Southwest Family! Good luck!
gabrielle1
Explorer C
Just wanted to update...I got the job! I start next week. The folks at OAK are busy and I called (again). Michelle was more than gracious to me and didnt seem annoyed one bit. She officially welcomed me to the SW family. I know I will have to work the holiday, but I am so excited. I now get to be one of those happy folks at SW. Thanks for all the help with this blog. It sure helps to get answers while waiting for the process to be complete! :) :) 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Robert_H_
Explorer C
Afternoon all...I thought I might add on to this "SWA's longest blog thread" with a question. I applied online for a RA position at AUS and wanted to know how long it would take before being contacted whether it be positive or negative. I've had a small bit of experience as a ramper through the years at my previous 2 jobs and now that im undergoing a career change, being a ramper for a GREAT airline at SWA would be icing on the cake for me... Questions and comments are welcome!!
Denese
Explorer C
Congrats Gabrielle
Shari_Perez
Explorer B
Robert - Thank you so much for your interest in the Ramp Agent position at the AUS airport! I have to admit, it has been quite some time since we have had openings in AUS - we are very exited about the opportunities there. We are currently in the stage of reviewing the resumes that we have received for the Ramp Agent position. Our Recruiting Team should be sending out some correspondence, via email, within the next couple of weeks. Good luck - I truly hope we are the 'icing on the cake' for you! Shari
Robert_H_
Explorer C
To Shari Perez- Thank you for the info O great people (department) members...*bows down profusely in homage* 🙂 (gotta keep that good karma rollin!)
Noriess_Glover
Explorer C
Hi, I am new to this blog site at Southwest and hope I get a response given the holiday season is upon us. I have just got married over the Thanksgiving holiday and moved from Chicago to Dallas. Over this past year I have visited the Dallas area at least 10 times monthly to see my fiance via Southwest Airlines. I was pleasantly surprised with Southwest Airlines committment to their customers and efficiency in its operations. My fiance popped the question and I gladly accepted and relocate to Dallas to start our lives together. I love Dallas and the city more than I thought I would being a Chicago native and all. I was so impressed with the welcoming I received monthly on the Southwest Airlines flights that my husband has suggested that since Southwest treated me so well as a customer that they would treat me even better as an employee so I should make them my number one employment choice in Dallas. My background is in Finance and would love to speak with a Southwest Airlines Finance & Accounting Recruiter. I am available immediately for an interview. Thank you, Noriess.
Ryan_Meaux
Explorer C
I just interviewed on 12/13/07 for RA in Denver, I got all the way to the fingerprints Iam very exited!! They told I would get a phone call on monday but nobody call me. Can someone tell me how long does the process take!! and after they do my fingerprints when should I expect a phonecall
Randy_Nist
Explorer C
Good Morning Ryan, Southwest Airlines hiring process has many factors. Depending on the stations need at the time, you may be placed in a pool or offered a position at Southwest Airlines once the background process has been completed. Denver is continually growing, I do not anticipate a long wait for you. Please expect a call from the Employment Coordinator in the next week with additional information. Thanks so much for you questions, I wish you the best of luck!
Robert_H_
Explorer C
update: I'm still waiting for any confirmation. Even called DAL People Dept. yesterday and left a msg. (keeps saying patience young padawan 🙂 ) *crossing his fingers*
Denese
Explorer C
Background, drug screen, fingerprints all clear just waiting for SFO (CSA) to have a need for me. Thanks to the staff at Oakland for making me feel like I was not a bother throughout the process! Happy Holidays to everyone
Nicole10
Adventurer C
I had positions in mind with 3 different companies, SWA (of course my first choice), and 2 other great companies. I had a phone screen with SWA and recieved an offer from one of the other companies. I decided if I had a chance at SWA for a one-on-one, I'd pass on the offer and go for what I really wanted. Well, I got my email this morning that SWA isn't interested and the recruiter I was working with is out of the office until next year, so I'm not really sure why they've passed one me. I'm totally heartbroken. I guess this is a good time to remind myself that I'm very lucky to have the jobs that I have, and the opportunities still out there. No more crying in my cheerios. Everyone have a great day, and best of luck to the rest of you interviewing and training! Nikki
sammy11
Explorer C
Hello everyone I attended a group session for CSA in Seattle on the 13th. It was kind of odd since I was the only male atttendant. The group screening session was fun and very relaxed. The thing that I learned fromt this is that your personality and being your true self are key factors in this job. Anyway, I was invited back for the 1-on-1 interview the next day, and they told me that I'll be informed of the next step in 5 to 10 days. Did anyone get the call or any kind of notification within that time frame ? I hate the waiting game.
blusk
Aviator C
Hi everyone, We have closed the comments on this post, but are asking all of you to visit Jeff's new post, "Back to Work--the Sequel." The new post should make it easier to get the kind of information and feedback you have been looking for. Brian
Anonymous3396
Explorer C
Does anyone know if you are ineligible for employment at swa if you hacve a dui or other misdemeanors on your record from ocver ten yrs ago? cppu
Glenda
Explorer C
Hi Everyone, I had an interveiw on 8-13-08 for Ramp Agent , I had a background check,fingerprint and drug test. I wanted to know if there are female ramp agents at Southwest I'm in Chicago at Mdw Airport. If someone knows Please let me know. Thank You All So Much and Good Luck In your Search For Employment At Southwest A Great Place To Work.
Amber1
Explorer C
Hi there, i accidently found this website somehow! I just had a one on one interview with swa for the NEW MSP station today!! I am/was soo excited that i did get a call for an interview, now they told me they would be in touch after reviewing their notes. Can maybe anybody give me more insight as to when I may hear back?? I am just so excited and REALLY REALLY want this position. I have heard nothing but GREAT things about southwest and very happy they are coming to MSP finally!!
Reuben
Explorer C
Hi! My name is Reuben and I had a one on on interview today for Hartford Ramp Agent. I believe the interview went well. The next step is the background check and fingerprinting, hopefully I'll get a call back saying your hired !! I'm looking forward to working as a Ramp Agent at SWA!!!
kirojas
Explorer C
Hello, everyone! My name is Kat. I filled out an application for a Customer Service Agent position in Raleigh, NC. I applied online on 02/02/2009 (the closing date was 02/05/2009). So far no news at all. I am just wondering how long it would take to either get an interview, or a "No thanks" Any ideas? I have been hoping to work for Southwest for a very long time, so the wait is very difficult!
JeanetteA
Explorer C
Hi all! I am in the "moving forward" process after my recent interview as a Customer Service Agent here in Houston. I am so excited and so proud at the prospect of working for such a GREAT company. So if you happen to look West/Southwest, and you see a strange, glowing, beeming light, it is ME!!!! I AM SO HAPPY!!!! Good luck to all seeking. Remember no matter in what capacity you work, customer service is number one. I like the way Southwest does it in their "seat yourself" policy and in their "bags fly free," policy. Those are great ways to put the customer's needs FIRST. Anyway, I will strive to do my best, as I represent SOUTHWEST AIRLINES. YEAH ME!!!
Kimmy1
Explorer C
Can anyone tell me if you have Inflight Supervisor positions open in Orlando? I would like to apply for this. I have 15yrs working at another airline as a Flight Attendant and now I am ready to move into Management. Please let me know if this is a F/A Base and what the steps are in the hiring process. Thanks