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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
James6
Explorer C
That is hilarious about the pages falling out. You could just rip the rest of them out, use a three hole punch and make a binder book out of it. I will keep you posted!
Joe_Friedmann1
Explorer C
Leah, training is a lot of fun. I got to meet the head blogger and Colleen was our guest speaker for FLY class. I got to see the other side of the blog! Joe!
Leah3
Adventurer B
Thanks! It is hilarious, James! 🙂 I didn't mention that two of my friends I LUV dearly, who work for Southwest where I live, autographed my book! That's great, Joe! I'm glad you're having fun. 🙂 What does FLY class stand for? Maybe one day I can be a Psychologist for Southwest! If that career-Psychologist-turns out not to be for me, then I will certainly try again for Southwest! Thought for the day: Why do they call them house shoes when they're not made out of a house? It must be because that's where you wear them. SWA LUV! 🙂
joe-mdw-plane-d
Frequent Flyer C
Leah, Freedom Luv and You I had a soft cover copy of the NUTS! book and its pages fell out also. Now I have a hardcover book. Armrest must be in down position for taxi, takeoff and landing. Ding! boy Joe
Leah3
Adventurer B
Oh, thanks, Joe! That makes sense. How long do you attend training? Where did you get a hardcover copy of the book? Maybe I could buy one & still keep my other one, of course. Thought for the day: Why is it called an ear of corn when it's not shaped like an ear? Hmmmm. SWA LUV! 🙂
Kathy23
Explorer C
Hey Everybody! Lisa, Congratulations on your job opportunity! I received a letter in the mail & after all the excitement I was turned down! It was my fault though I still have A LOT of LUV for SWA! There was something that came up in my background check that was many many years ago that came up to bite in the behind 😞 I would've disclosed it however it was so long ago I blocked it out of my mind and honestly forgot about it. I know, I know it sounds like a lame excuse but if I would have disclosed it there wouldn't have been any problems because it was minor. But because I didn't it was automatic rejection :(! I have been hired by another airline because I did disclose it with them, but I will not give up on being a part of the SWA family as I can reapply next year for CSA which is what I want. So I will take this new opportunity and get some airline experience under my belt and I will be back! I wish you all the best of luck in all your endeavors!
Leah3
Adventurer B
Congratulations, Lisa! That's great! *Has party.* Kathy, I'm really sorry you got the letter no one wants to get! I've gone through that before & I was crushed. I shed some tears, too; I won't lie about that! I'm glad you're not giving up! Well, I better get ready for bed now! Thought for the day: Why are they called cucumbers when they're not shaped like Q's? SWA LUV! 🙂
Kathy23
Explorer C
Thanks Leah! Yes I must say I was VERY crushed and yes I did shed many tears. I am over it now & I know it was my own mistake. If I had remembered it I woud have definitley disclosed it! I hope that all the people out there that are looking to join the SWA family will read about my mistakes and will not make the same ones that I did. Much LUV to you all!
joe-mdw-plane-d
Frequent Flyer C
Leah, The books were handed out along with a mandatory tee shirt. I was in Dal for 1 week. I just finished 1 week @ mdw. Thursday was my first day cleaning 2 planes. Brian has a large model of an airbus 380 in his office in swa livery. I didn't see a single piece of candycorn! Joe Friedmann- Mdw based aircraft appearance technician!

Leah3
Adventurer B
That's great, Joe! From now on, I'll have to ask if you cleaned my planes when I board. :) What does your t-shirt look like? I wonder if Blog Boy hid his candy corn? I wish I could meet him, Carole, Paula, & the others! I did get to meet Mary Noel-Hennes in STL when I was waiting for my flight. She autographed a boarding pass, gave me some cool things, & was in a picture with me! Thought for the day: Why is it called pineapple when it's not made from an apple? SWA LUV! 🙂
joe-mdw-plane-d
Frequent Flyer C
Blog boy seems to have disappeared! Anyone heard from him? Joe Friedmann- Mdw based aircraft appearance technician!
blusk
Aviator C
I'm sorry, but I am still around. You can't get rid of me that easy. I was just in the Big Apple all last week. Blog Boy
joe-mdw-plane-d
Frequent Flyer C
Now you eat apples instead of candycorn? Much healthier. Joe Friedmann- Mdw based aircraft appearance technician!

Not applicable
Awww, you're welcome Kathy! I'm glad you're better now. Don't give up! :) I'm glad you're back from the Big Apple, Blog Boy! I LUV it there & hope you had a good trip. Speaking of apples, I will eat one (maybe with peanut butter on it) & have something to drink for breakfast tomorrow; that will be all! Observation for the day: Graduate has the word "ate" in it! SWA LUV & mine to all! 🙂
Leah3
Adventurer B
The comment I posted yesterday (the 20th), shouldn't have been from Anonymous! It's from Leah; I just didn't type my name! If Southwest ever hires Psychologists, you can hire me, once I'm qualified! :) Thought for the day: Why are they called Cracker Jacks when they're not made out of crackers? Also, maybe Jack came up with the idea. SWA LUV! 🙂
Michelle28
Explorer C
Hi everyone! I just wanted to say that I'm still in the pool (been there since February) and SW has been great about keeping me informed about any movement in BHM. It's a smaller airport, so not as much movement as some of the bigger cities I'm guess. I did hear in the last couple of weeks that there has been some movement, but I'm still in the pool. This is a great sign that there has been movement! :) By the way, is the site www.seat-sniper.com in any way affiliated with Southwest? They are one of those that get your boarding pass for you and I thought that they were all shut down. Just curious.
Greg
Explorer C
Greetings all! I just recieved an email for a Southwest interview in Denver. This is for a ramp agent position. The interview will take place at a hotel. I have several questions about this: 1) Is this one of those group session interviews? (wasn't stated in the email) 2) Will I have to travel to Denver multiple times during the hiring process? (from SAT) Thanks. This blog has been VERY informative and helpful.
April8
Explorer C
Can anyone give me a run down about the ramp agent training in Dallas TX? I understand you have to pass with a 90% what are you graded on? My father is 62 and applied for a job as a ramp agent, he is in far better shape than me so I am not worried about the physical aspect BUT he isn't into modern techonology yet. I just wanted an idea. Thanks! April
Jennifer4
Explorer C
I recently applied online for an administrative position. Through research, I've learned the name of my prospective supervisor. Would it help or hurt to contact him/her directly with a cover letter and resume? It's been a strategy that's worked well for me in the past, but I'm not sure if be considered enterprising or intrusive at SWA. Thoughts?
Mike_C
Explorer C
I LUV all the information on this blog. I am very excited about the prospect to join the SWA family. I have applied for CSA positions at both LAX and San Diego. I have confirmed an interview for the San Diego position this month. Does this mean that I will no longer be considered for LAX? How long would I need to be employed to transfer to LAX? How long is the interview process in total? Thank you in advance for any information/support. Have a wonderful Day!
jeffrlamb
Explorer C
Hiya Jeff. First of all, Great Name! I ran across your profile with an updated Google Alert on my own name. My company is in the midst of a flurry of press releases about our company and my new position so updating the alerts made sense. I love southwest and fly southwest to the point of jumping through hoops to find any way I can avoid all the other airlines.

In any case, I wanted to reach out to you and posting a comment on your blog was all I came up with. My email address is jeff at domedia if you'd like to exchange details on the joys of having our name.

Jeff R. Lamb
President
DOmedia.com

Chris_from_San_
Explorer C
Wow! So much useful information! My resume appears to have generated some interest and it is gratifying to me. Recently, I applied for part-time CSA in San Diego and full-time RSA in Oklahoma City and Phoenix. July 16 saw an email from Matt Rogers in Dallas about my interest in Oklahoma City and from Dave Vogt in Phoenix about my interest in San Diego. On replying to both, July 18 saw offers from both Mr. Rogers and Mr. Vogt about interviews, and so I scheduled with Mr. Vogt for an interview July 23 in San Diego and with Mr. Rogers for an interview July 24 in Oklahoma City. Both were one-on-one interviews, and I was offered the opportunity to move forward with background checks, etc. for both San Diego and Oklahoma City. To top it off, I received an email from Emily Rosendahl in Phoenix about the Phoenix RSA position on July 25. I guess my timing was right and my resume fits what Southwest Airlines needs. WOOHOO! BTW, I have decided to continue forward with RSA in Oklahoma City. My fingers are crossed for the acceptance and offer to start with Southwest Airlines!
Anonymous2145
Explorer C
Hi, I have a question. I recently went to a GI for FA position and then had a one on one, or I guess I should say one on three, myself, two FA's and a recruiter. ( : Anyhow, after the interview, I was taken into another room and fingerprinted and filled out more paperwork. Is this normal protocal for all FA interviews? Does everyone that interviewed get fingerprinted or is this a good sign for me? I'm still waiting to hear and it's just been over a week. I'm going SOOOO excited! Thanks for any replies! JL
Chris_from_San_
Explorer C
The wheels are moving for me in my quest to become a member of the Southwest Airlines Team as an RSA. My interview was successful and I received the email asking me to submit a urine sample. The anticipation is both excruciating and wonderful at the same time!
D_1
Explorer C
Hi Chris, I received my email to submit a urine sample on 7/28/08. I received my offer letter of employment today 8/14! I am from San Diego; I accepted the RSA position in Vegas. Good luck to you!!!
Glenda
Explorer C
Hi everyone, Recieved an email to come in for interveiw on 8-13-2008, everything went fine I had to be fingerprinted and drug test the same day. I also had an background check , can anyone tell me how long it take for this to be over and I could start training. I applied for ramp agent at Midway in Chicago, are there any females that are ramp agents looking forward to working, I'm very very excitied. I can't wait for the first day of training can anyone tell me what the training consist of for ramp agent . THANKS SO MUCH AND GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE IN YOUR SEARCH FOR EMPLOYMENT AT SOUTHWEST.
Chris_from_San_
Explorer C
I'm IN! Meet one of your new RSAs in Oklahoma City!
pberg
Frequent Flyer B
Hey! Woo Hoo! Congratulations, Chris! Welcome Aboard! Paula Berg Southwest Airlines
ladyjane61
Explorer C
Are there any job fair dates coming up? I am in SoCal, but could travel to attend one. Is a job fair different from a general information session? If so, what is the difference. I am new to the process, so any information is greatly appreciated.
Geoff4
Explorer C
Since changing over to the new career website, has the process changed any. I'm just curious why the group sessions are no longer listed.
nick1982
Explorer C
IM I WORK FOR CONTINENTAL AIRLINES AND IS GOING FOR AN INTERVIEW TOMORROW IN MIDLAND, TX FOR CARGO AGENT..... I PRAY THAT I GET THE JOB... SWA IS THE BEST AIRLINE TO WORK FOR AND GROW. I INTERVIEW ONCE HERE IN HOUSTON, TX FOR RAMP AGENT BUT DIDNT GET THE JOB. BUT I KNOW TOMORROW I WILL GET THE JOB. I FEEL IT IN MY HEART; AND WHEN I DO BECOME APART OF THE SWA FAMILY I WILL BE A GOOD CHILD OF THE SWA FAMILY..... SWA HERE I COME..... MUCH LOVE TO SWA CURRENT FAMILY AND FOR THOSE WHO SEEKING EMPLOYMENT WITH SWA. GOOD LUCK.. dominic r griffin
blusk
Aviator C
In response to Bradford M. Hi Bradford, we saw your four comments in the moderation queue. You certainly deserve a response to your concerns, but answwering them in public forum like this would be unfair to you. (And if you will read our User Guide in the "About" link above, we don't respond to personal issues here on the blog.) Please drop me an e-mail at brian.lusk@wnco.com, and I can provide you contact information so that you can pursue your questions. Brian
codygavyn
Explorer C
Hello everyone! I have recently came across this website in search for some insight on my career search. I recently applied to two (2) positions with Southwest one in Dallas, the other in Indianapolis as a Records Analyst. My 10 years of Naval service has given me the chance to gain experience in the aviation field as a Records Analyst. I will be separating in the next 5 months, with the intent to grasp a career with southwest. Does anyone know the process of the application steps when the HR receives them? The position in Indiana has now closed, but the Dallas position is still currently open. I also have emailed a couple people from this website of whom publicly gave out there contact info 🙂 and still no response. Congrats to all who have obtained there position at Southwest ,maybe you can give me some insight on just how you did it..... 🙂
Chris_from_Okla
Explorer C
Come and listen to the story ‘bout a guy named Chris… He lived in San Diego and he thought he’d found his bliss… Then one day, he was surfing on the net, found jobs at Southwest Airlines and said “I’ll place my bet.” Travel, that is… airfare…rental cars. Well, the first thing you know, He's got an interview… Next thing you know, He’s flying nonrevenue… Soon after that, He’s getting paid to play… He’s got himself a job as a Southwest RSA. Takin’ calls, that is… Customer Service…Reservations… My impression of living and working the Southwest way has had a great foundation set by Tammy Slaughter and Ed Boerner, our training coordinators and Kelli Wehba, our facilitator. From what I have experienced so far, the sky is the limit for me with Southwest Airlines. I am proud to be a member of the Southwest Airlines family. My commitments to Southwest Airlines are that I will strive to deliver Positively Outrageous Service to every customer and I will do whatever I can to save and make money for the company and myself in the performance of my job.
Michelle8
Explorer C
This is for codygavyn- I would be more than happy to talk to you if you'd like to email me. My addrress is mdhkitten@gmail.com
Anonymous2145
Explorer C
Hi there, I was wondering if anyone had any information regarding flight attendant training dates? I am in the pool. I can't wait to work for SW!!! Thanks, Leesa
Abel
Explorer C
Good afternoon. Inspiration does exist, but it must find you working. I am from Hungary and learning to write in English, tell me right I wrote the following sentence: "Cheap flights fast offers you cheap airline tickets to over destinations! Find cheap business class airline tickets." Thank you very much :P. Abel.
Dave411
Explorer C
I had a few questions about my status. I interviewed on sept 3, and i still have not heard anything as of yet. i have interviewed before and was passed over. I never understood why when i went to the group interviews i was always selected to stay while other people were sent home. i always thought the interviews went well but was never selected. So i moved on and got hired by a competitor. I have no felonies and my drivers record is good. I just wanted to see or talk to someone to find out if there is a problem i can fix or mis-information on me. When the last company did a background check on me some bad information came up but ended up being an error on the court. if im not selected i just wanted to know why so maybe the next time i can improve my chances. Also for the background check do they do it for all the candidates or the ones they pick to move on in the process.
kimmygme
Explorer A
I had my interview yesterday for ramp agent at Midway. I am excited and nervous. Are there any women that work at MDW as a ramp agent? Don't want to be the only one! lol I have done physical work before - but I am sure it is nothing compared to a ramp agent. Wish me luck!
bjurand
Explorer C
Ive heard that Southwest has an apprentcieship program for mechanics. Is this true?If so how can I find out more information about the program. Thanks.
Michelle__DEN
Explorer C
Question ... if you submitted your resume online and got a call or e-mail for an interview, what do you think it was in your resume that got you noticed?
carriek
Explorer C
I am so very happy that I received a call for a job offer at the Phoenix call center. sincerely, one of the happiest days of my life, getting this job, after passing the phone interview and then passing the physical interview. I fly out to Dallas on Dec 13th to receive my badge. I was very lucky...i feel like i won the job lotto. I have reviewed this blog and the prior blog several times before I received the phone call. I noticed many questions about the backround check and how long the process takes and what the secret is, of passing the physical interview? I will tell you that the recruiters seek a positive and fun attitude and they look for applicants that sincerely have empathy for resolving customer complaints. Your application must be complete with established phone #'s for contacts of prior employers and an explanation of any employment gaps. In my case there were some gaps and honesty is important. Gaps are ok...you just have to explain why there was a gap and several reasons could be an off the books job or a family issue that needed your attention. Not everyone hired for southwest has had prior employement without gaps. Also with regard to the phone and physical interview... you must tell them that you feel the customers' frustration when dealing with resloving whatever issues come up, along with an excellent and professional phone manner and dont just say it because they will ask for a prior(s) examples of how you successfully resolved customer complaints and you must tell the recruiter that you PUT YOURSELF IN THE CUSTOMERS UNFORTUNATE POSITION, whatever that may be. With regard to the background check...for me it was quick. I received the job offer 8 days after the interview. I also assisted the background vendor with expediting my check with obtaining verification of education ( direct phone # to establish your high school and college transcripts) and obtaining employment verification from prior employers that do not always respond in a timely manner. I was very lucky and I had prior pay stubs for the past 3 years to verify my own employment and faxed these to the background check company as they requested. Normally, background checks should take no longer that 5-7 days however, following up with the person who interviewed you as soon as you know your background check is completed was very important in my case. I got the job offer, within 5 minutes of sending my recruiter and email that the background check was complete and sent to southwest, otherwise the information would have sat there longer. Following up is important to getting the offer sooner and/or getting an answer on your status. I wish all of you luck and my heart, sincerely, goes out to prior applicants that were not as lucky and blessed as I was and I want these people to remember that not getting this job does not mean that you weren't qualified for the position and it does not mean that they didn't like you!!! You must remember the probability of getting in with this company is not in your favor. These recruiters make very important decisions to hire applicants that they feel would be best but dont let that decision take away from your self worth and keep trying and never give up!!!!! i sincerely hope this information is a help to anyone out there, either waiting for a job offer or anyone that did not receive the job. God Bless!!!!
niks02
Explorer C
HI Everyone!!! I had an interview for a telephone customer relations representative in Dallas and Im so anxious to hear something back. I love EVERYTHING about Southwest Airlines, but there was one thing that really stuck out to me about Southwest. During the beginning of the recession when most airlines where trying to survive because of the tremendous drop in sales, most airlines started charging for bags, stopped serving food on board, increase ticket prices to keep the airline from sinking. As a customer of Southwest Airlines, I felt that they were the only airline who kept it together and wasnt looking at the customer for money to bail them out. They stood firm and even if they did have problems, we( as the customer) had No IDEA!!! Whats so important to me in anything or anyone is how can a person, business or object hold up during the weakest moments and Southwest has truly won me over. GOOD JOB SOUTHWEST!!!! This was truly a "survival of the fittest" moment.....I admire your airline and your people to the fullest
niks02
Explorer C
To: CARRIEK I'm so glad you wrote your comment!!! Congratulations on your job offer and hope everything works out in your favor. God bless!!
scottrm718
Explorer C
I was wondering if anyone had any information on A&P mechanic jobs at BWI. I have eleven years of maintenance experience with the last three being on 737-700's. I currently work at Andrews AFB but I live, literally, 5 minutes from BWI and am looking to change over to the commercial side of the industry. I monitor the careers section of Southwest.com regularly but I haven't seen any announcements for mechanics at all in the last year or so. Does anyone know if there are going to be any anticipated openings? Any large number of retirements coming up? Any information that anyone has for me would be greatly appreciated.
scottrm718
Explorer C
I was wondering if anyone had information on A&P mechanic jobs at BWI. I currently work at Andrews AFB but I live 5 minutes from BWI and am looking to break into the commercial side of the industry. I have 11 years of maintenance experience with the last 3 years being on 737-700's. I have been told by many people in the past that there is no better alternative to working at Southwest if you love (or LUV) the aviation industry. My Uncle was a mechanic at another major airline and he highly suggested applying for Southwest before any other airline. I monitor the careers section of Southwest.com regularly but I haven't seen mechanic jobs advertised at all for any location in about a year. I was wondering if there was going to be a big turnover soon with retirements or anything like that. Any information that anyone can provide to me will be greatly appreciated.
Luis
Explorer C
hello! i recently applied for a ramp position with southwest in Denver, and received a call on friday. So I called back today and had a brief over the phone interview and was told it would be about 4 weeks before they made their decisions and got back to everyone. I know they must have had tons of applications because I believe they also had a fair not so long ago. I did ramp for another airline here in denver about 2 years ago but didnt stay there long because of school and not being able to schedule work around it. Im really excited about being able to get back into the aviation field. I've been looking around the site trying to find info on the training as I know its in texas and is about 2 weeks long. Anyone care to share their experiences on their ramp training?
scottrm718
Explorer C
Sorry about the double post. I didn't think the first one went through!!
jencc
Explorer C
Hi Everyone, I feel exactly the same as CarrieK! I was offered a position in the PHX call center and will also be flying out to Dallas on Dec 13! I am so excited ! I also received the job offer 8 days after the interview...everything CarrieK mentioned was spot on.....make sure you have a good phone number for people to reach you. I had the background check company call me to let me know they had not been able to get a hold of my former employer.....I put a call in to him and told him to call background check company ASAP!!!!! Looking forward to meeting everyone!!!
carriek
Explorer C
Hi Jen!!! I am so happy for you and for us!!!! Looking forward to meeting you on Sunday!! As I write this I am listening the President Obama speak about our sad economy and the issue of job growth. Although Jen and I are now officical employees of Southwest Airlines...my heart goes out to the thousands of people out there that are not as fortunate as Jen and I. I can't help but feel very sad for people out of work that are trying to survive and I am praying for all of you!!! I want you all to know that there is hope and to never give up the job search!!! I have been there and as a single parent with my daughter in her third year of college...it has not been easy. I know what it is to struggle and I know the feeling of desperation to find a "good" job. Right now...any job you may have...is a "good" job...and remember there are thousands without any job and/or unemployed. Truly, one of the most horrible and scariest experiences in life!!! Again, I am praying for people everywhere, in despair, and I have been there!!! DON'T give up!!! Life changes on a dime, changes, for both good and bad and all it takes is that one moment or that one phone call that says..."you got the job" :))))))) And thank you so very much to Niks02 for your comment to me. Your comment is very uplifting to me!!!! God Bless You All !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!