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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
Hello everybody i've just been reading all of your comments and questions. It sounds like we all have the same goal...to work for the best Airline ever! I went to a Southwest carreer fair yesterday to become a Provisoning Agent in Las Vegas it was quite an experience. The whole process took about 6 hours but I made ti through to fingerprinting and my first round of background checks. Now my question is how does an applicant pool work and what are the chances of getting a job offer since i've already interviewed and have been fingerprinted.
Randy_Nist
Explorer C
Tracy, I am the Southwest Airlines Employment Manager for fabulous Las Vegas. First of all, thank you so much for your interest in Southwest Airlines and for being so patient yesterday at our Career fair. We feel very privileged to visit with every applicant whether it is a job fit or not and yesterday was no exception. To answer your question, once an individual has successfully passed all of the background screening process we call them on a Ã
Nicole1111
Explorer C
hello everyone i had my group interview today and i think it went very well now I'm waiting patiently for them to call me to let me know if i will make it through to the next interview so here's hoping and they also stated that we would be placed in a pool i don't mind that at all because i really want this career but i wanted to know how long can i expect to wait while in the pool I'm applying for BWI position i was wondering will they need people in the upcoming months or is it a longer wait oh and thank you for all the information you gave me previously
Mark_Harmon
Explorer C
We are a national background screening company and have been in business for 14 years. We do county-level, real-time screening in all 3500+ counties with a 24-72 hour turnaround with our web-based system. We have instant access to all Global Homeland Security Databases, national sex offender registry and nationwide criminal records. I don't know why it would take 1-3 weeks to get a background check done.
Shari_Perez
Explorer B
Nicole - Hi, I am Shari Perez, the Manager over all of the Field Employment Recruiting efforts. I am so glad your group interview went well the other day for the BWI position (I am not sure which position you put in for exactly, but they are all awesome!). Should you pass the next step in the interview process, you would then be sent for a complete background check, drug screen and fingerprint process (not necessarily in that order). The timeframe for all of these may vary, depending on the number of Candidates the BWI office is working with Ã
Tracy10
Explorer C
Thank You Randy for answering my Questions. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that I will get hired soon.
Nicole1111
Explorer C
Thanks a lot Shari and i applied for the customer service position at BWI so i guess all i do now is wait patiently for them to contact me to let me know if i made it to the next phase once again thanks
Tracy10
Explorer C
I am having trouble getting my high school transcripts sent to me. I would like to know if Southwest still proceeds with my background checks even though they don't have my transcripts yet.
jt11
Explorer C
Hi Everyone, Just a question about the group session. While reading through the employment hiring process I noticed that they dont list filling out an application or submitting documents till you actually have a one on one interview. For anyone who has been to a group interview, I'm wondering, Will I need to bring in my documents i.e resume, references or should I just wait till my one on one (noticed i say till my one on one...*must think positive*). Thanks!
Nicole1111
Explorer C
well i got a letter today from southwest stating that i was not selected for the one on one for customer service at BWI which i don't understand most of the people said they only wanted the job because of the money and the profits they make but i said i wanted it because southwest is a family oriented company and it's not about the money for me it's the friendly employee's and great work environment but i guess they wanted more, thanks for all the help i guess I'll try again next year
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
Wow, Nicole! Are you serious? That's too bad! 😞 Well, don't give up! I want to work for SWA because I LUV traveling, working with people, I LUV to fly, am very outgoing & feel I have the right personality for the company! I'm personable & not afraid to be my goofy self! Plus, I've wanted to work for this airline since elementary school. Those are just some of the reasons. Perhaps there's another position you can try for now & maybe you can try again next year for CSA
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
Some other reasons I want to work for SWA are because of the Company's excellent safety record, they're great about being on time, & I always have great service! I really cannot see myself working for any other airline. I know SWA doesn't hire FAs over 60, but is there an age limit on CSAs? I'll be 31 tomorrow, so I obviously have awhile to go until I'm 60!
Nicole1111
Explorer C
nope sorry leah i can't try for another position cause i don't have a license but i wish i did but thanks for the help i really thought i aced that interview i don't know what are they looking for cause i have the same qualities as you and i smile when i speak i guess they were looking for experience which i don't have a lot of but i'm going to keep trying and hopefully we both will get it and thanks for the encouragement
Shari_Perez
Explorer B
Thank you all for your interest in joining the Southwest family! I hope I can answer some of the questions I have seen in the above comments. We do ask that you bring documentation to your group interview sessions in the event we have time alloted to do any one on one interviews immediately following. And you are correct, that is the time you would fill out the applicaiton. This information will assist Southwest in completing certain phases of the employment process. The only position that has an age restriction on it is our Pilots. Currently, they can only fly until the age of 60. All other positions have no 'top out' age limit. Thank you all for your interest in Southwest Airlines and good luck in your continued job search!
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
Thank you, Shari! That helps. :) You're welcome, Nicole! I know when I interviewed for FA & CSA last year, I felt it was going to happen; I really thought I'd get picked for training. I didn't feel quite as good after my second RSA interview, though. At my second FA interview, the FA who interviewed me said there are no right or wrong answers. When I think about it, I feel like I didn't sound very confident. That could be why, or part of the reason why, I wasn't selected. Well, we won't give up! When I was coming back from MCO this week, one of the FAs I was talking to said it will happen. You & I need to keep telling ourselves that & keep thinking positively. I still imagine myself as a CSA & an FA.
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
Oh, Shari, do you think my work as Activity Assistant (with elderly) might help me for SWA? I'm asking because I feel it shows I LUV to have fun, & I'm definitely not afraid to be my silly self! I don't consider it to be customer service (I do have experience in that), but it shows I'm a people person; plus, I LUV making the residents laugh! 🙂 I definitely have a sense of humor!
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
I look at the Positions section on the Careers page & am wondering what positions, besides those listed, might ever be offered at HDQ. I saw one for a Receptionist position (I forgot the exact title), but that's the only one I think I'd be qualified for. When I send in my resumÃ
awebb
Explorer C
Happy Belated Birthday Leah ! I hope you had a fabulous birthday last week , and I hope this year is going to hold wonderful things for you ! My name is Amy Webb, and I am the Manager of Corporate Employment here in Dallas. I noticed you are interested in the positions we have here at our HDQ, and I would love to talk with you more about the job opportunities here at SWA. We have so many outstanding Departments that are always looking for great people, and we are so glad that you have not given up on your goal of becoming part of our Southwest family. Please feel free to email me at amy.webb@wnco.com or call 214-792-4000 and ask for me so we can chat about which jobs match up with your skills and interest. Thank you so much for sharing your positive outlook and enthusiasm for Southwest with others. We LUV reading your posts, and I look forward to talking with you soon !
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
Thanks, Amy! I sent you an email today (the 31st). Let me tell you, I'm a very determined person! :) SWA LUV! 🙂
Mike30
Explorer C
Blogsouthwest has to be the best thing since peanuts were first offered on flights. There are many blog spots on the internet and none of those responds to comments. It is a sign of a great management team to respond. I interviewed twelve days ago for a position in the Southwest Aircraft Maintenance Department in Dallas and am eagerly awaiting a notification in the mail. I originally came to this blog for information on the time frame between interview and notification but became engrossed by the comments. I have worked in the aircraft maintenance field for twenty-three years and have seen the ups and downs of the USAF and commercial aviation. No company out there compares to Southwest and I would be honored to work for this outstanding company.
Nicole1111
Explorer C
aww leah i hope they decide to hire you and happy belated birthday and you give me inspration to keep trying so i'll be back for a another interview for csa at bwi nexy july i can't wait
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
Thanks, Nicole! 🙂 Who knows, maybe we'll work together someday! That would be fun.
scott_knoertzer
Explorer C
hi im scott in ft lauderdale florida, the week of 08/06/2007 i has two interviews for ramp agent employment, can someone tell me how i can do a follow up on the interview, and if im still being considered for employment thank you scott knoertzer ft lauderdale florida
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
Hi, Scott. It may be 3-4 weeks before you hear anything; at least that's what I've been told at interviews for positions with then. If you successfully complete the second interview, you have a bacground check & drug screening; you have to pass those before going for training. Keep us posted! 🙂
Tracy10
Explorer C
Hi everybody. First let me say that I love this website! I found it by accident. It is so informative. Thanks to everbody that is answering our questions and concerns. I have recently gone to a group interview in Las Vegas and was sent for fingerprinting and background check. I didn't really hear anything back for about a month until 2 days ago they contacted me and told me that I needed to go for a drug screening. I did that yesterday. My question is does that mean I will be hired or will I be placed in an applicant pool?
Randy_Nist
Explorer C
Hi Tracy, Thank you for the positive comment regarding our website. Southwest Airlines hiring process has many factors. Once your background, fingerprints and drug test have cleared, depending on the stations need at the time, you may be placed in a pool or offered a position at Southwest Airlines. Las Vegas 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 results of all pending tests, if successful she will be able to give you information on a start date or an estimated start date and place you in our hiring pool. Tracy, thanks so much for you questions, I wish you the best of luck! Randy Nist Employment Manager-LAS
scott_knoertzer
Explorer C
hi all i got the call today from sw to go to a local place for a drug screen and to fly out on monday to balitmore md to do fingerprinting, can someone tell me what next in the process thanks scott ft lauderdale fl
Nicole1111
Explorer C
Hey everyone corgrats on getting hired for your positions i now believe that i didn't get hired for csa at BWI because i didn't have enough job history so i'm going to get another job to gain some experience and I'll try again next year for the csa position and leah did you get a chance to interview for something when you e mailed amy
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
That's great, Scott! It sounds like things are going well, & if you pass those, you'll get a job offer; then, they'll either place you in a pool or determine the start date & schedule training.
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
Hey, Nicole! I've not yet sent in my resumÃ
scott_knoertzer
Explorer C
thanks leah, just 1 more question, if they dont have in opening in ft lauderdale ide be willing to go to detroite, would it be ok to tell them this, thanks for all the input scott in south florida
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
You're welcome, Scott! Yes, I think it would be perfectly fine to tell them you're willing to relocate to DTW (Detroit). I feel it shows you're flexible. I know I'm definitely willing to go anywhere Southwest sends me! 🙂
Tracy10
Explorer C
Hello everybody! I just got the call a few days ago that I have been hired as a Provisioning Agent which is what I wanted. I am so excited and nervous all at the same time. I can't believe I actually got the job! I want to get in with the company and work my way up. To me, working for Southwest is a dream come true. Good luck to all of you.
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
Yea, Tracy! Congratulations! Can you tell me some interview tips so the next time I interview, I'll do better with the one-on-ones (seriously!)? When do you start training? I know you'll do great. Maybe you can also stock the planes with candy corn! 🙂
Tracy10
Explorer C
Hi Leah. I actually got the best interview advice from my ex-husband. And I really believe I got the job because of what he told me to do. He said if you really want this job you have to go and get it don't expect them to just give it to you. He said that I have to really prepare, learn everything I can about the company and know what you are going to say in the actual interview and that is exactly what I did. I went online and Googled how to prepare for a job interview and do you know I found the best websites ever! I didn't know that I would get as much information as I did. The websites gave me interview tips and the most commonly asked interview questions. I studied those websites religiously and I realized that I had been making alot of common mistakes when I interviewed for previous jobs. I learned so much! I really think that with your positive attitude and learning some new interview techniques you will definatley get hired. I mean seriously study for the interview like you are studying for a test. The most important thing is know what you are going to say in the interview. I amazed myself at how much better I felt like I had interviewed. Another thing I can tell you is that the style of interview that I had was a behavioral interview where they ask you how you handle certain situations. Those were always the hardest questions for me to answer because if you're not prepared you have to think back to a certain situation and sometimes you forget but thanks to my ex for his advice I was well prepared I knew what I was going to say before I even interviewed. It gave me confidence and I think that showed through because even though I was a little nervous I still knew how I was going to answer the questions. Sorry this was so long but I feel passionate about this. Now I know there is an art to interviewing. Good luck to you. Go online and Google.
nolan
Explorer C
If you are a pilot and placed in the hiring pool, how long before you can begin training?
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
Hi, Tracy! Thanks for the advice! I will certainly give that a try. I think about questions I remember being asked at my FA, CSA, & RSA interviews. Some of the answers I gave might be the same, others different, & others I might try to give 2 brief responses, rather than one; it just depends. The other day, I sat down & wrote those questions & answers; I also wrote questions I could possibly be asked, but I've not jotted down my responses. I certainly would not have these in front of me at the interview, but think it would help having written them down. :) I had a flight attendant when I was coming home from MCO tell me about a book at Target titled "The Art of Becoming a Flight Attendant," or something like that. I'll have to look online again to be sure of the name, but I want to buy a copy. :) Nolan, in answer to your question, my guess is that it depends on the need; I'm not sure though, but I'm sure there is someone who knows. I'm sorry I'm not positive about my response! SWA LUV 🙂
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
Tracy, I was wrong on the book title. It's "The Practical Guide to Becoming a Flight Attendant." I know you were hired for a Provisioning Agent, but should you ever try to become an FA, maybe you can buy the book! I know I want to. 🙂
Tracy10
Explorer C
Thanks Leah. Can anyone tell me what being a Prov. Agent is like. I mean I know what the job description is but I would like to know what really goes into being a Provisioning Agent. Thanks.
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
You're welcome, Tracy. About the only thing I can tell you is that Provisioning Agents see the planes are stocked & fully serviced with supplies, which you obviously already know. I read what it says under "What It Takes to be a Provisioning Agent," but other than all of that information, that is all I know! Too bad they don't serve candy corn, too! *Scratches head in thought. Hmmm, maybe we should suggest SWA does that!* Being a Provisioning Agent does sound fun, too! 🙂 Please keep us updated when you can on how things are going!
awebb
Explorer C
Nolan, I work with the Team that does an amazing job of hiring our new First Officers for SWA. Once your are successful through our selection process and placed into the hiring pool, the length of time before you are offered a class date varies. It is dependent upon how many classes are scheduled and how many people are already in the pool. Once placed in the hiring pool, our Team works very closely with you to keep you informed of the best " estimate" we can give based on the hiring needs of Flight Operations. If you have any other questions or need more specifics about the pool, please feel free to email me at amy.webb@wnco.com. Have a wonderful week, Amy
Cindy_Landguth
Explorer C
Does anyone know when they will start accepting applications for FA again?
Sharmon
Explorer C
Hi Tracy, The Provisioning Agent is a great job. You job is to ensure each A/C is fully stocked with supplies. I think the best part about the job is getting to work with so many wonderful SWA Employees. You get to work closely with the Flight Attendants, Pilots, Ramp Agents, Operations Agents, etc..... The Provisioning Agent also make our PAX's very happy. When that business person or family have been traveling all day and have had no time to get a quick bite to eat, they are very excited to be getting that bag of peanuts and a cold drink that the Provisioning Agent made sure was on that flight.
Sharmon
Explorer C
Hi Cindy, I would say in the next few months we'll probably start accepting FA resumes again. I'm sorry I can't give you a more definitive answer at this time.
Sonya
Explorer C
Hi there! I went to a group session at BNA (Nashville) on July 10 and they kept me in the room and scheduled my one on one in the books right then, which I had on Aug. 6. I was called a week later to set up my drug screen and fingerprinting in Chicago. **excited!** that was on Aug. 17th. Now...how long could I expect to hear that they want to hire me? I looove this industry and hope I get it. Never got into any problems/trouble, so I'm not worried at all about drug screen and background, fingerprint results at all...just anxious and excited. Hope to hear soon!
tconners
Explorer C
Hi Sonya, Thank you for participating in our Nashville, Customer Service Agent interview process. Nahsville is a great city and a great place to work. I am happy to know that you are ***excited*** 😃 about the position and I wanted to provide you with some information about our background process (fingerprints, drug screening, background check). Once an individual has passed all of the background screening we look to see if the job the individual interviewed for is currently open. Then we look to see how many people, that were selected from their interviews have passed background, and we call them on a Ã
Sonya
Explorer C
Tim, guess what?? I got called yesterday and I accepted a position! *yayyyy* thanks for your response and encouragement. Sonya
bottom_line
Explorer C
Hi ive been checking out this blog every few days and it has been helpful during my hiring process for a RSA in MCO (Orlando) so now I will share my story... About mid July I was invited for a RSA info session at a hotel near MCO.. almost all out of the 15 people were invited for a one on one interview. We set up our times on the 2 dates avail aug 1st and 2nd. Two weeks later on Aug 1st I had my one on one at MCO with the recruiter...you will get asked some situational questions etc but this should be no problem if you just be yourself! Thats pretty much the best advice I can give. SWA likes to see you stand out from the plain old joe schmo. Just have fun with it! Anyway right at the end of the interview I was told I was "conditionally hired" (pending backround, drug test, fingerprints etc).Now make sure you realize that stuff does take time.... about 2 weeks after the interview I was contacted by SWA people dept to do my fingerprints but (uh oh the only date for MCO I was going to be out of town) but then I remembered I was driving to/from NJ and BWI was only a few min off the main path! So I stopped by BWI on my way home and did my fingerprinting, and the next day after back in FL I went and got my drug test done. 3 weeks after that I was told everything had cleared and I was offered a position as a RSA. I know we all want the process to be a one-two week thing but dont get discouraged...from my one on one to the call to accept the position was about a month, but let me tell you it is worth the wait. Needless to say I will be off to BWI (courtesy of SWA) to sign final paper work on the 21st and I start on the job training the 24th.Im looking forward to it as its been my goal to even get my "foot in the door" in this industry and in particuarly SWA. I hope my little story has given everyone in the beginning stages of the hiring process (or prospective employees looking for info) a little info on what goes on to get you through the process (at least for a RSA). I wish everyone luck and I will post again after I start!! Steve
jlamb1
Adventurer C
Steve - thank you so much for the feedback. We are working hard to reduce the time it takes to communicate with everyone that applies, interviews, etc. I am grateful for the patience of all that go through the process. Much of what is required is out of our hands, but were are tracking those items that we can influence and our Recruiting Team is working hard to improve the "turn times". Best of luck to you and Welcome OnBoard the Flight of Your Life! Jeff
Lisa_Nichols
Explorer C
I attended a group session on August 6th @BNA(Nashville) and was asked to come to a one-on-one interview as well. I was then called to complete a background check and flew to Chicago for prints. I am really excited that the process has gone so smoothly and I am ready to start my career with Southwest soon! I have been told that I am in the job pool for a CSA in Nashville. Does anyone know how long the wait could be for positions to open up there? Anxiously waiting in Nash! Hope to join the team soon! Any feedback would be great. Thanks