Ok I interviewed with COEX this january. We all met in the Rosewood room at 8:00am. 8:10 the COEX people finally show
up, John Dresser, Scott Larson and an ATR Captain, I cannot remember is
name.
There was 7 of us, 1 woman. The COEX captain did the introduction and took
us throught the procedures to fill in the application. We then took the 12
minutes 50 questions test, general knowledge test.
Then we were asked to fill out the application. They then started to have
each candidate come out for the first interview.
It was my turn, I interviewed with Dresser and Larson. I knew those two by
industry reputation and I knew what I was up against. SO I THOUGHT!!!
They sat me down and started to go through my application. Asked me few
questions like why do you want to work for us? where do you see yourself in
3 years? What do you expect the company to owe you? Dresser went through my
college transcript. Larson was not really into the interview, he was too
busy writing some stuff down, I don't know what he was doing, but it did not
have anything to do with the interview.
And that was it, in less than 10 minutes, I was told that I could leave to
the airport. I was not even asked a single technical or situational
question, not even a question about my flying career.
They have not even looked at recommendation letters, all from high time
captains for the majors and commuters that have actually flown with me and
could testify for my skills and knowledge. They did not even looked at my
flight times and experience. Perfect records too.
I was amazed that in 7 minutes, those guys could determine if I had the
potential to be a pilot for them. Incredible!!! I was more frustrated
because I think that it was all decided before the interview itself, and
they wasted two days of my life to make it all political. I could have saved
the money from the hotel. It is in my opinion, very unprofessional for COEX
to follow such procedures.
On the ride back to the airport, it was the same "flash type" interview with
them. Less than 15 minutes on average. I know that the woman was asked back
as well as another guy.
That was it. COEX is surely holding on to their reputation.

Interviewers:John Dresser, Joel something(ass), and Leann Brown Interviewed with CoEx in late January 2000. Still at the Holiday Inn, still
in the rosewood room. Nothing much is different from what is already posted
previously. Very sneaky and secretive bunch. I interviewed with Joel in the
morning and spent almost the entire time trying to explain my military "RIP"
and the way we log time. He must have either have been new to the hiring
process or never talked to a military guy in his life. He seemed to have an
attitude toward military guys or his hemorrhoid was flaring or something. I
got asked to come back for the afternoon to talk to the other two but he
already made up his mind I'm sure. It seems like a great company to work for
but the interview process could use some help. I got the "thanks but no
thanks" letter about a week later. If it matters, no-one who interviewed
with this louse got offered a job. Everyone who interviewed with John Dresser
did! After talking with the other guys in the terminal waiting to go home, 4
got offered the RJ and one the Brasilia. Bottom line: There are other
airlines out there who won't treat you like a psychology experiment....and
most others will pay you during training and your hotel!

I interviewed with Con Ex in Jan. 2000. Low time, 1850 tt, 650 me, 200 instrument. Somehow they decide in 15 minutes
you're worthless or hireable. I had several letters of
recommendation, even from some Con Ex employees, still did
not get the job. They issue the Wonderlic and let you be,
filling out the application. I would definetly suggest
getting the app ahead of time, they were impressed I was
done with it so early. Be totally truthful about all
previous employment. I'm thinking they check with previous
employment before the interview, if possible. I was asked a
ton of questions about my previous employer and my
relationship with the management. It wasn't good, but I
told them it was, they seemed to already know that it wasn't
good. I was asked about MEA, MORA (I couldn't find this one
in the AIM but told them it was the same thing asOROCA, they
seemed satisfied with that definition), MOCA, and know
91.175. She asked me 'you have a 300kt ground speed and
need to go 300 kts, but you have a 40kt headwind, how long
will it take?' I responded with 'one hour'. She then tried
to frazzle me by asking about the 40 kt head wind and why I
didn't take that into consideration. I just responded with
'I guess the TAS is 340'. I was very surprised with the way
it ended because I thought the interview, especially the
technical part of it, went very well. I felt like
afterwards that maybe they have their minds made up before
you get in there.

Do this guy a favor and go click on a
banner.

Timeline: 07 Nov 99 Sent in resume
29 Nov 99 Called for interview
08 Dec 99 Interview in Houston, Holiday Inn North

Interview was mostly as published here. John Dresser was there for the intro and despite
previous postings was very cordial and professional. Started with the 50 question in 12 minutes
test that you can't finish. Word match, easy math (number series, percentages, etc). Then 2
ATR 42 pilots did the morning Q&A session. There were 8 in the group, all males, with one
retired Navy O-5 with 5200 hrs (1600 FW) to an ALL-ATP instructor with barely 900 total time.
After the first session 2 were immediately heading for the bus. One had 2200 hrs - all fixed wing
and previous 135 time but was very sure CE couldn't live without him. Other guy was very
nervous and looked like he wasn't sure he wanted to be there.

Questions in the morning were the typical MEA, MSA, MORA, MOCA, and know which ones
guarantee navaid reception. Know 91.175 cold, and know that it affects BOTH DH and MDA.
One guy got light gun signals, one got airspeeds in Class B, C, and D. FAF on an ILS.
Alternate mins. Nothing really extreme.

Afternoon session was both captains asking questions. 3 more got the early shuttle home, but
came out thinking they had done well. Last 3 were asked to stick around and the two captains
came in and offerred one other guy and myself RJ-145 slots and the 3rd guy got BE 1900 (low
time guy). Wo-hooo!

I think the key was attitude. Go in prepared Get a copy of the company annual report. Check
out latest news releases on the web site. Go to Continental ticket counter anywhere and get a
regular Continental application. The flight time grid on the back is the same. I did that and had
my app filled out in 30 minutes and handed it to the captains in the first interview session. Some
guys were cranking well into the afternoon session-they didn't get a job. Put all your "I love me"
stuff in a nice plastic binder from Staples or Office Max. Resumes, letters of rec, licenses,
transcripts, etc. Show them you want the job. And don't wear a SOLID RED TIE! Go to a nice
men's store and ask a female for help. Wear the suit you'll wear to interview so she can match
tie to suit. No one wears a solid red tie except Santa.

The company is expanding and the RJ-145 is a sweet ride with a great niche market. They
need pilots, and most guys with over 1500 fixed wing will get the RJ. Good luck. And if you get
hired, save the bucks since meals and hotels are on you until you pass the check ride!

I interviewed with CE on December 16, 1999. Usual affair began at 0800 in the Rosewood Room, starring seven candidates(all male, 1500 tt average experience)
and Mr. Dresser, Scott, and the lady mentioned in earlier expose`.

We had the speel about the application, and then we were told to remove our suit
coats to begin the IQ test. My shirt was pressed but was unfortunately light blue in
color--a stark contrast to the wrinkled white shirts around me. I did well on the exam
and began to complete the lengthy application while waiting for my interview.

I was interviewed last, just before lunch by Scott and Mr. Dresser who did little to
put me at ease. I was not asked a single flying type of question. Instead they
concentrated on my absence from "aviation" for the past several years. Some
inappropriate hr questions were posed and bantered about. It was obvious that there
was no serious consideration given to my professional qualifications and respectable
experience(3000+ tt, 850+multi). When I inquired about the interview process and
the next step, I was handed my return travel arrangements and told thank you and
good bye. I would not recommend the process to anyone and would not invest more
time/money in continental express until the hiring process is rectified.