The gouge previously listed pretty much sums up the information about the interview process itself. This posting is primarily for military guys: If you are interested in SWA, the minimum number of hours is good enough, dont worry about comparing yourself to civilian guys who have 4-5K hours. For Air Force; take the day you became an aircraft commander and use that day forward as PIC time (unless you flew and didnt have the A code).

Overall a very pleasant experience with a real quality organization. SWA is not about peanuts and point to point flying, its is so much more than that. I sure hope that I get the job!

The other interview accounts were extremely helpful and very accurate.

I arrived just before 0800 and met the other 11 applicants. Most of the applicants looked like FBI Agents with blue suits and red ties. About half were military and the other half were civilian commuter; eleven guys and one girl. Only one other guy was also furloughed. Myself and one other guy were the only ones with both military and civilian experience. I think I was the only applicant who actually flew the 737 on the line.

Southwest has very nice facilities and all the people there are friendly and open. After the initial paperwork, we were split into 2 groups: LOI or interview.

I had my LOI first. My advice on the LOI is to not delay the decision to divert. It is obvious, with the scenarios, that a divert will happen. The 7 minutes goes by very quickly. Use CRM, ask for input, use all your resources (ATC, Dispatch, Check Airmen) and make the decision early. I think I wasted too much time on the process and got crunched for time at the end.

After lunch in their very nice cafeteria, my group had our 3 interviews. You are interviewed by a HR person, a First Officer and a Senior Captain. I thought the HR and FO interviews went well. They are relaxed and make you feel very comfortable. They asked the questions others have posted and I was ready to answer the "Tell me about a time" questions. They all asked "Why do you want to work for SWA?". The Captain checked my log books. I had flight time summary sheets and computation sheets prepared and highlighted. My captain interview was a more scrutinizing and a little confrontational. Maybe, it was because I was furloughed and he was testing my true desire to work for Southwest. ...I don't know.

Most applicants had their contacts and references called in a week. Some of us did not (atleast 4 others). If they don't call your references then you will most likely not be chosen by the Review Board.

Read the book NUTS! It gives a lot of insight into the Southwest mentality.

I don't know what went wrong in my case, and they don't tell you. They could have hired everyone who interviewed so I just didn't sell myself correctly. Southwest is a great place to work and I can only hope that I have an opportunity to re-interview in a year. :(

Arrived 0745 AM for 0800 interview time. Eleven other applicants were assigned to this date. 6 were military, 6 were civilian (mixed from the regionals,
supplemental carriers, 2 on furlough from United).

We were taken to a briefing room in the People Department and briefed on the
schedule for the day. They picked up paperwork and verified that everyone had
everything they would need for the day. Don't forget to make copies of your
Passport/Driver's License and your Medical/Pilot Certificate. This is one of
the first things they ask for. Everyone provides some information to the
interview group to get things rolling.

SWA plans to hire 400 more pilots this year, and at least 400 each year over
the next few years. We were told that we would receive a phone call in five to
six weeks either way (When I was leaving, the last employee I spoke with said
we would most likely hear before then.) Class dates for April interviews will
be around the June-July-August time frame.

The group was divided into two smaller groups, one group doing the LOI in the
AM and interviews in the PM, while the other group was assigned interviews in
the AM and the LOI in the PM. The three interviews are very straightforward,
and last approximately 45 minutes each. Two of the interviewers are pilots, the
other is a representative from the People Department. All three interviewers
begin by telling you to make yourself comfortable, offer a soda, etc. Very
professional and relaxing. Most of the questions are in the form of "Tell me
about a time when..." The best way to prepare is to look back at your logbook
and think of times when you encountered irregular operations. Examples are:
TMATW you had to counsel someone, TMA your most memorable flight, TMATW you had
a disagreement with a crewmember, TMATW you saw bad things happening and had to
intervene to prevent a bigger problem, TMA your flying career, Why do you want
to work for SWA, Why should SWA hire you, Have you ever had an emergency.

In the middle of the day, they bring both groups back together, and give
everyone a $7.00 voucher for lunch at the SWA caffeteria. Everyone eats
together with some of the LOI/Inteview staff. Again, very relaxing.

The LOI (line oriented interview) takes place in a B737 CPT. YOu will be given
a laminated 8.5X11 sheet of paper. The LOI instructors leave the room and give
you five minutes to read the card. They then come back in the room and give you
seven minutes to troubleshoot the situation and come to a decision. The clock
is actually on a small laptop computer that hangs in front of the Captain's
seat (where you will sit) and has both a clock and a fuel gauge on it. Both
instructors are helpful, and will accomplish the tasks you delegate to them.
The goal is to use your resources to make a decision. Some people said they
were given a medical emergency en route, others said they were given a
disruptive passenger. After the LOI, you are placed in a holding room until all
members of your group are finished. While you are waiting around, you can play
ping-pong, use the restrooms, vending machines, chat with other pilots in
training, etc. Again, very relaxing experience.

I was finished by around 1545, and was free to leave after that. My overall
advice would be: Get your logbook up to speed, think of some good flying
stories you have, and be yourself. SWA is trying to hire a certain person with
a positive attitude. They know you are qualified to work there, otherwise you
would not have received an interview. Be yourself and have fun with it. RELAX! -
I know that's easy for me to say now.

to be short and too the point this guoge is very accurate all that was said including all questions mentioned gave a very good
account for the questions i was asked. Becuase of that i will not add more
repeat questions. Most of my group was military dont know where they all
come from and most yes were wearing blue suits and red ties. of course
being different i wore sport coat and khakis. all interviewers were
pleqasant and we all got along well although had and older capt who was very
stern and to the point no extraneous talk with him.. log check was minimal
and liked my computer log addition, made it easy to get accurate totals. well
waiting fot drug test and board to review can onjly pray that i have the the
privledge to work for such a wonderful place!! if u have 1000 pic u gotta
give them an app u will be very impressed!!!!!!

I stayed at the Radisson North. This is where SWA pilots stay for their training. It is a very nice hotel with a
IHOP right behind it.
I arrived at the People Dept at 0715 for my 0800 Interview. We went upstairs
for breakfast since we were early. The building is beautiful. Everything
about it makes you feel very comfortable. Very clean with all sorts of
picture memorabilia from the crew members covering the walls throughout the
corridors. On our way up to the Cafeteria, we even got to see Herb in the
elevator.
We had six guys in our interview group. We had 3 military, two
commuter pilots, and 1 airline pilot trying to move laterally. They brought
us into a briefing room and they explained the sequence of events for the
day. They told us to relax and be ourselves. They were very comforting.
They told us that our board would meet on November 11. This is where they
collect all of your paperwork and your logbooks. You may also hand in any
additional letters of Recommendation at this time. We were told to leave our
briefcases there since we would no longer need them. We were led back to the
reception area to wait for our name to be called. We had three one hour
interviews. One with a H.R. Representative, one with a line Captain, one
more with another line Captain. They ask you if you would like some water
and the fun begins. Very laid back and relaxing. Be yourself and try to
feel as if you were talking to your buddy.
Don't forget that each interview is a separate individual one. You may use
the same answers in each if they ask you the same question. Use your best
experiences. Treat each session as if it was the only interview session.
Questions
Have you ever seen CRM breakdown in the cockpit?
Tell us about a mistake you made in the airplane.
Tell us about your current job. What do you like and dislike about it?
Tell us about a policy you changed. On the ground or in the air.
Have you ever had to deal with a personality conflict?
What qualities do you have to offer SWA.
What are you best and worst characteristics.
What is the toughest decision you ever had to make.
Why do you want to work for SWA. (Each session asked this question)
How did you become interested in flying?
Tell me about a low fuel situation you have had.
Hardest decision in the last six months.
Tell me about your scariest flight.
What do you like the least about flying?
Has your integrity ever been questioned?
Tell me about a time you had to bend the rules to get the job done.
TAT when you became frustrated,impatient,angry with another crew member.
Tell me about your most memorable flight.
Have you ever made a split second decision, then changed your mind.
Have you ever had another crewmember disagree with the way you were operating?
TMAT you had to alter your plans/actions to meet a critical deadline.
That was all of it! It is now Nov. 3rd and still waiting. All of my
references have been called. Just waiting…