FLY6584

I was under the impression everyone met the decision board. We were told it's about a 70% selection rate for those that interview. I don't know if that means everyone meets the DB and 70% have been making it or if some of that 30% comes from people being cut before being sent to the DB. Pure speculation though.

at6d

So what's the general interview attire like these days? My last 121 interview was 15 years ago. I get it as far as suits/ties and stuff...but how about document cases? I think a briefcase is a little lawyerish. What are people doing?

Que the backpacks and earbud folks...

Spark

Everyone when I interviewed had a briefcase or similar. The interview is a kinda big deal. Nothing wrong with the conservative lawyer look in my opinion.

Rubicon

Everyone in my interview class just hand carried their papers and logbooks.
Conservative suit/tie, nice shoes. Leave the sun glasses and backpacks at home.

Bennies

Yeah I am not crystal clear on how it works either. I have heard some emails go out before the DB but again I'm also just speculating. I like your guess at 70-30! That's better than what I was told so I'm going to go with your info and try and stay positive haha. I heard of a possible DB as early as late next week. The wait is killer!

Bennies

I brought a document case that was and accordion type file cabinet looking thing. If I had it to do all over again I would of tried to find something a bit nicer. It looked professional but a bit cheap. I can't tell you if it was good enough yet bc I'm still in the waiting room waiting on the thumbs up or down.

FLY6584

I heard the same thing. They also mentioned in the interview that they are really trying to speed up the whole process.

FLY6584

I would have to disagree. I bought a nice briefcase just for this interview and really didn't even use it aside from walking into the People department. For my group we were just asked to hand our paperwork in one at a time in the lobby and then for the three parts of the interview you just went back without your briefcase or any paperwork at all. The only thing you need on you is your license, medical, and FCC license which obviously fits in your pocket for the logbook review. Looking back on it I would have just brought my two file folders for Stack 1 & 2 because my briefcase just ended up sitting in the corner of the room with my luggage like everyone else had to do that had luggage with them and a flight to catch that night.

Burton78

Been a while since my interview, but a nice and simple leather portfolio folder is more than enough for the two stacks as you'll never see them again once turned in. You can also keep extra Resumes in there should you need them. Dress the part and leave yourself with the least amount of things things to fumble with while you're there. Socialize with the other interviewees !! Know that you are possibly being watched the second you step foot in your home town airport on your 'must ride' pass to the interview until you get home! I know the latter is all basic airline interview stuff and Centerline, ECC etc. could elaborate much further than I have if their consultation is worth it to you.

CenterlinePrep

This is one of those "How comfortable are you" type of discussions.

The interview invite emails SWA sends out doesn't require you to bring a briefcase. It shouldn't make a difference in the outcome if you bring one or not.

Having said that, how comfortable are you bringing two small folders with you and every other candidate there has a nice briefcase? If you're ok with that and it does't shake your confidence for the big day you've been waiting for, then that's absolutely fine.

If you feel like a nice, "business-like" briefcase feels good in your hands walking into the training center, then that's great too!

Most members on our team have been on prior interview/hiring teams at some point. Collectively, we always advise our clients to bring a nice briefcase. To us, and it's only our opinions, it shows you're a professional and ready for business.

Same question could be proposed with interview preparation. Some pilots don't use any professional counseling and do just fine in the interview, and that's great! Others use professional counseling because they haven't interviewed in years, never had a 121 interview, don't know how to "get it out", or whatever reason they choose.

If your comfy not using an interview prep service like us at Centerline, ECC, AeroCrew, etc, then that's completely ok! Others want the services to learn how to think like an actual interviewer, not the interviewee.

As long as (some how, some way) you're able to find your voice, passion, heart, creativity, and drive for wanting to work for that particular company you're interviewing with, that is what's most important.

It's all about what you're comfortable with, just like the briefcase Just don't walk out of the interview and leave any stone unturned.

Centerline Interview Consulting