webecheck

I had 6 total, only 2 were internal. I don't think you should worry about that. My advice would be this, just keep updating your app and every time you should walk through it and check for errors. I continually found minor errors and sometimes would rewrite a few things just to make it sound better. When I sat down with Cage, I was told my app looked pretty good and they asked if I had help with it because it didn't need any modifications prior to my interview. The answer, yes, I had about 5 different people give advice or actually log in to my account and review my app so i could get their feedback.

I'll pay it forward, pm me if you need help.

worstpilotever

This SS# thing has been hashed out extensively....just proves that you guys dont want to read the whole thread. All interviews in a given week are placed in a pool. They get called from that pool by SS#. Lowest gets called first. Once in class they rank by age....oldest most senior.

ReadyRsv

Sike, I take it you are a MIL type so you may not be in contact with UAL pilots very often. Three years ago, I knew no-one at UAL that I had flown with. Today I have at least 20 guys there I flew with. I went back through my logbook and searched every captain's name until I found a few who were working there that I liked and that helped with LORs. Maybe someone you worked with a few years back and haven't thought of quietly left to UAL.

If that doesn't work, I'd suggest going to a job fair or two, and actually volunteering with OBAP or WIA. You will be rubbing elbows with pilots from almost every airline and them seeing you out in the trenches helping out will pay off. Kids like flight suits more than blazers, too. (Maybe it's the helmet though)

Good luck.

Heed

From the WAI conference back in March, BK said to get 10 LoR's to max that part of the algorithm. He also mentioned that at some point in the future they would remove that from the app scoring. Who knows when that happens.

He also mentioned that they could be from anyone. I think he used the example of "one from your pastor". He said it was important that the LoR spoke to your character. Based on your app, they know you can fly he said. It doesn't hurt to have flying LoR's, but you don't need to make all 10 from pilots who flew with you. I got the impression that LoR's that spoke to character and work ethic were viewed as very positive. Are you a Scout Leader, coach, volunteer at church, etc.?? Get a LoR from someone you work or volunteer with at those activities.

From the conversation between him and the person that asked, I took it that LoR's are helpful but not crucial. That they mentioned scoring would be removed tells me that LoR's aren't differentiating candidates, but are helpful as an addendum to the overall "package". They are still worthwhile pursuing.

I have heard of someone getting the call with as many as you have. So there isn't a minimum. I think it is quality versus quantity issue.

If you don't already use LinkedIn, I highly recommend you create a profile and connect with your previous acquiantences/squadron mates and "follow United". By doing that, you are likely to discover that you know pilots at United. I did that and was shocked to discover two people I knew fairly well previously that were currently flying at United.

Cheers,
Heed

Sike

Thanks guys. I wouldn't have thought of the LinkedIn idea. Nor did I realize that LOR's could come from someone who is not a pilot.

Pro2nd

When I got the interview I had 18 letters, 10 were internal. I was told by several insiders the caliber of the letter and how it spoke of you as a person was more important than it being internal or even someone who you have flown with. They are looking for good people. That said my sim partner had 3 letters, only one was internal. I know of people who were hired with no internals. I did 5 job fairs and 2 chief pilot meet and greets as well. Jumping through all the hoops to get the call was a royal pain and disheartening at times, but it's so worth it after it all pays off.
Good luck!

100togo

Got the call yesterday! Class mid December or early January. I interviewed 9/2. Can't wait to get started!

ARCLIGHT

Congratulations and welcome to the pool! What was the new technical assessment like?

lj757

Any October classes awarded yet?

100togo

So the new technical was fine. U and a interview line pilot sit in the briefing room. There is a TV screen witch they use to guide you through a flight. U chair fly a flight from gate to destination and the interviewer guides you through a flight. They give u a random caution message to deal with and you have to follow the QRH and discuss your though process for dealing with said issue. On arrival they have u brief the star and ask you some general jepp questions and FAR stuff. Do we need an alternate holding speeds etc. nothing tricky. Then at the end you watch a Brief UAL crm video of a crew making a mistake and they ask you to discuss what you saw, how could the issue have been avoided.