Lobaeux

Yep. Took it twice.

Failed Hogan

I recently read through this thread and decided to register an account in order to post a response here. The purpose of this response isn't to whine / complain about the UAL hiring process and Hogan test (although it might appear as just that), however, I will state that I wholeheartedly feel that the process is bent. The purpose of this response, rather, is to provide yet another story of someone who has failed the Hogan test, and emphasize to others that have that by no means are they alone or part of a small group of pathetic people with personality disorders (at least that's what I keep telling myself). My opinion that UAL's selection process is bent is not solely based upon the fact that I failed the test. Since being notified that UAL was not going to continue processing my application (as a result of Hogan), I reached out to some good friends in the ANG fighter community and learned of a significant amount of others that have 'failed'. In a few specific examples, I'm confident that it was more of UAL's loss than that of theirs. The Hogan eliminated from consideration some outstanding applicants. Those that I'm referring to have since been picked up with Delta and SWA.

Background:

When I was born my Dad was about five years into a 30+ year career with UAL. He retired as a 747-400 Captain. I made it an early long term goal to follow in his footsteps by becoming a military pilot and eventually a pilot with UAL.

And I worked my ass off for the past 16 years to get an opportunity to do so.

By the time I arrived at college I had enlisted in the ANG and acquired flight ratings through CFI. While fulfilling my military obligations and acquiring a degree, I instructed for the university's Aviation Flight program. After graduating, I was deployed multiple times and upon my return from final deployment as an enlisted member, I was hired to fly fighters in the ANG. I gained over a year's worth of combat experience, along with some work as a government contractor. I continued to work on building experience and updating airlineapps hoping for a call from UAL. I acquired 15 internal recs to include system Chief Pilot. Upon my return home from most recent combat tour, I was very excited to receive an offer to partake in UAL's pilot selection process.

A couple days later, I received a huge kick in the junk when I received the email stating that UAL would not be continuing to process my application (as a result of Hogan).

I understand that my answers to the test questions resulted in, through whatever algorithms Hogan uses, an assessed personality that Hogan (and UAL) deems would not be a good fit in the cockpit of a UAL jet. The biggest frustration, however, was that 15 internal recs were ignored and I wasn't granted an opportunity to sit across the table from UAL and tell them why I disagree (and why my friends at UAL would disagree). It was a huge disappointment that years of hard work towards a specific goal was aced because I answered T when they were looking for F, on a test that wasn't even proctored.

This wasn't the first personality test that I took. I was required to complete a similar test in combination with a three hour psych interview for a government contractor position that I was in - no issues. I took the Hogan test seriously. I researched the test on Hogan's website and I talked with numerous friends prior to taking the test looking for gouge. "Just be yourself, answer honestly, and you'll be fine" is a summary of the advice that I received - with the exception of one friend that advised me to 'be Jesus for thirty minutes' (this advice came from someone who passed the test). I wasn't the only one that was surprised by the end result. I don't claim to have a 'Jesus-like' personality, but I am confident that I would fit in just fine with the culture at UAL. I consider myself generally laid back, am well liked within my squadron, and feel that I can get along with most everyone.

Finally, I'd like to express one further frustration that I had while trying to better my chances at being selected for an interview at UAL. On more than one occasion I was advised that I should attend WIA or OBAP. Why!? I'm not a woman and I'm not black. I must be missing something? I have absolutely nothing against women and minorities being hired at the airlines. But, if HR is awarding bonus points to the attendees of these conferences because they feel that all of those individuals must be sympathetic to women and minorities in aviation.. well...
I agree 100% with what someone mentioned earlier on in this thread:
This is what happens when HR is in charge of hiring vs. Flight Ops.

DrunkIrishman

I see why you failed the Hogan......no I'm kidding, just kidding.

Seriously though, I'm sorry you didn't get to fulfill your dream at your Dad's airline. Delta and AA are pretty sweet too though, hopefully you can get the call at one or both soon.

Failed Hogan

Ha! I submitted my post fully prepared to read many responses like that.

Thanks for the words

XHooker

Great post, but that sentence sums it up. Hopefully you'll be working at another major before you have to retake the Hogan and can say "UAL's loss." Sounds like it was to me.

82spukram

Sadly the hogan is part of the process, any chance of it going away died with the German wings flight. It gives UAL the ability to go before a court and say look your honor we screen our pilots with the Hogan.....That's my 2 cents at least. Failed Hogan you seem to be a hard working person....I believe you will end up being just fine.

Good luck, apply to every legacy, lcc, ulcc and see what happens.

Firsttimeflyer

Very sorry you didn't get the chance, don't give up hope. I know a guy that failed the hogan and made it to DAL. I believe there was a guy on here that failed the Hogan who flew Air Force one. No idea why UAL wouldn't want a guy like that but unfortunately it's the way it is

Aquaticus

Sorry to hear you didn't pass the Hogan but another huge piece of advice is to not burn bridges and learn something from the experience. You posted a lot of identifiable information that could very well hurt you or your fellow ANG applicants. The hogan kicks you out for a year not forever.

Learflyer

Is the AA FIT assessment (on pilot credentials) equivalent to the Hogan? Same rules for taking this? I've taken the AA assessment at least twice but it keeps popping up in my AA Pilot Credentials to take again.

Guardguy

Great post Failed Hogan. It's frustrating I know and its even harder to keep a positive attitude while your second guessing answers and wondering how you will answer next time, if you get the chance.

Best of Luck to you