What are the most appropriate things to do to get a job with Southwest Airlines?

Question

I just applied online for a position I really want - a regional sales position. I have excellent experience that demonstrates that I am very qualified for the position.

Since it was an online applications that only asked for a resume and a few details about me should I do something more to make sure I don't get lost in the shuffle?

Is it good to try to send a cover letter to someone specific or to place a call to someone at corporate in Dallas?

The job is located in a specific city. Should I call or stop by to try to see someone or try to get a name of someone responsible for making the selection for the position at the airport/SWA ticket counter in that city?

Or should I just keep my fingers and toes crossed and hope for the best?

Answer 1

Act mature about the airplane business, and say that you are good at being in the air for long times.

Answer 2

I think I would just try to speak to THE person doing the hiring.

Answer 3

Apparently, none of the other people answering your question work or have worked in the airline industry.

The airline industry is completely different than 99% of all other jobs.  You have done all that you can do at this point by posting your resume online.  Just be patient, and if you qualify, they will schedule an interview.  This can take quite awhile (2-3 months) Remember, there are probably a lot of other people in the U.S applying for that position.  Going to the airport, or calling Southwest really won't do you any good because your app still has to go through all the processes that everyone else has to go through.  

Now if it has been a considerable amount of time and you still haven't heard back from them, then you can give them a quick phone call.  You can get the recruitment number by going to the airport, ask for a supervisor, and explain to them that you posted your resume online about X weeks ago for that specific job, and that you would appreciate it greatly if they could give you the recruitment number so that you can check on the status of your app.  The supervisor would help you from there

Like you said, keep your fingers and toes crossed and hope for the best,  and please don't hurt your chances by taking some of these other peoples advice.  Remember you and 20,000 other people are trying to get the same job and it takes awhile to sort through all the resumes

Answer 4

Is it me or did most of the other answers miss the point that this is for a "regional sales position" and NOT flight crew?  Sit and wait?  Sure, you could do that...like all the other applicants.  I'd suggest something a little more assertive.  How about finding out who the regional sales manager is and trying to contact him/her directly?  Sales, especially in today's fiercely competitive airline market, are not a "sit and wait" kinda proposition.  Shouldn't be that hard to get a name and a phone number.  If nothing else call the reservations 1 (800) number and tell them you're interested in speaking with someone locally about corporate sales.  They should be able to hook you up.  You might even try looking in the phone book in whatever city the job is based and see if there is a listing for a regional sales office.  You say you have sales experience then you should know that those who get there first are often those who win. C'mon, get creative.  Show them you have initiative.  Do your research, know why you want to work for SWA, and beat every else to the punch.  Good luck!

Answer 5

if you don't get the job this time southwest has intern positions which would look great on a resume next time because you would have experience with the company

Best of luck

southwest is a great company

Answer 6

Just send them a reminder, mentioning any reference/date of your on-line application. After a day or two (if still no response from them), perhaps you could call or pass by and check with either the HR or any other concerned person dealing in such matters. If you go personally, it would be proper to carry copies of your application and follow up reminder. Tell them you are still waiting for either a call up or a response to your application and query. You should be able to elicit a response without being too intrusive.

I personally feel they are waiting for an opening in the  department for which you applied. However, no harm in pursuing your application in a manner which is quite ethical and correct.

Answer 7

if you put that you were experienced with Boeing 737's or something, that would probably have shoe horned into the position. contact someone in the HR dep. that's what i would do. hope this helps.

Answer 8

Well, I've worked on Aircraft for the military and been in business, so I guess I might have a clue but no special qualification to give advice here, except that I know how to get things done, and get things I want, like a job.

I'd get with the Southwest Airlines people at the airport and tell them you love the outfit (I know I sure love the way the company works, all the way from the CEO to the flight attendants) and you would love to work with them. Get them on your side and helping advise you how to get in, and that might just get you in. Local connections usually carry a lot of weight, and corporate won't usually over ride the local organization if they find someone they really want. That's part of what makes Southwest what it is.

Of course you need to do a lot of research so you can back your rap, but it's all out there because Southwest Airlines is an interesting and unique success story. I thought of going to work for them myself, but I settled in a town far away from any Airport they service.

Answer 9

Just tell them you're an illegal. But seriously, follow through with your own statements you just mentioned,..then tell them you're an illegal.