I applied on line, had a phone interview which had very basic questions. I got a face to face interview,it wasn't difficult either. I decided to take myself out of the running once I came to understand the hours. I was asked several times if I was willing to work all shifts including evenings, weekends, holidays and overtime. And I absolutely would. The truth I found out was you wont see a day shift for over a year unless you're in training or at a very small airport. You bid on your schedule and those with seniority choose first and of course take the best shifts. Most often you'll work 5 pm and later and often graveyard shifts,. I really wanted to work for SWA for multiple reasons, but honestly don't know how anyone who has family they want to see, can work here. They made it clear the first few years you are at work more than at home and its just the price you pay. You also have to get someone to cover your shift if you want off and there is a system in place where you pay them, out of your pocket, to get someone to take your shift. Otherwise you're out of luck. There is also manadatory overtime. You get paid double for it but it is truly mandatory and common to find out right before you clock out. If you work over time because you pick up a shift, you get time and a hlaf plus whatever that employee said they'd pay you. My advice is ask good questions and truly understand what you'd be signing up for.
SOOOO many great things about this company, but is it really the only way to staff the customer serive position? Its just my opnion but if they made scheudles rotate they would get and retain great employees. They say they can't because they'd lose those who enjoy the benefits of seniority. Reminds me of how our country would be better off with all elected offcials having term limits, but the people in charge of changing such laws enjoy the perks of not having them. I think SWA is missing out on some real talent and quality employees trying to hire only those who are willing to work such crazy hours for such a long period of time. Seems archaic to me.
With all that said, I'd love to work for them if this changed. Great benefits, and every person I spoke to or met was great! I'd truly enjoy serving the public in this venue, but not at the cost of seeing my family.