The history of Southwest Airlines can be traced to 1967, when Rolin King and Hebert Kelleher incorporated the Air Southwest Co on March 15. 1967 to operate within the state of Texas. This airline could have started as an international airline but in a bid to avoid federal laws they decided to stay within the confines of the state. Their decision to stay within the state did not save them from the opposition, because right after its inception three airlines came together and charged Southwest airlines to court. These three airlines are generally known as Continental Airlines, Trans-Texas, and Braniff commenced a serious legal action against Southwest airlines that was not settled till after three years. After three years of going back and forth, Southwest Airlines Co was given the privilege and right to fly within the Texas state. Here, we’ll discuss Southwest Airlines Interview Questions.
Staying unabated despite challenges, Southwest Airline Co has been able to garner an amazing record of air transportation services in the United States and near international markets. A critical look at the operations and culture obtainable at Southwest Airlines revealed that the founder took most of his ideas from the California-based Pacific Southwest Airlines where he studied.
Southwest Airlines has witnessed tons of changes and development that have made them stronger and more successful. They believe in giving the best to their customers as they see them as their best advantage. Their drive for success revolves around their purpose which is to connect people to what’s important in their lives through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel. SouthWest Airline Co also provides a platform for job opportunities to individuals interested in knowing the nitty-gritty of running and functioning in an air transportation world. Their workforce functions on the principle of egalitarianism. They promise each employee equal treatment and also ensure that individuals who join the firm are given privileges to learn and grow on a large scale. Their reason for being egalitarian in their attitude to employees is to enable them to offer the best of treatment to every Southwest Customer. To be an employee at SouthWest can be fascinating but it takes a lot of hard work and diligence to get on the team. Before applying for a job at SouthWest you must do your research thoroughly, to be prepared for anything that may be thrown at us.
To pursue a career at Southwest Airlines Co, you begin by filling an application form that demands your contact information, resume, and past experiences. After completing the application form, those whose application meets the criteria will be contacted for a phone interview and face-to-face interview. In this article, we are going to be looking at SouthWest Airline Sample Interview Questions and Answers, how best to answer questions that can boost your chances of securing the job, and the things you need to bring along with you to an interview. Before getting into the interview questions, you need to know that hiring managers lookout for people who are confident in their strengths and abilities. They also lookout for individuals who possess a certain level of professionalism to fill in positions in their organizations. So, before showing up for an interview ensure that you believe in your abilities. Also, dress properly, behave well and endeavor to ask critical questions. Now let’s take a look at some of the interview questions and answers common to Southwest Airlines Co.
Southwest Airlines Interview Questions
- Can you tell us about yourself?
This is usually the first question at every interview session. Hiring managers have gone through your resume and your application, now they want to hear what you have to say about yourself. Your answer should involve what you are passionate about, core values, and your work experience that tallies with the job position you are applying for.
Sample Answer: I am ABC. I am passionate about rendering service and providing maximum comfort to customers. I am a very hardworking person that loves to give my best to tasks. While working with XYZ airline I was punctual and dedicated to the task that I won the best staff of the year.
Show them how well you have put your skills to work in the past and share victories or important achievements with them.
- What do you know about Southwest Airlines?
Let your answer tell your interviewers that you have done your research. Your answer can take this form:
Sample Answer: Southwest Airlines was founded in 1967 and officially began operations in 1971 after three years of being in the court. The Airline operates with the sole mission of delivering high service to customers in a warm, friendly, reliable manner. With its headquarters in Texas, SouthWest operates as a point-to-point airline. It started with the idea of traveling within Texas but it has added other US destinations and countries like Mexico, Costa Rica, Cuba, Belize, The Bahamas Etc.
You could go further and add basic details that you know other applicants won’t necessarily pay attention to.
- One of the policies at Southwest Airlines is that all employees resume work in uniforms? What do you think about this policy?
Uniforms are very important in the air transportation industry because they believe it helps you look smart, confident and professional. Hiring managers ensure that applicants are ready to abide by this company’s policy, that is why they ask this question during interviews. Your answer should show your willingness to abide by this uniform rule. Also, if you have any experience wearing uniforms to work, it would be wise to include it. Your answer could take this form:
Sample Answer1: I have been privileged to work in an organization where we had to put on uniforms every day of the week and I didn’t have an issue with it. If that’s the same here, I would be delighted to comply with the company policy.
Sample Answer 2: I am a very dedicated person who loves to abide by the rules of the organization and the uniform policy won’t be an exception.
- Why do you want to work at Southwest Airlines?
Hiring managers are interested in finding out what the motivation for your application is. They want to also know if you are passionate about working with the air transportation industry or you are just looking for a place to pass time.
Sample Answer: I admire Southwest Airlines because over the years I have watched them grow despite challenges. I am interested in joining the team so that I can contribute my quota to the success recorded already. I love working with teams and I love the aviation industry. Also, I love meeting new people and building healthy relationships and I know that Southwest Airlines is offering all of these and more. I also want to work at SouthWest because of its egalitarian principle that governs the employees. I want to be part of a system that respects and provides the same opportunities to all employees.
- Do you have any airline-related training? If yes, what was it like?
Airlines require that individuals are properly trained to cope with air operations before employment. That is why interviewers often ask hires if they have undergone any training before applying for a job. It is best to give an answer that briefly entails the nitty-gritty of the training you have undergone in the past if there is any. But if you don’t have it would be wise to show how easily you cope with on-the-job training.
Sample Answer 1: While working at ABC Airlines, I was privileged to go through customer service and industry-related safety training. This training helped me attend to passengers better and prioritized their satisfaction as my duty. It built a level of confidence in my abilities.
Sample Answer 2: I have not had any airline-related training but I have some certifications and years of experience that can help me perform well on the job. Besides, I learn quickly and would be willing to embark on on-the-job training.
- What would you regard as your strengths?
This question is to assess your skills and the job position you are applying for. Be quick to showcase skills that will greatly help your input on the job.
Sample Answer: Well, I communicate excellently and learn things easily and quickly. I work excellently well under pressure and prioritize making sure that customers are satisfied. I am passionate about my job and I leave no tasks undone.
These answers will help your interviewers assess your performance properly. Give them reasons why they should hire you.
- What would you describe as your major weakness?
Hiring managers know that every man has a weakness, by asking this question they want to know if you are sincere enough to identify your weakness and what you are doing to correct them. So, go ahead and state your weakness and be quick to add the measures you are taking to improve on them.
Sample Answer 1: I consider myself a diligent, disciplined, dedicated, and hardworking individual who believes that work must be done excellently. And, as beautiful as this may seem, I have lost important relationships with friends and families because of my much involvement with work. However, I am learning to strike a balance between work and maintaining relationships, I am learning to spend time with my family and I am also learning to rest so that I can give my best to work.
Sample Answer 2: Growing up, I noticed I had difficulties facing the crowd or blending with new people. But I am learning to face the crowd and opening myself up to meeting with new people.
- Who are SouthWest’s biggest competitors?
Yes, they would ask you a question like this to check if you are passionate enough to notice they had competitors. Go ahead and mention those airlines whose operations are similar to Southwest Airlines.
Sample Answer: SouthWest Airlines competitors would include Jetblue Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Airlines. Alaska Airlines.
- Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Hiring managers want to know if you have plans for the future or if you are just trying out new things as they come your way. Be quick to give them a detailed plan that tilts to the interest of the organization. Also, you want to make sure that you are not giving them the impression that you are running out of the company in the next two months.
Sample Answer 1: In the next five years, I see myself occupying one of the management positions in Southwest Airlines. I believe in consistently working myself to the top. With my commitment, I intend to give my best to the job under the company policy.
Sample Answer 2: Well, I have plans to further my education and take on some professional courses that will enhance my understanding of my career.
If you have plans to further your education, be honest in letting the organization know about it in a way that will be advantageous to the organization.
- We believe in prioritizing customers at SouthWest, do you share our belief? If yes, tell us about a time you went an extra mile for a customer.
Giving customers a wonderful experience is part of the principles obtainable at Southwest Airlines. They ask questions like this so see what you think of excellent customer service and how well you have been able to demonstrate excellent customer service to God.
Sample 1: I remember a time when a customer misplaced his card while coming on board. I noticed that he was looking worried and pissed. I approached him and offered to check around and after a thorough search. I was able to locate the card and he was grateful that I prioritized his happiness.
Sample 2: Yes, I believe in giving customers the best experience. This makes me think ahead of their needs and look for means to meet them. So, that they are not stranded at any point in time.
- Have you ever encountered a life-threatening situation while attending to the needs of customers? What did you do?
Sample Answer 1: Yes, there was a time a customer had seizures aboard. We immediately contacted the medics. But before they came we had to take measures to keep her stable and protect her from causing harm to herself.
Sample Answer 2: I also remember a time when some group of people visited the store intending to steal the properties of the customers. I went into action immediately and called in the police and had them filed out.
- What would your reaction be towards a customer who is angry and raises his voice at you?
Offenses sometimes come on the job and sometimes it’s the customer who is wrong. These scenarios will come, so your interviewer wants to know what your reactions would be like.
Sample Answer: Well, I understand that he is not angry at my personality but the service rendered, so I ensure that I don’t take his reactions to heart. With this understanding, I tender my apologies and ask him what went wrong and what he would have me do. I would do my best to pacify the customer whatever the case may be( i.e either lost luggage or a delayed flight) while I take steps to correct what he is displeased about. However, if he is wrong, I will politely make him understand that he was wrong to have done that.
- Would you be available to work at every given time?
Hiring managers want to know your availability for the job position you are applying for. So be sincere with your answers. Endeavor to state what works for you and stick to it.
Sample Answer: Yes, I will be available to work flexible shifts and be willing to turn in when the need arises.
Ensure that you demonstrate a willingness to give in your best to ensure that this organization records success.
- Why do you want to work as a Flight Attendant at Southwest Airline?
Share reasons why you consider yourself a good fit for the job position and what you intend to bring on board to make the team achieve more.
Sample Answer: I want to work as a flight attendant because I love to communicate with people and ensure that I meet the needs of the customers. I am a good team player that believes in contributing my quota to the team. I am excited when given the privilege of serving others even amid difficulties. I pay detailed attention to things when carrying out my tasks. These skills of mine best fit into the position of a flight attendant, so I intend to start building a career from there. I also possess excellent leadership abilities that can help me be in charge when emergencies happen during a flight.
- Will you be able to relocate to another country, if you are required to?
Hiring managers seek to examine the length you can go when it comes to commitment to your job. You should show a willingness to relocate if it will be convenient for you. Of course, you must not also forget to count the cost before giving a reply.
If you are open to relocating, answer your interviewer with so much positivity, this could boost your chances of securing the job.
- Have you ever contributed to the fulfillment of someone’s dreams before?
The essence of this question is to gain an adequate understanding of how well you work with teams. Do you believe in contributing to an idea that was not birthed by you? Or are you against anything that doesn’t come from you? Go ahead and share experiences, tell them of a time when you helped an individual out of a challenge.
Sample Answer: Yes, I have contributed a lot to ensure that individuals around me fulfill their dreams because I believe that life is about making an impact. I remember a time when a friend brought an idea to the table, she didn’t even believe so much in her dreams at that time. I took on the idea, pushed it on like it was mine, ensured that I got all the tools needed to make it work, and boom we did it. She was delighted and I was blessed that she was happy.
I also remember a time when my team didn’t know how to fix a particular task and it got everyone so worried. I took it upon myself to conduct private research. I spent time studying how other companies in the aviation industry were able to fix that challenge and showed up with a suggestion that worked excellently and they were glad to have me on the team.
- Are there questions you would like to ask us?
After asking you lots of questions, interviewers would love to hear from you. This is also an opportunity to ask questions that will help you make better choices when you are given the privilege to join the team. Ensure that you stay professional while asking your questions because it is still part of the interview process.
Sample Answer: Yes, I have a few questions:
- What are the things you look out for in your ideal candidate for the job position you are applying for? This question will help you assess your performance during the interview.
- What advice would you give to someone who is just joining the team?
- What keeps you motivated on this job?
- What should I do to attain success during my stay in this organization?
These questions will help show your interviewer that you are not just interested in joining the team, you are interested in giving your best to the success of the organization.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What advice would you give to someone who is going in for an interview at SouthWest Airline?
First, conduct proper research on the company following the annual report released by the organization, second, get your resume and other necessary documents ready, rehearse interview questions and dress professionally. - What qualities does SouthWest Airline look out for?
At Southwest Airline they look out for your professionality, passion, and your regard for customer service. - How many minutes does the phone interview take?
The phone interview, which is usually the first stage of the interview, takes less than an hour. Be Prepared and be the best version of yourself, because that’s who they want to see.
