Interview at Southwest Airlines

by Amanda
(Oregon)

A few years ago, I was so excited for my job interview at Southwest Airlines. My ultimate dream was to work for an airline. The day before the interview, I prepared for hours with practice interview questions that managers normally ask... the usual "Why do you want to work for us?", "What makes you unique?", etc.

Once I sat down with the interviewer, I was so ready and confident. He has asked me 4-5 good questions that I easily responded to... until he gives me a question I absolutely did not expect... "Tell me a funny joke"... Wow, I think that would catch anyone off guard. Do employers really ask you to tell a joke??

It took me a minute to get out of my surprised zone, and then the first thing that came out of my mouth was "Why did the chicken cross the terminal?"... I was thinking to myself "Come on, is this the best I can come up with??" Being a perfectionist, this definitely got me nervous. Anyway, so he replied back "I don't know... why...?" I said, "It was running away from the other airlines who charge ridiculous baggage fees." And thankfully, he laughed. Woo-hoo! Saved!

I realized that of course Southwest represents positive energy and a stress-free work environment. They only hire professionals with a great sense of humor who can reach out to customers with a stand-out personality. That's what ultimately makes Southwest unique from other airlines.

Great advice for anyone who hopes to work for Southwest...