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Southwest Airlines Interview Questions and Answers

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Practice for your upcoming Southwest Airlines job interview by using our mock interview. Click 'First Question' below to get started.

First Question

39 Southwest Airlines Interview Questions

10 Interview Questions With Sample Answers

1.   As a Flight Attendant, you will be asked to work a wide range of hours and a lot of overtime. Are you able to accommodate the unpredictable schedule associated with being a Flight Attendant?

How to Answer

The interviewer wants to know if you fully grasp the responsibilities with realistic expectations surrounding the role you are applying for. How you answer will inform them of how informed and prepared you are for the interview while offering insights into how flexible you are. Assure the interviewer that you understand the inconsistent schedule associated with being a Flight Attendant. Use comparable professional examples if you have relevant experiences to draw on.

Written by Rachelle Enns

What You Need to Know

In October 2022, The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) negotiated a new five-year agreement providing job protections, a fairer pay scale for their Southwest Airlines members, and improved mandatory overtime rules to offer a higher quality of life. Read through it before your interview to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Discussing union-related issues in an interview can often be a touchy subject. So avoid it altogether and learn what protections are offered to you. This will allow you to answer any interview questions such as these confidently.

Written by Kevin Downey on February 2nd, 2023

Experienced Example

"In my most recent position with Airline XYZ, I had an inconsistent schedule that required me to often be on call. I worked many weekends and holidays. This schedule is part of the lifestyle of a Flight Attendant, and I completely understand. I'm happy to work any hours offered to me."

Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"I am available for a wide range of hours and overtime. I prefer to be aware of my schedule ahead of time so I can make appropriate childcare arrangements."

Written by Rachelle Enns

2.   All employees of Southwest Airlines are expected to wear a uniform to work. Are you comfortable with this policy?

How to Answer

Uniforms are sometimes controversial among organizations. Yet, in the airline industry, uniforms are an industry standard, but most airlines have been redesigning their uniforms to be more appropriate for the times. Discuss with the interviewer your experience working in uniform and your willingness to abide by the dress code within Southwest Airlines.

Written by Rachelle Enns

What You Need to Know

Perform your research before your interview and read the Southwest Airlines Blog, where they discuss the redesign of their logo and uniforms. "Southwest Employees officially donned the new uniforms in June 2017. The Company's new Heart logo, striped with sunrise yellow and a warm red, projected a sleekly modern yet soulful look. Shorts. Pants. Polos. Blouses. A skirt. Two dresses. From hemline to neckline, the uniforms were authentically Southwest. Approachable but professional. Comfortable yet chic. Striking and personable. 75 pieces would be made available to facilitate mixing and matching."

Written by Kevin Downey on February 2nd, 2023

Experienced Example

"I am accustomed to wearing a uniform at work and am happy to abide by any dress code requirements to work with Southwest Airlines."

Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"Uniforms are important in this industry, so I am comfortable with this policy. I would love to see the uniforms before I fully commit."

Written by Rachelle Enns

3.   How do you define success?

How to Answer

Your interviewer is curious about what your philosophical outlook for success looks like. It is as much about your attitude as your experience and work ethic. So share your broader view of what success means to you. For example, Southwest defines their model of success by these three keywords: efficiency, discipline, and excellence.

Written by Kevin Downey on February 2nd, 2023

What You Need to Know

Herb Kelleher, the founder of Southwest Airlines, once said, "Leading an organization is as much about soul as it is about systems. Effective leadership finds its source in understanding." Success doesn't always equate to accomplishing something, but to how you accomplish it and your formula to repeating that success.

Written by Kevin Downey on February 2nd, 2023

1st Experienced Example

"Getting things done is just doing your job. So I wouldn't ever call doing my job a success. I'd call that the bare minimum. However, making going above and beyond the standard of my work a success. I define success as going the extra mile and feeling good about it."

Written by Kevin Downey on February 2nd, 2023

2nd Experienced Example

"I define success not only by what I accomplish but how those accomplishments were reached. The means have to justify the ends. If, after facing any challenge, the team is stronger, tighter, and in better shape than before, I consider that a success."

Written by Kevin Downey on February 2nd, 2023

4.   What work situations excite and motivate you?

How to Answer

"All employees are responsible for preserving and invigorating our culture, regardless of position or tenure, which strengthens our culture of caring. It's a source of pride among Employees and at the Heart of who we are." Your interviewer is not only interested in understanding how they can help you bring your best self to work, but they understand that to do this, they need to know how to keep you motivated and excited to come to work every day. Tell the interviewer what they could do to ensure you are happy and productive.

Written by Rachelle Enns

1st Answer Example

"I am most motivated on the job when tasks are organized, and the vibe is positive. I value strong teamwork and good leadership."

Written by Rachelle Enns

2nd Answer Example

"I am most motivated on the job when I feel like an active contributor and an important member of the team. When I feel listened to and valued, I am excited to do my best work."

Written by Rachelle Enns

5.   Personality fit is important to us at Southwest Airlines. How would you describe your personality?

How to Answer

Personality and character are two very different things. The interviewer is looking for more information on your traits vs. your integrity. This example could include buzzwords such as extroverted, energetic, and confident. For Southwest, it doesn't hurt to be more extroverted and energetic. But don't worry; it's not a deal breaker if you are not. As they state on their careers website, "No matter where you're flying from or what area of Southwest interests you, we're connecting each other to what matters most. We recognize that every experience, perspective, and background makes an incredible impact on our Company. We encourage bringing your authentic self to work and celebrating what makes you unique!"

Written by Rachelle Enns

1st Answer Example

"I would describe my personality as approachable, light-hearted, and positive. I believe that, if asked, my colleagues and supervisor would say the same about me."

Written by Rachelle Enns

2nd Answer Example

"I am a confident, friendly go-getter. Are you looking for these personality traits in your next hire?"

Written by Rachelle Enns

6.   Why are you the best choice for Southwest Airlines?

How to Answer

Skills will only take you so far. You need to feel like a good fit and embrace and embody the Southwest Airlines brand as a representative. In any interview, you must convey that you believe this opportunity is a mutual fit, that you would complement their teams and culture, and that their environment is ideal for your personality, productivity, and goals. So, before your interview, examine their culture and the keywords and phrases they used to define their culture. Talk to the interviewer about what makes you a memorable candidate. Discuss unique skills and characteristics that will make you a memorable candidate.

As the founder of Southwest Airlines once said, "You don't hire for skills, you hire for attitude. You can always teach skills."

Written by Rachelle Enns

Experienced Example

"I am the top candidate for Southwest Airlines because I already bring five years of industry experience. My customer service skills are unmatched, and I am fluent in three languages, which allows me to communicate smoothly with a large range of customers."

Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"As you can see, I am invested in this interview process with Southwest and will bring this same dedication to you if hired. You won't be disappointed."

Written by Rachelle Enns

7.   Why do you want to work for Southwest Airlines?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Your interviewer wants to know your motives for pursuing this position. An unqualified candidate they'd consider as someone who is trying to land a position with any airline anywhere, someone who is interested in landing a job that pays the most money, or anyone who would be considered uncommitted to their airline. Whereas a top candidate is one who is a customer of the airline, identifies with their culture, values, and purpose, prefers the destinations they fly to, and is drawn to the career development opportunities they have to offer. Whether you are a frequent flyer of Southwest, a friend or family member of their crew, or if you found their recruitment value propositions attractive, how you answer will help paint a picture for how you rank among the other candidates in their talent pool.

Written by Kevin Downey on December 28th, 2023

What You Need to Know

When determining what you are looking for next in your career and customizing your goals and priorities with what Southwest has to offer, prioritize first what they can do to further your career goals, then secondly lifestyle and culture, including the destinations they fly to and those who you'll be building relationships with, and then how that aligns with your ideal working environment, regardless of the position you are applying for.

"At Southwest, we empower employees to create their own career; one that fits the goals and lifestyle they want. Often we're recognized as a great place to work. We're committed to quality training and development that drives progress and change, better retention, and sets employees up for success. Attracting prospective candidates to Southwest and retaining our current people is at the forefront of everything we do."

Written by Kevin Downey on January 13th, 2024

Answer Example

"I almost always fly Southwest, and from the city I currently live in, the airline has direct routes to many of my favorite destinations. But I would be gladly be flexible to be stationed anywhere, and would be thrilled to fly someone new. Most of all, I love the hospitality and the sense of community among the Southwest crew. I love the uniforms they wear, and really identify most with this airline above all others. So, when I researched where I wanted to take my career next, and the options a friend of mine, who is crew with Southwest, explored with me, I was sold that this airline was easily positioned at the top of my list of preferred list of employers."

Written by Kevin Downey on December 28th, 2023

8.   Where do you see yourself five years from now?

How to Answer

Although it may be impossible to know where you will be in five years, they are curious whether you have a five-year career plan. Assure your interviewer that this opportunity aligns with your career goals, given all possible circumstances, and that you could see yourself as a long-term fit for their company.

Written by Rachelle Enns

What You Need to Know

As stated on their website, "At Southwest, employees are empowered to use common sense and good judgement to make the right calls when the situation demands. Employees own their decisions and, ultimately, their career at the company. Training and personal development is led by Southwest University, the company's training institution that offers new hires, employees, and managers courses specific to their day-to-day needs. Learning, at Southwest, is encouraged to be embraced as a never-ending process."

Written by Kevin Downey on February 2nd, 2023

Experienced Example

"Ideally, five years from now, I would love to see myself growing into a more prominent leadership role within your organization. My career interests align very nicely with your company's goals which helps me to see a great long-term fit here."

Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"I am looking for a long-term fit in my next position. As you can see, I had strong progress and career growth in my previous company. I would love to see the same success with your company. I did notice on your website that you have global leadership opportunities. If I could work my way into a role like that, I would be thrilled."

Written by Rachelle Enns

9.   If you could start your career over again, what direction would you take?

How to Answer

One's career journey is rarely linear. Therefore, the hiring manager is curious about what your other career interests will reveal about your personality. However, focus on the industry you are in and how you apply your talents and motivators toward a long-term career with them. Showing discontent with your career will imply that you'll likely burn out quickly on the job and not be in it for the long haul. As quoted by the founder of Southwest Airlines, "If you're crazy enough to do what you love for a living, then you're bound to create a life that matters."

Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"I certainly do not regret the direction I have taken my career; however, if I had to start over in a new direction, I would likely pursue my Degree in Education and become a teacher. Both of my parents were teachers, and they seemed to have a very fulfilling careers. I enjoy coaching and leading others, so I welcome any tasks in my current career related to these skills."

Written by Rachelle Enns

Experienced Example

"I would take the same direction! I love what I do and wouldn't change a thing. This industry brings a lot of excitement and fulfillment to my life."

Written by Rachelle Enns

10.   How does this position fit into your career goals?

How to Answer

Your interviewer wants to know whether this position is a good fit for you and whether you consider it a step up in your career or a stagnant move that you're complacent with taking until something better comes along. Assure the interviewer that this position will be challenging for you, is a step up in responsibilities, and fits well with your overall career goals.

Written by Rachelle Enns

What You Need to Know

A tagline on Southwest's careers page says, "Land a career with Heart." Under their people management practices, they dive deeper into their work culture and hiring practices. "The company looks for people-oriented applicants. Candidates with a good sense of humor, that could read others' emotions, that display great social skills, and that could genuinely empathize with others. As a result, Southwest focused its interviewing questions on teamwork rather than technicality. Southwest focuses on prospective employee's attitude rather than their skills. Skills can always be taught, attitudes are a different story. Southwest wants to onboard only those candidates whose attitude already aligns with the firm's culture."

Written by Kevin Downey on February 2nd, 2023

Experienced Example

"My primary goal as a flight attendant is to become a senior team member and eventually train others in the airline industry. I feel that what Southwest Airlines offers is a strong path towards those goals, and I am excited about what this position has to offer."

Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"This position offers the next steps in my career and the growth I am ready for. I have spent the last couple of years attending additional coursework to get me here, and I'm excited to show Southwest Airlines what I can do!"

Written by Rachelle Enns

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