How to Answer: Why do you want to work for Southwest Airlines?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Southwest Airlines job interview.
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 Samantha Brown on January 14th, 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