Question regarding pilot recruitment and the new website...

[Noodle]

Hey Guys,

El Comat; The onus is on us, the pilot group, to follow through with submitting referrals for individuals whom we feel would be a good fit at Westjet. Unfortunately there is no method for you to externally confirm whether they have been submitted. The person who manages them is very diligent in pairing them with your application so if your internal contact wants to confirm, they can contact us in the PST (Pilot Selection Team).

DH772; I have a call into the People Dept to get the definitive answer to the Visa question. As for your citizenship; just my opinion, delete and re-submit but we primarily interested in your ability to work in Canada. Remember that, unlike past pilot position postings, this one will be brought down early September but hopefully re-posted again soon after during which time you can easily update all info.

Honest Joe; Provided you said yes to having a valid passport, you are fine. Again, we will try to make the wording a little more clear next time around.

Have a good weekend!

Noodle

[DH772]

Thanks Noodle

[Noodle]

Good Morning,
I have discussed the Permanent Residency / Visa issue with both the Training and HR departments and the following is some clarification;

Canadian Permanent Resident Card: Obtaining this is an involved process which does take some time and is essential prior to consideration of employment so potential candidates should have one prior to being considered for an interview.

Applicable Visas: Provided you have a permanent residency card, a US Visa should suffice for employment - we do have pilots with both of these. The wording is intentionally vague as circumstances may differ with each individual depending on their country of origin but I don't have an example at this time. If you do not possess a US Visa, it is the candidate's responsibility to acquire one prior to employment.

If you answer "No" to the Permanent Residency / Visa question, you may still be considered for an interview, but our Pilot Recruiting HR representative would follow up to confirm whether you have a residency card (or are very close to obtaining one) and that you either have at least a US Visa or are well into the process of obtaining one. If you require a letter of employment to obtain said Visa, unfortunately you must rely on your current employer. In summary, the responsibility rests with the candidate to obtain the required documentation prior to an offer of employment. Once employed, the folks here at Westjet are exceptional at assisting you maintain you certifications, but unfortunately we are limited in how much we can do prior. Do know that if we think you are a possible fit, all factors are considered rather than just blindly rejecting someone do to administrative paperwork. But the more you have completed, the better.

Hope this helps somewhat. Cheers!

Noodle

[Nucksfan]

Afternoon Noodle,

Do you know how long it takes before you can reapply online after you have removed an application to edit an answer?

Cheers.

[DH772]

Thanks Noodle. That was a very informative answer. That was the answer I was hoping for!

[Noodle]

Nucksfan, et al,
It was only a matter of time before I put out incorrect info. The HR department was under the impression that you could withdraw your application and then re-apply immediately. After withdrawing and then selecting apply again, it informs you that you have "already applied". It turns out that the system does not in fact let you submit a "new" application but you can still select "resubmit application" and your application does remain in the system as originally submitted. This was an oversight and they will be discussing with the service provided this morning to seek improvements. So I apologize for providing incorrect guidance.

That being said, please note that, provided you have all of the minimum flying related qualifications, the ancillary details will not hinder your application. If you are concerned however with what you have submitted, our pilot recruiting HR representative suggested you can send her an e-mail directly and she will assist accordingly. As you can imagine, she is a very busy lady but extremely helpful and will do her best. We are all extremely sensitive to an applicant's desire to have the best possible information submitted and we want to make the process as stress free as possible. Thanks for your patience and raising such valuable questions. Cheers!

pilot recruiting HR contact:
gcaruana@westjet.com

Noodle

[SpdLvlChgClb]

Has anyone been called since the new application process was launched?
If not, does anyone know when the calling may start?

[DaveP]

Hi,
We have been in there the last week choosing applicants - so yes.

Interviews are starting again in August and will continue through the fall. Currently there are 4 dates scheduled (Aug) and there is still some availability.

Cheers,
Dave.

[SpdLvlChgClb]

Thanks Dave,
I am standing by for a call.
I really appreciate hearing directly from you.

[zee]

Dave P)))Hope to hear from your team soon!!

[El Comat]

Hi Dave,

My schedule has not lined up with my friends' at WJ, so I've been unable to get out for a hangar tour (hope to do one soon). Does this affect my chances of getting an interview, or are internal recommends good enough?

Thanks
EC

[DaveP]

Hi El,
The reason guys and gals come by is simply to perform some due diligence on the place.

Educating yourself on the the company, being able to talk with crew planners, training coordinators and dispatchers etc. should in essence solidify your desire to work here (or not). That's the whole purpose of the visit.

One can easily work through their sponsors to obtain the latest and greatest in hiring, class dates and interviewing status. We maintain an internal web page outlining all the news, selection team contacts and referral process.

These sponsors in turn will take ownership in you, and will likely lobby for you. My biggest beef is guys walk in and say "I have 10 sponsors" - well have you know a pilot that likes paperwork? Quite frankly most of them never intend to put in a sponsorship form, but for some reason don't have the courage to tell the person asking.

So, to answer your question - your sponsor can do all the work - it's not necessary to come out. On the other hand learning about a place that you want to be a part of for a long time can't hurt either! That's the last guy we want here is a whiner that complains about crap they should have looked into before they came. No place is perfect and things will always change. We need guys that are positive and can constructively help in continuing to build or take us forward.
Thanks for the note!

Dave.

[El Comat]

Thanks Dave,

I plan on coming out, even if it doesn't work to have one of my my sponsors with me (is that possible and/or worthwhile?). Also, do days other than Wednesdays work? This Monday or Tuesday may be my only chance to get out for a while, and I'd love to have a chance at one of the August interviews. I'm open to any advice on how to get the most out of my visit.

Thanks again, it's refreshing to deal with a company that doesn't treat you like a number!
EC

[DaveP]

Hi,
I'm away right now for another week. We recommend coming with someone. This way you are guaranteed that someone can take you around. Usually the managers and standards guys are tied up with meetings and general day to day duties. If you catch us at the right time, we certainly don't mind taking a few minutes to say hello when you come by the offices.

Cheers

[El Comat]

Thanks, Dave. My friend has sim on Aug 29th and 30th, and he invited me out to try and get a tour so I'll plan on heading out then.

EC

[SpdLvlChgClb]

Dave P,

Do you know if the pilot hiring team is still calling pilots for an interview for the upcoming october courses or have all those getting interviewed been called?

[David Hasselhoff]

As pilots, do we have to wait for the Successfactors site to list an opening under Pilot to be able to apply or is there a separate site? I was under the impression Westjet was still accepting flightcrew applications.

[St.Paddy's]

Hey guys...

Anyone know when WestJet will be putting up there new mainline or Encore posting?

Cheers