Westjet Blacklist

[ProfessionalPilot]

A Westjet pilot who dislikes me got his buddies to join him in submitting bad references on me apparently, even though I haven't submitted an application yet. I was then told by another Westjet pilot I would never get a job at there so don't even bother trying.

Does anyone know if these guys are for real or should I just ignore it?

[The Raven]

Oh boy...this oughtta be good.

[Darkwing Duck]

Like sands through the hourglass, so are the references across the desk of HR. Stay tuned for next weeks show...

[Rotten Apple #1]

Perhaps DaveP will chime with the answer to the question of if it is possible to put a reference (negative/positive) in for a pilot who has not applied yet. DaveP has been remarkably forthright in supplying info here to applicants before, so I don't see why he wouldn't supply the info you're after.

I am curious though, as someone who could potentially be your colleague, why these pilots have strong negative opinions about you. Why do you think that is?

[ProfessionalPilot]

I was hired as a Direct Entry Captain. An FO with several years service at the company turned down the job and was left in the right seat as a result. I think he was making a political statement of sorts and my coming in as a new hire Captain made him look bad, in his mind. I was unaware of the environment I was walking into and did not even know the individual. He was a local boy and had some internal support and I was an out of town guy. Over my short time there he did every thing he could to undermine me without success. Many of the staff and pilots did like me, one more recently called me a "damn fine pilot" to a current colleague. I even have a solid written reference from the Chief Pilot. Having moved on to a company that hired Direct Entry Captains (not me this time) I can see the problem these guys face.

While I am a laid back easygoing type and had long since forgotten the events, I was recently reminded of them by the comments just made to me about WestJet hiring practices. There is always someone who does not like another for who they are or what they represent so I doubt it matters all that much. I could see it coming up in an interview but to simply refuse an application over some politics strikes me as unlike the WestJet people.

Like The Raven said, "this oughta be good" but I would like some direction on whether I should bother applying in spite of the advice not to, or how to deal with it.

[Rotten Apple #1]

Do you know any other WJ pilots who could counter the negative references? It would be a shame if someone was attempting to sewer your chances because of what seems to be a one-off scenario.

[CpnCrunch]

If it was me, I would add a covering letter explaining the situation (as you have done so above), but don't mention any names. Maybe also supply names of those good character references who can back up your story. I think that would satisfy any reasonable recruiter.

[ProfessionalPilot]

Yes, I have a good reference who is doing some damage control for me. I am in the process of getting a few more references together.

I don't think I would discuss it on a cover letter, as I see that as a more general and upbeat introductory document. They may not even be aware of it or see it for what it is, but I wouldn't be afraid to discuss it. I could even use it as an example of conflict management.

[CpnCrunch]

True, they may not even be aware of it - your 'buddy' might just be BSing you. Maybe just don't mention it, but if you don't get anywhere you could make some enquiries.

BTW, I don't work at Westjet, I'm just a shareholder. But from everything I have seen, they seem a very reasonable company without too much political BS.

[Changes in Latitudes]

Pro Pilot,

I have heard countless times that when a pilot is going through the final hiring process that their name goes up in a briefing room or some area frequented by crew where they can give a yay or nay to the name. This is second hand information, so take it with a grain of salt as it may just be a rumour started by people who couldn't get hired. I am curious to know the truth as well.


Good luck either way.

[twinpratts]

I wouldn't let it stop me from applying...it's probably just hearsay anyway. I also wouldn't mention it in the cover letter... It won't come up in the interview, that are scripted questions: if you get a call for the face to face, it's yours to lose, and HR is very fair in deciding who gets an interview call.
I have been at the company 4 years, and have yet to see or hear of this 'Mysterious crew room" with the list you can then make changes to.

Get on the blower to all the guys you know who work here. Get refs from all of them. In the end IF there is one or 2 bad refs, it'll show that you are overall a good guy. (Chances are if the guy is so small minded to pursue this as far as he claims to, he's probably a large case Knob, and the people reading the ref know this and will give it the appropriate amount of credibility).

Good luck, and keep your chin up.
(insert thumbs up simile here)

[DaveP]

Hi Guys,

This is complete BS.

Even if someone has a less than favorable position on someone all sides are considered. Often when we do professional external referencing, received negatives are carefully scrutinized and in some cases we still hire the individual. So basically if someone does have a negative, it doesn't negate them from the process. Having said that we have over 3000 resumes and over 1000 internally recommended people making the landscape very competitive. I'm flattered in fact, of how many people want to join us and I thank you for your interest!

I was surprised the comment came up that we post names on a wall somewhere. The truth of the matter is you can't do that. It's against the law.
I heard this years ago when C3 was doing their thing, but it has never happened here.

I would also like to address the thought that there is knowledge of a negative received. The only people that can view the references are myself, the Director of Flight Standards and our HR administrator. I don't show anyone the list so therefore unless the author has told someone and they told someone etc...you get my drift...I would treat it as hear say.

Please pm me if you would like to clarify anything.

for now, I wouldn't worry about it.

Thanks!

Dave.

[Clint23]

As usual, truthful, classy and professional.

Thanks for putting all those rumours to bed Dave.



Cheers

[loopa]

Professional Pilot,

If I can just add something. I'm a low time flight instructor, and Dave P opened his doors of advice to me exactly 1 year ago. He showed me the run down of how it works at WestJet and how they go about their hiring practices, and it honestly is such a genuine process. A few of my very close friends went through the process as well and they reflected exactly alike my impression. They're enjoying the WestJet life now!

I envy people who try to sabotage other people's careers. There's a reason companies like WestJet have made it so far! They have professionals like Dave who know what they are doing, and if somebody is making a bad reference on you due to bitterness, it will be picked up! I wouldn't worry about that. You sound like a genuine person and I hope you make it to all your dreams.

All the best!

[ProfessionalPilot]

Thanks Dave, I can see that you and WestJet would deal with the matter the way I would expect - professionally.

Appreciate the feedback from the others on here as well !!

[Legacy]

Hi Guys,

This is complete BS.

Even if someone has a less than favorable position on someone all sides are considered. Often when we do professional external referencing, received negatives are carefully scrutinized and in some cases we still hire the individual. So basically if someone does have a negative, it doesn't negate them from the process. Having said that we have over 3000 resumes and over 1000 internally recommended people making the landscape very competitive. I'm flattered in fact, of how many people want to join us and I thank you for your interest!

I was surprised the comment came up that we post names on a wall somewhere. The truth of the matter is you can't do that. It's against the law.
I heard this years ago when C3 was doing their thing, but it has never happened here.

I would also like to address the thought that there is knowledge of a negative received. The only people that can view the references are myself, the Director of Flight Standards and our HR administrator. I don't show anyone the list so therefore unless the author has told someone and they told someone etc...you get my drift...I would treat it as hear say.

Please pm me if you would like to clarify anything.

for now, I wouldn't worry about it.

Thanks!

Dave.

LOL tell it like it is. I can't believe at our level that people would try and sewer each other because of personal matters. I can see showing a concern if someone is downright dangerous but because of personal issues? That just irks me. Not only are you damaging someones career but that persons family way of life too. It's very selfish.
That being said I don't know anyone at WJ that would do such a thing.

[Dhc6to8]

Well, no matter what you want to believe... there are and always will be a few bad eggs in each gang. I don't buy that one company is so clean of bad eggs that is sparkles.... in fact, there is a good handfull of guys I went to school with that are at WJ right now and all left seat. If I told you what these guys did in their previous lives you would be surprised and shocked. But, hey! Life goes on, and so should everybody else.... after all, we are all on the same team at the end of the day - we have the honour and responsibility to transport the lives of the public who have entrusted us with their most valuable asset... their life. That is why when asked if I take a WJ commuter on the J/S, I do, no questions asked.
But as for no bad eggs.... you find them everywhere.
6ot8

[DaveP]

Hi Guys,
I totally agree with your thoughts on the subject.

Take care,
Dave.

[aviator2010]

Edited due to drinking combined with sarcasam

[LongShanks]

Ego > IQ = Situations like this. Park the Ego and false facts folks, its gets so very very lame!

Our Mission is to get better out there, not older!

Cheers Folks

[aviator2010]

Ego > IQ = Situations like this. Park the Ego and false facts folks, its gets so very very lame!

Our Mission is to get better out there, not older!

Cheers Folks

what?

[LongShanks]

Ego > IQ = Situations like this. Park the Ego and false facts folks, its gets so very very lame!

Our Mission is to get better out there, not older!

Cheers Folks


what?

I'm too tired

Cheers

[short bus]

made sense to me, maybe if you stopped posting retarded comments in every thread you chime in on you'd pick up on stuff like this.

[Troubleshot]

I am pretty sure "Aviator2010" is just a kid in his mom's basement pretending to be pilot....I have been reading his posts and he has been called out on more than occasion for making stuff up and talking complete nonsense. I am starting to think if Google didn't exsist we wouldn't see half these so call "experts" here.

He seems to pipe in on all topics he/she obviously knows nothing about, and with a condescending attitude to boot. I have yet to see anything of substance from Aviator2010 regarding experience, technical knowledge, piloting experience, etc...just pot stirring jabs.

Just search through his posts, you'll see what I mean.

[jjj]

I'll second that T Shot.