Filled out an online application and received email acknowledgement after 2 days. Another 2 days later I received an email to set up my initial phone interview by selecting a date online. The range of dates available was 4 to 6 days later.
During the phone interview, there was a series of routine eligibility and understanding questions (required drug screening, background check, various shift schedules, etc.) before we discussed my background and reasons why I wanted to work with Southwest. The recruiter was very friendly and encouraged me to speak at length, asking a couple of follow-up questions. After about 15 minutes, she offered to refer me for a second interview, and I selected a good date and time which was five days later. I definitely felt that my ability to have a focused but casual conversation was more important than the answers themselves.
The second interview was via Zoom video call with a 2nd tier recruiter. On that day, the recruiter had a recruiter trainee on the call with us, but that person's role was clearly just to observe and get familiar with the process.
This was another very relaxed process. I wore a long sleeve, checkered button-down shirt with open collar, as the email specified business casual was typical for the interview. This interview was much more focused on the role, and my expectations and understanding of the position. I gave specific answers about why Southwest interested me, and showed my knowledge of Southwest history, policies, and employee pride in being part of their company. I also spoke in detail about the role of an Operations Agent.
At the end of the call, I was offered a position and responded enthusiastically. We then discussed the onboarding process and timeline, and I was an follow-up email with details about the drug screening, fingerprint verification, I-9 documents, etc.
Three days later, I was given my clearance and a start date about three weeks later. It's important to point out that I was then working at another carrier in Denver International Airport, so I had details like my 10 year work history dates, employee addresses, and 5 year residence dates and addresses ready immediately, so the third-party background check was quick. If you have spent time abroad (or have employment gaps) in the last 10 years, than can slow down the process.
Overall, Southwest provided exactly what I would expect from a company with their reputation for employee relations - a relaxed, free-flowing, and informative hiring process for both parties.