The most challenging part of the process itself is having to spend weeks ahead of time memorizing all 270+(?) Domestic Airport Codes by heart, both ways. Some are easier others, some will be difficult to ever remember. As soon as you arrive you are ushered into a room with computers to take the Airport Code Test. Approx 25 each way: code to location & location to code. I whizzed through pretty quickly having studied in my sleep but got hung up a couple that wouldnt come to mind. I did notice the young girl next to me constantly turning her head & typing like crazy filling in her missing answers after copying off my screen. Its been years since school so I had forgotten the feeling of someone cheating and not earning their grade on their own as was expected by me. Once completed you met in a large room to wait for your name to be called. The young girl got called ahead of me along with a group that met at the wall, then they were escorted out the door told they did not pass the test and could restudy and reapply in two weeks. I thought that was rather crazy since it was clearly stated within all the emails that memorizing the codes was a detrimental part of the job so know your codes! To me that showed the lack of importance put on requirements for the job and I wouldnt have allowed them back personally. Even cheating off me couldnt help her I guess with enough of her other answers being incorrect. How sad.
I was called next and asked to follow two other applicants down a hallway to a room for a group interview that an older and younger woman were conducting. They asked 4 questions that we each gave answers to then went back out in the main room to wait for results. I was confident I had the experience they were looking for along with more than enough skills, if not almost over qualified. Ive had a couple customer service/transport positions so I felt my record of attention to time restraints, working under stress and attention to fine detail would shine through. I was dressed professionally, attractive and have a bubbly personality. I noticed the other two women seemed not as qualified, dressed rather frumpy, both seriously overweight and giving answers to the interviewers that would send up red flags to me.
As the process ended, we were told we would be notified by email within the next few days if we were accepted. I was very excited as I had been interested in a position at American Airlines since I was young, along with having a love for flying and travel. After a week of no correspondence what so ever, I had to email the recipient of the AA emails I had previously received to inquire about my hiring status. I eventually got a reply back that I HAD NOT BEEN SELECTED FOR THE POSITION!! No one could believe I was NOT selected as I was perfectly qualified and studied for the test with all the urgency and respect my new potential employer demanded. Stunned and shocked I talked to a few friends I knew in high places and they suggested I write the company and ask why I was not selected for this position. Not knowing if I would get response, I did just that and included emphasis on my past experience that would compliment this position, how I could benefit the company and why I feel I was qualified. Surprisingly, I did receive a short note back: "Yes we can see you are extremely qualified but we decided to go in a different direction!" What exactly does that mean? What kind of lame blow off excuse is that? I was also told I could not reapply for this position with AA for atleast 6 months!! WHAT A COMPLETE INSULT! I study, I test, I pass, I interview, I am experienced and I am DENIED a chance to train as a home reservationist for AA - but the immature, inexperienced, flighty little gals to whom this position or company wasn't even worth studying for get to restudy and reapply in TWO weeks? I have thought highly of American Airlines my entire life and loyal to them for my travel needs. Not any more. I was never so disappointed in my life.