Applied during the Jan 01 window (6 Jan 01). I had several LORs included in the package with one from a current MidEx employee (not a pilot). I received a call from Laurie Poole at Human Resources three weeks later. She was offering interview dates in March. They interview for two weeks each month. MidEx will fly you to MKE from any city they serve and put you up in the Airport Clairan.
The next day the hotel shuttle will take you directly to the MidEx HQ. We were met by Steve Shafranski, former assistant chief pilot, now in charge of pilot recruitment. There were five total applicants, I was the only one with a military background. Steve spent about an hour explaining the company, goals, future growth plans, etc. Very laid back and informal presentation along with question and answer period. They choose employees based on what they call "target selection". Past performance will indicate future performance. So plan your stories on what you have done in the past emphasizing customer service.
We were then all give a basic 30 question test from the ATP written study guide. They use a bank of 150 question. Each applicant is given an answer sheet with 30 different questions listed. You then go through the question bank book picking out those questions. Since no two applicants are asked the same questions, everyone takes the test together at a small table. The questions are taken directly from the ATP questions. The only difference is there are four choices instead of the normal three possibilities. I believe they are from the old test of a few years ago when there were four answers. I studied the ATP study guide and believe I made 100% but you never know because they only care if you pass. Steve also told us he does not grade the test until that afternoon after the interviews are over. He does not want to go into the interview with any preconseptions about someones performance.
While you are taking the test they are reviewing your logbooks and updated resumes. They asked me no questions concerning logbooks during the interviews. I assume that was because all my time was military and I furnished them my military records.
We then had three separate one on one interviews with each one lasting about 45 minutes. One from Steve Shafranski, One from Laurie Poole (Human Resources), and one from a line pilot. The line pilot may be a Captain or a First Officer. Steve explained to us that he is trying to determine how each of us would fit into the pilot force. He said human resources was trying to determine your fit into MidEx and the line pilot was trying to determine if they could stand to spend 3-4 days on the road with you. All the interviews were very informal and relaxed. Everyone tried to do everything possible to make you feel at ease. I was not asked any technical questions by any of the three. All the questions were situational and based on personal experiences. You are expected to give a brief time frame of the incident, what your involvement was, and what the outcome was. Examples are: Tell me about a time you had to work with a difficult crewmember; TAAT you did something above and beyond the call of duty; TAAT you were disapointed in your performance; TAAT you had to make a quick decision; what do you like most about your current job; what do you like the least, etc..
To succeed at MidEx you must convince them you don't just want to be a pilot, you want to be part of the MidEx team. I got the feeling they would rather park the jets that fill the cockpits with pilots that don't buy into their "Best Care in the Air" concept.
We started at 0700 and were out of there by 1400. No sim was given.
Steve gave us the dates he would call with any good news. He said they would call on Mon or Tues following the second week of interivews. So if you interviewed early in the first week, you would have to wait two weeks. If you interviewed late in the second week, you would only have to wait through the weekend.If you do not receive a call on the days he stated, he said you would receive a rejection letter.
I received the good news call offering me the job. They will try to put you into the next available class. I had to wait until my military retirement 5 months later.
Super company, great people.