There are been plenty of ppl hire without PIC time. Both from the 121 and 135 world. See DAL understands that a ASA, or Eagle pilot did not upgrade because they did not want to, they know they couldn't.
Apply and with the correct LOR, anything is fair game. Once you get the interview, it is about you and you alone. Not who got you the chance at the table. Time matters, but how you portray yourself as a leader matters more.
I say apply, and do everything in your power to get the interview. There are many ppl here today that were sitting where you are and got the call and subsequent job.
They will spread out the new hires as they see fit. They stated 240, which IMO is never been done before. The stated a specific number so at least that many will get hired.
I know we have lots o apps and a lot of pilots are more than qualified. Apply now and update often.
Best of luck guys!
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On the reserve deal. Reserve is a crap shoot. It is unique in its design. My belief is that you need to be available for your obligation as you are getting paid. Living where you sit reserve is paramount. If not, it is at 18 days away from home at a min.
I do not necessarily enjoy short call, but it goes with the position of bidding a jet to sit reserve. The converse is that when we are fat on pilot you can move your days off and get a schedule your seniority has not business holding. Also if you are not converted to SC, you basically are free of obligation until the phone rings. By living in base, it makes the only down side sitting SC and not being able to go out and do heavy yard work.
It is what you make of it. Could it be better? Yes, but it is a lot better than where you will be coming from.