To Socalpilot:
To help you understand what is going on with the interviews I'll offer some of my insight (for what it's worth).
1. SkyWest does not, and has not trained to proficiency. They expect you to come here and have very little problem in getting through the training in the normal time. If needed you'll get an extra sim session or an extra 10-15 hours of IOE, but if you're not up to speed then you will be shown the door. Same thing with upgrades pass or you're fired. I would imagine that someone with 2, 3 or 4000 + hours with the majority of it multi engine turbine in a crew environment is going to have an easier time than someone with 1000 hours. Even if they have problems in the sim, they certainly have more line/practical EXPERIENCE were it counts.
2. When you attended the career fairs I doubt the company had any intention of hiring into the jet at that time. As I've said before, when SkyWest previously had hired into the jet all the people had significant turbine experience. I would bet that most of the interviews at this time are for the jet and they're still looking for the turbine time. As far as the company saying one thing and doing another, things change and I bet everyone here at an airline can point to situations where their company has said one thing and done another. As far as the money you spent on the career fair it's just part of the game. I'm sure that you and I, and many of the others will spend many thousands more in our quest for that dream job.
3. With only 1200-1300 hours that is extermely low time in todays market. I was hired 2 1/2 years ago and out of a class of thirty the average times were around 2000 hrs / 600 multi. Only a few had times as low as 1200 hours. I believe Andy stated average times for a new hire class about a year ago were 2600 hours / 1000 hours multi. I've flown with many captains here that were hired during the early to mid 90's that thought they were lucky to get a job with 3000-4000+ hours. That was to sit right seat in a Metro years when upgrades ran 5-7 years.
4. If you really want a job here, keep building experience, keep updating, get letters of recommendation from as many SkyWest pilots as you can, and be persistent. Additionally, check the attitude, I'll bet that 3000 hour captain that can't track a course can handle the situation better when the sh$t hits the fan than you can.