Getting an airliner job

[neurogalactus]

Hi everyone,

I'm planning to complete my ATPL course in a few months, when I will have obtained all fundamental licenses (CPL, IR, Multiengine, MCC, Jet Familiarization).

Now, the question is this: if I add to all the above a self-financed type rating for, say, A320, would that make my chances of getting an airliner job any bigger than zero?

I know that usually airlines require 300, even 500 hours on type, but that's financially beyond my reach. So I figured that the only two options for me would be either to buy cheaper simulator time-building, or find an airline that would sponsor my time building in return for some provision off my salary later on.

So I'd have two questions:

1. Does simulator practice count as "time on type"?
2. Are there any (preferably European) airlines that help build time on a given type?

Thanx in advance!