Not in the employing business, but would like to ask those that do how they regard the tats that some youth like to sport. Discreet OK? Full sleeve etc?
One recommendation that has not been mentioned so far, but usually is, is networking. Many a time an individual gains a position because a current pilot with the employer vouches for the applicant.
PS: liked Aussie Bob's confidence building tactic, a bit more civil than one chap who travelled the world and wandered up to women on the street and asked if he could fondle their breasts. Filmed the encounters, and didn't seem to get many knockbacks. OTOH, perhaps he just deleted the failed attempts.