I didnt buy my own type rating. I went through a 50/50 sponsorship that was run by Atlantic Flight training in Coventry. I was very lucky to be given a job straight after training on the ATR. They paid for the type rating and I did about 15 hours before they made me redundent as they had to stop operating the aircraft to due costs. I was really unhappy as I didnt think I stood much of a chance with so little time on the ATR.
I was very lucky and managed to secure an interview within 2 months. I was rather surprised by the casual nature of the interview. There was no sim check or aptitude testing. Only a very simple group discussion (done with cabin crew and flight crew at the interview day), a presentation about the company and a 25min interview. No tough technical questions. Just stuff from the type rating. I was fortunate to be offered the job.
The line training wasnt all that hard. I'd say it was less work than the type rating but it was of a different kind.
Goodluck on the job search. Hope something comes up soon.