"However, be advised that the competition for flying positions in Europe is much more competative than in the States."
Sorry, eggplant but I TOTALLY disagree with your last statement! I have never had a "problem" getting an interview or job in Europe but ALWAYS in the US. The difference in recruitment practices is like chalk & cheese. In the US, they hide behind statements like ...."not competitive enough". And if you believe that B.S. about we are an equal opportunity employer & we do not discriminate according to age, sex, national origin etc.,...I think you get the picture.
When my last US airline went bust, I was unemployed for 16 straight months & during that time I pulled out ALL the stops - new type rating, networking, signing up with countless agencies, pounding the pavement, applying to those specific companies that operated the types I'm rated & experienced on. Despite getting a couple of apps, not a SINGLE interview in all that time - just a lot poorer as I watched my unemployment run out as I paid $100s to airline HR departments in "processing fees". I guess someone had a good Christmas party.
This is the 3rd time I have interviewed successfully with an EU carrier in 12 years and got a job. However, have had to leave family behind and that's not easy. The only question is of course, how come I can fly the heavy iron and international to boot here but apparently, I am not worthy of even an interview in my own country? In my experience, the EU carriers are much more black & white in their hiring practices; you don't need LORs nor to play games, just the ability to shine in an interview. Of course, if you are denied even an interview, then you have no absolutely no chance.
Outsourced U.S. Pilot