Interesting thread.......... .I applied for one of two vacant cojoe positions with Esso, through the contracting company, in '97. Had met the Chief Pilot Esso a couple of times and was recommended by him (nice bloke!) I presented with 2000+ RW hours, all turbine, mostly command, ATPL, IREX theory, a number of Command IR renewals (not hard to guess the background).
Didn't end up getting a slot due to being too experienced! Have never heard of having too much experience in aviation.
Bit of a bleat I know, but interesting. Didn't hurt in the long run anyway.
BTW - You back in Vic yet John?