Pohm 1.....
Sorry but I disagree...........
Looking at it from another viewpoint................
An aspiring CPL pilot with 500 hrs......or an aspiring CPL pilot with 200 hrs and ATPL and IREX........all personalities being the same....who will get the job?
Its a common discussion point within the industry......IREX and ATPL shows more than just a qualification............
It shows willingness to strive harder, shows you do have the mental capacity to pass that higher qual, and it illustrates your capacity to self improve yourself....
All attributes that employers look for......
Please don't feel that anyone with 500 hrs is going to be let loose in a machine in any PIC capacity........with a few Flight Schools/Charter Companies exceptions around the Rock.
You could hope/strive for a First Officers position......but there are hundreds of aspiring CPL's out there................but only a few with IREX and ATPL........and even less that feel the industry doesn't owe them anything.
Burn the midnight oil....