To return to the original question, as well as being in the right place at the right time, pilots' experience requirements throughout aviation are governed by the Laws of Supply and Demand.
When the pilot supply is plentiful requirements may be for several thousands of hours total time, a couple of thousand P1 and a similar amount on an appropriate type. When pilots are scarce however, a freshly printed dog licence will secure you a half decent job.
For what it's worth, I am of the opinion that we're slowly gravitating to the lower end of that spectrum. Good luck!