I'm hopefully looking at a promotion myself, and one tip I have been given for actually handling the a/c is get a bit of practice with the left hand on the control column (obviously not at the same time you need it on the thrust levers!). It helps the brain to get used to what each hand should be doing.
Will probably be of great use to me, as the first time I drove a left-hand drive car, I tried to change gear with the door handle. I don't intend to do similar in the sim!