I had my interview in early March (Direct Entry FO). My first referee was contacted a week later, and the next one was contacted the following week. I got a phone call saying that I was accepted a few days after that.
I've not heard anything to suggest that they're looking for Trainees over Direct entry FO's, or vice-versa.
I had around 1350 TT, around 560 Multi command, and most of my PIC time was either charter or RPT in Chieftains/C402's. I'm not an instructor. This was less than some of my mates who had applied (and who didn't get in).
What people seem to be forgetting is that Qlink (as well as QF, REX, J*,
VB, etc) are looking for a certain PROFILE of pilot.
That is, someone who THEY think will work well both within their company as well as within one of their cockpits. Each company will be after something different.
I did the Rex interview and thought that I did well in it. Result? "Thanks, and don't come back". I did the Qlink interview and thought that I'd stuffed it up, and they gave me a job!
Just because a company is "desperate for pilots" doesn't mean that they're going to hire someone who THEY don't think will work well in their system; hours or no hours.
Just my opinion!
DIVOSH!