4Engines,
1)-Not important at AC....many get hired without knowing anybody or getting help.
To get an interview you apply online at the AC website.
2)-No.You get to choose your acft based on your class seniority wich in my time meant ex-Jazz were the most senior and the rest would draw their number out of a hat.It still goes by seniority but I'm not sure how it's determined nowadays.
3-)At AC I don't think it's technical but lot's of emphasis on the character of the person.
4-)Bad relationship with management but nonetheles excellent working conditions and very safety oriented culture ,lots of emphasis on CRM