I didn't know airlines nominated "senior pilots." How does one qualify for such a position?
Some of the most talented pilots I have flown with have been low houred first-job-medium-jet First Officers. Some of the turboprop First Officers I flew with, including some ex flying instructors, really struggled to perform to a good standard. The oft-perceived smugness of having been a flying instructor placing themselves on a pedastal more often than not led to them lagging behind their colleagues in ability.
So I don't concur with the dismissive attitude to newly qualified pilots getting jobs on jets - good on you if you can get it, it's not a fairytale preserve of only the "deserved experienced few" or those that have flown smaller aeroplanes first.
Kiltie
(career - turboprop/piston, jet, turboprop, turboprop, jet, turboprop, jet...)