Clogmaster,your initial correspondence should be your CV with a covering letter stating your interest in employment as a pilot with CX.This should be mailed to :
Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd
Flight Crew Recruitment (Second Officer)
Flight Operations Department
3/F South Tower
Cathay Pacific City
8 Scenic Road
Hong Kong International Airport
Lantau
Hong Kong
CX will send you an application form with their minimum requirements on it which are:
Second Officers
ATPL or CPL (ICAO)
Valid Multi engine Command Instrument Rating
All ATPL Ground Examinations passed
1,000 hrs total flying ,to include multiengine preferably turbine experience
A valid Medical and Radio Licence
After you have carefully filled it and it sent off,it may take months sometimes to get called up for an interview.In some cases it has been quicker otherwise you just keep updating your application every six months.
Cathay conducts the first interviews at their offices abroad like London/Paris for European candidates,Vancouver for North Americans and Sydney for Aussies/Kiwis etc.No allowances or tickets are given for the first interviews.
After clearing the first stage which includes a technical quiz,psychological test and an interview,successful candidates are called to Hong Kong for final evaluation .CX provides tickets,allowances,hotel etc for the candidate and the spouse.Medical,Sim ride and a final interview is conducted.
I hope this answers your questions.Wish you the best in your pursuit of a career with Cathay.