There will be more applicants than jobs.
The majority of applicants will be suitable.
A few will screw up the sim/interview.
A few will know someone in EI
Quite a few will have gone to schools previously used by EI
Some will have type ratings with experience
Some will have type ratings with no experience
End result: lots of suitable pilots for EI to choose from, whom EI can then mold into EI line pilots.
There is no magic formula as to what makes the ideal EI pilot. They wont necessarily pick the guy/gal who has the most experience on type nor the guy who scored highest in exams.Aer Lingus is made up of an eclectic mix of cadets, ex-military, other airlines and self sponsored. If I can offer one piece of advice. With such a large field to pick from, you will have to make the interviewers remember you. You will have to stand out from the other 10 they interviewed that day.
The best of luck to all - I still enjoy working there!
Pat