How important is getting your first jet command? With reasonable time in the LHS does that make applications to other airlines more easily?
Very.
With a brand new rating in a B707, I went directly to the LHS, in a small ad-hoc charter aircarrier.
With 600 hours in said heavy jet, I joined a well known SE Asian airline, directly into the...LHS.
With 1500 hours in said heavy jet, I progressed directly into the LHS of a wide body jet, at another well known international airline.
Twenty three thousand command hours later in heavy jet transport aircraft...nearing retirement.
I would do nothing differently.