Ok agreed, how to filter the applications, how about;
Handling skills, technical knowledge, procedural knowledge, aptitude, interpersonal skills, leadership, initiative, problem solving, punctuality, communication and deportment…..
All these elements are tested during the selection process. BA are very particular about the essay questions. You really need to take some time over them. I gashed out the 4 questions in 2007 and got a swift PFO. By the time my 12 month suspension was up the doors into BA were closed, until late last year as it turned out. This time round I spent 3 days making sure the initial application was as good as I could make it, and it did the trick. I can't help thinking if only I had put the effort in 4 years ago I would be a lot further up the seniority list....but I had the attitude that I was guaranteed an interview because I had the relevant jet rating and the hours to go with it. Big mistake!