Considering the number of applications they presumably receive it is safe to assume the batch would include people with low to many thousands of hours. This just highlights you can fly a plane. But do you have the “smarts” that meet the airline’s particular standard?
So, how do airlines pick individuals to invite? The majority probably meet the requirements to some degree outlined on their website. So who do they invite? All of them? That would be inefficient. The selection process at Dragonair/CX is rigorous, to say the least. Of the invited individuals the majority are rejected, including captains. They have very experienced HR Teams who screen shortlisted candidates through various methods. You must remember, the selection process is solid, requiring exceptional performances in every area of testing (foresighted candidates begin preparing for an invitation before even being shortlisted. Are you one of them?).
Initially, to get a look-in, your application would have to be impeccable. Your English skills would have to be perfect, irrespective of the language level requirement. Your grammar, punctuation and written content would have to be of the highest order, zero mistakes, and pertinent to the company profile. You have to say the things they want to hear. Do you know what that is?
You could be competing against people whom exceed your qualifications by an extensive margin. You have to be thoughtful and quite aware of your competitors and how they would proceed to fill out their application. They’re just like you trying to get a job. Just like there is a guy with fewer qualifications than you. You’re all charging for the same spot. Thus then, if you don’t get an invite, your application, in its entirety, fell short of the mark. If you understand “perfection”, you are half way there (i.e. you might get an invite).
You should have this overview in your mind with an outline of your application strategy. This then could turn an airline’s curiosity of you into their undivided attention.