Always apply regardless of if you have the minimums. Meet and network... and get referrals from as many guys as you can.

When I first applied for Pinnacle back in 2002, I had 1200 hours and around 200 ME. Their minimums were 1500/300. I didn't get the call until i had 1700 and 350 with multiple recs, but that sure as heck shouldn't keep one from applying.

When FedEx opened their window in mid 2004, I had my name in the hat immediately... despite being a 2200 hr CRJ FO.

And when Delta opened their window in late 2006, when i had around 5000 hrs and 1800 CRJ PIC, my name was in the hat within hours of the window opening. Guess who interviewed first and was hired first (sans any relatives, gender, or minority "advantages")?

Always drop your name in the hat ASAP.