That is completely up to pilot recruiting. I wasn't born with a couple thousand hours in a jet. I wasn't born with an FE certificate. There were a lot of "firsts" for me. First time flying a jet, first time flying an ATR, etc.

I was a sim instructor in the corporate environment and I saw folks that had multiple type ratings and thousands of hours in jets that I was amazed were still alive. The student that I was most impressed with was one that had never flown a jet and was getting their first type rating. Hours don't mean squat to me. Skill is what you judge someone on. The number of hours are for the insurance company/lawyers.

Sounds like a "catch 22" attitude to me. You can't get 121 ops without having 121 ops experience.

Rbtower2, welcome aboard!!! Glad to have you. I hope you do well. Dedicate yourself from the day you walk in the school house until you're off probation to learning the ops and your aircraft. Be open to suggestions and constructive criticism. If you don't know find someone and ask.