Last year I applied to all the regionals with a clean record meeting ATP mins and so on. A few, and I repeat a few, responded and of those a few less offered me an interview (XJT, Republic, C5, Piedmont, one or two others). In the end only one offered me a job. I had a sloppy logbook that did not make me look too good and I may not have given the best interview. But the number of pilots who showed up and the number who went home spoke of no existing shortage. If there were one, and it was just me who lost all those job offers then ok, I can handle the truth. I have fought and won other battles and I can take it. But seeing what I have seen this last year I sincerely think these companies get plenty of applicants and are being picky for whatever reason. Republic in particular, 7 guys showed up the day I did my interview and all went home, guys with jet types, active 135 pilots, lots of good stuff. The claim they can't staff the 400 simply does not line up with what I saw there. As far as I am concerned there may be a massive shortage any day now and I hope there is one; but it has not arrived yet.