I get that...it certainly comes up around here a lot but the only place I've ever heard that joke is on this website.

Yes, I'm personally annoyed by this "humor" (and not just because of where I work), but the point is that you're seeking info about hiring…imagine bringing it up during an interview. Probably wouldn't go over too well…remember that these forums are not as anonymous as we'd like to think.

But on topic:

I interviewed in late 2011 for an early 2012 class date. My background is all civilian and almost exclusively Part 135/91...I spent a couple of years at a regional but left before upgrading due to stagnation. At my 135 carrier I was a chief pilot, director of operations, sim instructor, check airman, and got a decent amount of near international experience over about a 5 year timeframe. Higher Power 737 type before interview with NG differences class.