If you are reading this thread, then I think you're are on the right track.

To say that any of us got hired by pure luck is doing a disservice to those trying to get on. Its an understandable thing we tell our friends who haven't got the call yet because we don't want to make them feel bad, or undeserving, but it just isn't true.

I'm going to insert here for the sake of the thousands of frustrated pilots trying to get jobs: I'M NOT SAYING I DESERVE IT MORE (or better qualified) THAN OTHERS....

I am saying I took the time to find out what gave me the best odds, and then tried to capitalize in each area. I have no idea which (if any specific thing I did) put me over the top, but something did. So, although this process is anything but transparent, I'm definitely an advocate of the proactive approach rather than just believing you have no control over it.

On a less tactful note: almost every other $100K+ a year job requires effort to get promotions, yet many line pilots are frustrated that the majors look for investments into their career (IE check airmen work, special projects, union work, volunteering, etc). Nobody will argue that its all hard to balance sometimes, but if you were in any other job, you'd be expected to compete for a promotion. Just my perspective.

I really don't want to come off as a jerk, I just hope that guys/gals out there don't let this "its all chance" mentality stop them from working hard to get hired.