Supposedly having someone refer you actually makes your application stand out. This is true for all of the WO. Just find someone to refer you before you send in your application.

I would expect skype interviews for the current 121 pilots from other regionals to start up within a month or two. If they have 5000 hours in the CRJ with AWAC or Mesa, they can easily pass our technical interview. A quick skype "get to know you" is all that is really needed. This isn't rocket science.