I've been considering apply for a Cargo pilot job. However I'm not sure if I should apply or wait till I'm not just barely at the required amount of hours requested by the employers. They ask for F/O – 500 hours total time. Commercial Pilot , ASEL, AMEL Instrument rating CFI, CFII and or MEI preferred. I'm just at 500 hours with commercial, ASEL, AMEL an Instrument rating. I however have no flight instructor experience. Also this job is for flying Shorts SD3-60 I was under the impression in the USA you would need an ATP to fly as a F/O? I guess my two questions are.

1. What should I have as far as experience to seriously be considered for the job?

2. Do I need an ATP to fly Cargo in a Shorts SD3-60?

Thanks for the help in advance.