I've heard check airman and/or sim instructor helps. There was an OTS guy in my class from Spirit who was a sim instructor. Also, don't limit your options. I had a very competitive app in with my "previous first choice" for years and heard nothing even during robust hiring when all my friends were getting called. Now that I'm at AA, I know it's where I'm supposed to be and I don't intend to leave. Your "future first choice" might be waiting for you somewhere else that isn't on your radar right now. Best of luck to you...I know it can be puzzling.