I don't think Alaska has "competitive" in mind, although they may ask you if you've considered Horizon.

I have 7500 hours total, 3600 jet PIC, 17 years of SEAK flying, internal recommendations, no black marks or red flags, and I live in Seattle. In 6+ years of trying, I can't get an interview. (Actually, I got the interview before the interview, at which they told me I'd get a call "in a few weeks". Then they freaked out, stopped hiring and forgot all about me.)

Just apply at the next opportunity. It's simple, takes almost no time, and costs you nothing. There's no reason not to apply. They call who they call. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to it. Every Alaska crew I've jumpseated with says they don't know how it works either.