cac737,

Watch different hiring websites for information about EK doing assesments in a location close to your domicile. This can make the process go a lot faster, plus if you can get the simulator ride and pass it, then the airline will pony up a free ride to Dubai. Plus a little one on one time and a face to a number never hurts. I know a couple of guys that actually did the sim ride in Atlanta before an application was completed, because they showed up and showed a genuine real interest. Not the norm, but it worked for them. But TP would have much more info on that, than I. I bow to his expertise.
S1