I believe the pilots hired with around 700TT were prior rampers and operations agents with us. I could be wrong on that but that's just what I heard. That would explain how they got first dibs if that's the case. Keep in mind also that if you have ATP minimums you'll be sent straight to a Captain class; if there is a need for FOs but not Captains you just won't get called. In any case I'd just check in with pilot recruitment every once in a while.

By the way, last I heard from the pilot recruitment people, you needed an ATP and an internal rec to get an interview. It's tough out there...