mjt2147

I don't know if this is really the right spot for this thread, but I figured I'll ask. Assuming in a few years that just like me, a bunch of other guys and girls are all applying to regionals with approximately 1500 hours. What else are companies looking for? The manner in which you got to 1500 like CFI'ing or doing some other kind of work? Bachelors or Masters degree? If so, does it matter if they are in aviation or not? Volunteer work? Life experience? Veteran status? What can set people apart or put them ahead of others if the hours are a wash.

Can anyone lend any wisdom here?

tnkrdrvr

BLUF: Sprint to the finish line (ATP) because pilot shortages don’t last.

Look at the threads from ten years ago before the regionals started to get desperate. Long story short: when airlines (regionals included) have a plethora of applicants to choose from they will get pickier. That said, regional airlines have been accused of deliberately seeking out applicants who won’t be competitive for legacy jobs since they will be able to hang on to them longer. Nobody really knows the future, but a bachelors degree, community involvement, and time serving Uncle Sam will likely be helpful.

QRH Bingo

It kind of depends on what you're looking at. For regionals, as stated, first to 1500hrs (or whatever qualification standards you fall under for R-ATP). Adding additional instructor certs like Instrument and/or multi-engine certainly would not hurt you, but not likely to get you hired faster. Being prepared for the interview will, however.
If you are looking at a part 135 opening that does not require an ATP and routinely hires those under 1,000hrs, having those additional instructor certs are much more likely to help you by setting you apart from other applicants within the same experience level.
Legacies like to see a bachelor's degree and volunteer/community engagement, but that has been less a factor for the time being. Here, the more time under part 121, the better.
For all, life and military experience will help.

mjt2147

Thank you all for the insights!