A Matter of Respect

I would like to express my profound appreciation to Michelle Cabral for her (June 28) commentary “Rejected Job Candidate Wants Respect.” As a computer systems analyst programmer who has been out of work for nearly 18 months, I have had ample opportunity to endure similar treatment from prospective employers and have on many occasions wanted to express just those sentiments that she relates so eloquently.

In my job search I have sent resumes to over 500 companies, flown thousands of miles (sometimes at my expense) and driven more thousands of miles. I have spent over a thousand dollars on postage, phone bills, books and mailing list, all to no avail. During this time I have taken mind-numbing tests (usually scoring in the top 1%-10%), slaved over desperate cover letters, hounded my peers for contacts or letters of recommendation, and done a lot of worrying. One of the companies explained why I was rejected, but only after I wrote a letter to the owner of the company. None of the other companies to which I had flown or driven long distances to interview ever deigned to inform me that I had not been selected--much less why.

If it were not for my wife’s artful juggling of our expenses and taking a second job, we would have lost our home. Often I have to review previous evaluations with entries of “outstanding” and “exceeds all expectations” or some of my recommendation letters with claims so glowing as to be embarrassing just to remind myself that I am worthwhile and have the right to seek a position that I have acquitted so successfully before. An honest explanation of why an individual is rejected would be a great help in refining the job search and a little bit of professional courtesy would do wonders for keeping the spirit up and the attitude bright and positive.

WILLIAM R. ROUZER, Chula Vista