I have participated in two phone screening interviews with a recruiter who used a standard set of preliminary questions. My initial interview in the fall ended with a rejection and an advisement not to proceed further in their hiring process. Intrigued by a new vacancy this spring, I opted to reapply. The second interview did not improve; the recruiter joined the call ten minutes late, moved through the same questions as before, and seemed eager to conclude the conversation. These experiences, marked by a lack of courtesy and professionalism, have been surprising. The dismissals not only reflected an absence of decorum but also highlighted a broader issue within the company’s culture and its interactions with prospective employees. These instances have provided me with insight into the challenges within the tech job market and underscored the varying degrees of respect companies may exhibit towards their candidates.