I was managing director of a multinational consulting firm in Hong Kong until about a year ago when my department was closed.
Since then, I have been seeking work, in the face of rising unemployment and the Sars outbreak. To maintain professional dignity and not wishing to waste anyone's time, I applied for jobs where I met the criteria.
Imagine my surprise when I read that the new chief executive of the Hong Kong Philharmonic, Paul Leung Sai-wah, is considered by many to be lacking in most of the requirements for the post ('Ex-civil servant to head troubled Philharmonic,' June 9). Imagine my further surprise when I read that Hu Fa-kuang, chairman of the Philharmonic's general committee, said 'no other candidate had come close' and that Mr Leung had been 'unanimously chosen, without a second interview'.
In hindsight I wish I had applied - I am certain I am no less qualified than the appointee - or that I had known that the selection process would involve one interview, no real qualifications for the post and, probably, no references needed.
WILLIAM SPENCER, North Point
