Steve West has been unemployed in Santa Barbara for a year. He is 48 and considers himself a veteran retail sales person that's worked at many major stores including Nordstroms, and the Men's Warehouse.

But the economic slide hit, and he was sent to the sidelines, like many others."I don't like to be unemployed. It's been almost a year now on unemployment and I don't like that feeling," said West. "I haven't been unemployed since my 20's."

West has been pounding the pavement with resumes in hand for months but wonders some days if he is going at it right - surprisingly - with a suit and tie. " I am just trying to look well groomed and well dressed and you don't see that any more," he said. "I feel like an odd ball, like you're out of step with the times or something."

On the other side of the issue, at the Blue Bee Men's Store, job openings are no longer posted in print, they appear on web pages, like Craig's list. Manager Jocelyn Smith says she often has stacks of applicants but gives them a close look. "I read everyone's resume, everyone's application, and weed it out from there."

For West and many job hunters with years of experience, unemployment and rejection is very frustrating. " I have good skills, a lot of experience. and you think that would account for something. It doesn't seem to help, it's just so brutal right now," he said.

West says he will continue to look for full time work, with a smile and while wearing a suit and tie.

Senior Reporter John Palminteri has our story.