The interview process itself was really optimistic and easy-going. I liked all the parties involved until it came time for the offer—which turned into a complete circus. I had three rounds of interviews that went really well. Then I had one final, “going-to-the-office”-type of meeting to talk with one of their four-month hires. It was kind of strange, but I went anyway as an opportunity to see my future team. The feedback he gave was also “really nice,” according to the connecting HR representative. So, the day the offer came, I was really stoked—treating it as a mere formality—until the bomb was dropped. The four-month hire decided to take the lead role, and they offered me his current role, citing something about my “not enough leadership skills.” (Side note: I’ve held leadership roles for more than 15 years, leading 10+ people in - believe me - I have bugs, but leading is of a least concern) This has never happened to me before, and I will argue that this is one of the most unprofessional things to do during hiring. They completely wasted my time - for no reason at all.