I researched the company thoroughly before applying and was excited about the opportunity, as it seemed like a great fit for my background and career goals. The initial phone screen went smoothly, and about a week or two later I had a second interview with the recruiter. That conversation lasted over an hour, was highly engaging, and left me feeling even more enthusiastic about the role. Shortly after, I was invited to a third interview, about 45 minutes from my home. I arrived on time, prepared, and eager to continue the process. The interviewer arrived more than 10 minutes late without acknowledgment or apology, which I understood could happen, but it set a different tone. The conversation with her felt disengaged compared to prior stages, while she was polite, she seemed to be having an off day. The interview ended after only about 10 minutes, making it the shortest interview I’ve ever had. My wait for her arrival was longer than the interview itself. A few days later, they informed me they were moving forward with other candidates and mentioned they wanted “more depth” in my leadership experience. I was surprised by this feedback given the positive nature of the earlier stages and the limited opportunity to discuss my leadership background in the final interview. It’s worth noting that the position remains posted even two months after my interview, and I believe the overall process could be improved for efficiency and consistency. Candidates invest significant time and energy in preparing for each stage, and ensuring that all interviewers are equally prepared and engaged would help create a better experience for everyone involved. I was caught off guard they passed on me when I am highly qualified, years of experience, and did well on two previous interviews. Yet, role is still open so what exactly are they looking for?