Applied for the position and was contacted by HR a day later for a phone interview. Call went well, and they shared they were looking to fill the role rather quickly. This call ultimately led to a 2nd round call several days later with the hiring manager. The 2nd round went equally as well, and lasted for nearly an hour where we discussed the organization's current challenges, my background and applicable experience for the role. The 3rd round came about a week later when I met with the hiring manager and their boss, both in person. This is about where the process went completely off the rails. Not only was the hiring manager 40 minutes late to the interview, but seemingly unenthusiastic about our meeting. However, shortly after the interview wrapped up, I received a rather pushy email from HR asking me for my references, noting the request was time sensitive. Like most professionals, I don't take handing out my references lightly. When HR asked for my references, I assumed I was the top level candidate for the role, and as such, contacted my references in advance. Well, after submitting my references, both the hiring manager and HR went completely dark. Not only that, I received an automated email two weeks later saying they went with another candidate. So, in summary, the process started out very smooth and professional and quickly made a 180, with a complete lack of consideration or communication on the part of the hiring team.