There was so much time wasted. After/during 4-5 interviews (to include meeting the team) and reference checks, I kept being told I was a top candidate (even though I clearly saw that the job advertisement was reposted). The hiring managers then asked for yet another call to tell me that I don't exactly have all the skills for the role (when the magnitude of my skills was clear from the beginning)...and then (still) proceeded in saying I was a top candidate. It was just continuously odd that I had to keep trying to prove my worth when I am sure candidates from other "backgrounds" would not have had to do this. It was obvious and really turned me off. My interest diminished re: this institution/role as the process didn't seem like a professional recruitment process. Anyone who has hired people before knows that "it's a hard decision/we are still in the decision-making process" means that they are still looking for another type of candidate. If one was truly a top candidate, they would proceed in hiring the individual. I (thankfully) withdrew and proceeded with another offer with an organization that was considerate of my time and professional contributions. There were just too many red flags and using my skills elsewhere was best for me.