I had 3 rounds of interviews. I was being coordinated by a contractor, freelance recruiter. Interviews were a week spread apart but to hear back about next steps delayed by 2 weeks. They eventually asked me for my recommendations. I provided them my recs. Then they wanted to speak with me over the phone. Over the phone, they asked for my salary and I deflected because I understood it was the first time they were hiring for this role so I asked what their salary range is. They gave me a washy, vague answer with a 100k min/max range. In other words, not helpful and not clear. I gave a reasonable number. Then the recruiter to say that I was 15k over their maximum which I felt was incredibly deceitful that they did not give me a proper salary range when first asked. I said I was willing to work with their range, I’d like to look over the full benefits and package, and I’m looking forward to an offer/counter. The next day, I found out from my recommendation, a former manager of mine, that their meeting with the recruiter was cancelled. I essentially found out through my THREE recommendations that they will not pursuing an offer. It was absolutely humiliating. Then recruiter called me to say leadership rejected my application and that they’re looking for someone more affordable or junior. The 180 at the very end of this process along with the 2nd, 3rd, 4th hand embarrassment from my recommendations has definitely left a bad taste for all people involved. What a waste of time. If they’re treating their candidates like this, I can’t even imagine how they’re treating their own employees.