The process began with two screening calls with HR. After being informed that I was a strong fit, I was scheduled for a face-to-face discussion with the Associate VP. The interview was set for 9:00 PM; however, it started 30–40 minutes late. The discussion itself was detailed and covered my 9+ years of end-to-end sales experience, largest deals closed, objection handling, and overall revenue ownership. Compensation expectations were also discussed during this round. As a next step, I was asked to prepare a 30/60/90-day sales plan. I requested one week and submitted it two days before the deadline. I was then invited to present the plan in person. The presentation was well received. I was explicitly told that it aligned well with expectations. We again discussed my closing experience, major deals, and sales challenges in depth. Compensation was revisited, and I clearly stated I was open to a win-win outcome. I was told HR would connect with next steps. The following day, HR called with the maximum offer the company could extend. After brief consideration, I accepted the verbal offer. Two days later, after no communication, I followed up and was told I was no longer shortlisted. The reason cited was “lack of closing experience.” This was contradictory to the multiple detailed discussions we had around end-to-end sales ownership, deal closures, and revenue achievements. If closing capability was a genuine concern, it should have been evaluated and clarified during the interview stages, not introduced after compensation alignment. The overall process reflects: -Poor internal alignment -Inconsistent evaluation criteria -Lack of transparency at the final stage While the initial conversations were professional, the final handling of the process was disappointing and avoidable. Senior candidates invest significant time and effort in assignments and presentations. Clear communication and consistent evaluation standards are expected at this level. Based on this experience, I would not recommend pursuing opportunities here. It seems politics holds an upper hand over a real, interested, and worthy candidates.