The recruiting process is long and unnecessary. I’ve also said that if you can’t do it in 3 rounds or less then you don’t know what you’re doing. They proved me right. I went through SIX rounds of interviews including a presentation. Met with the recruiter, manager, director, then all of them for the presentation, 2 dept heads and then the CEO.
At every stage I was told the feedback was great. After meeting with the CEO, I was asked to provide references. I thought I had the job in the bag. They didnt’t contact my references.
A few days later I was called with the rejection. The reason was “they went with someone they felt more aligned with”. Generic speak. Was told there was nothing negative.
Tried applying again months later when I saw the role pop up again. Instant rejection. Don’t wast your time, just apply elsewhere.