After I sent my application, I received an invitation to complete an intensive skills assessment project. It was a bit of work and took some time, but it was understandable that they needed it done in order to adequately evaluate applicants. After my assessment project was reviewed I had an interview with the hiring manager. I followed up about two weeks later and received a response that they had "approved me for hire", but that they had already filled their most recently available slots. I followed up regularly for a few months, and the last time I did they said they were ready to make an offer. It took a while, but they were honest, transparent, and responsive. I was thrilled to receive the offer.