I had a conversation with the hiring manager and was told I’d be moving forward to meet the VP. A few days later, I received a rejection with no explanation or acknowledgment of the earlier commitment. It’s completely fair to reject candidates, but it’s important to align internally and review notes before communicating next steps. What stood out was the disconnect: during the interview, I was asked how I ensure a strong candidate experience—yet the process itself didn’t reflect that. Clear communication and consistency are baseline expectations, especially for a recruiting-focused role.