I was first contacted via email asking for a phone screening. The questions were simple, going through my job experience and if I would be a good fit with the company.
After passing the screening, I was then scheduled for an in person interview and to provide a writing sample. Once at the site, I was introduced to the recruiter and shortly after, the supervisor I would be reporting to. Upon meeting both interviewers I was asked to meet the CEO, however notably he was busy during the time.
Later on that day, I was given a call from the company claiming that they will be extending an offer to me and to be on the lookout for the email. Being unemployed due to COVID19 was a huge weight on my shoulders and I truly believed this would be my big break! After 2 days passed, I still have yet to receive an email. Finally Sunday night, on the weekend, I received an email claiming that they're still strongly interested in moving forward with me and asked that I call the CEO on Monday noon for a conversation. This was a first time ever I was asked to call someone who wanted to speak with me on regards to a job. Although it was last minute, I happily agreed and called him on the time provided.
Upon speaking with him I couldn't help but feel as though I was being interrogated. He started off with my job experience and instantly questioned why I left those companies from when I was still in college and when I had to move after college. My last company let go of me due to COVID19 and yet we remained in good relation, however he brushed it off when asking why I left the company stating "Can't do much about that" and continued to question my longevity with the companies that I've worked with prior. At this point I'm having second thoughts of this company and position, especially that it called for working closely with the CEO. I thanked him for the "conversation" and the ended in a way that made me uncomfortable.
2 Days later and still no contact from the company that was "extremely interested in moving forward in me". I had to email them for them to reject me in the end stating they went with another candidate.
NOTE FOR THE COMPANY:
Be more professional with your recruiting and actually follow up with your candidates. Have better understanding so that you don't give candidates the wrong idea of extending them an offer without actually doing it. A lot of people are dealing with unemployment for a prolonged period and false hope is not going to help them. Lastly, work on your internal communication considering 2 teams made the decision on two different candidates on the same day and be accountable for this mistake by being transparent with those candidates.