After over two months of interviewing and being told I would receive an offer update on Thursday, I had to call them the following Tuesday to request the update. They only informed me that "I was a fantastic candidate, but we are moving in another direction." The takeaway? Spending that long interviewing while HR boosts your hopes of getting the job, only to find out "you're fantastic" means you aren't that fantastic in securing the role. Also, don't ghost candidates. I spent far too much energy with high hopes I could have devoted to other interviews and opportunities.