I attended a GovCIO hiring event in Springfield, VA, for the new U.S. Coast Guard support contract. I applied for multiple roles, met several senior leaders, and had what seemed like positive conversations. I was even told to plan on a possible start date no later than October 1.
After the event, I followed up professionally via email to thank everyone and provide my contact information. Weeks went by with no clear communication—only vague updates like “things are busy,” “waiting for customer approval,” or “let it run its course.” Six weeks later, I was told all the roles had been filled, and only then received an automated notification that one of my applications had been canceled.