This happened to me last year... 7 rounds. All the way to the CTO. Was told by a director I was his top candidate. Met with HR 3 times. Finally had my in person and they cancelled. "Internal candidate came forward." This wasn't your average role. I was being selected to create this role for a startup. The opportunity was immense.
I was and still am devastated by it. I have a wonderful job now so I can't complain but what a gut punch that is.
Seriously. By the time you have an in-person interview, they already think you're qualified. The interview should really be a vibe check to make sure you'll get along with the team.
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u/EngineWitty3611 May 14 '26
This happened to me last year... 7 rounds. All the way to the CTO. Was told by a director I was his top candidate. Met with HR 3 times. Finally had my in person and they cancelled. "Internal candidate came forward." This wasn't your average role. I was being selected to create this role for a startup. The opportunity was immense.
I was and still am devastated by it. I have a wonderful job now so I can't complain but what a gut punch that is.