I started the interview process the first week of August. First a screener video call, then a video call with the hiring team, and then 4 additional interviews with various members of the team (same level or cross-functional).
Things went well from my point of view during the interviews however the interview timeline started deviating from the promise that was made to me initially. I was originally communicated that they wanted the person for the position to start before the end of September for an onsite meeting with the greater team. Well, the 6 different interviews (technically 3 rounds but with 6 different people) started immediately to be spaced out a week apart. By the last interview, it was mid-September with no feasible way of an end-of-September start date like originally promised. There was no communication throughout the interviews that this potential start date had been pushed, which was a red flag to me.
When I started to see the interviews were paced out a week apart I knew that either A. they were interviewing far too many candidates for the role or B. they weren't too serious with me as a candidate. Having a relatively long history as a hiring team contributor myself I usually try to wrap up candidates I want in a 2-week process not a 5-6 week one, red flag #1. Mind you I had availability daily however by the time I checked their interview scheduling calendar, dates were blacked out 6-7 days apart each time. Lastly, after my final interview on a Wednesday, they said I'd hear back the following week, that was another red flag as if I ever want to hire someone I don't even wait over a weekend to get back to them with a decision, I notify them by the eod Friday so they can give me a chance to think over the offer by Monyda. I believe they ultimately just kept me around over the weekend as a backup in lieu of waiting for someone they could get cheaper, unfortunately. I do wish the company the best and enjoyed my time with the 6 individuals however rightfully so I am disappointed with the outcome as after 6 weeks and having just recently been laid off, I genuinely needed and was hopeful for this role (which I communicated to them throughout the process).
Frankly when interviewing with 6 different individuals over 6 weeks even if you feel you did your best during each interview, all it takes is for one person to be having a bad day for you to not get the offer. I think that may partially have been what happened here as well. I've asked the company for decision feedback (it's been over 24hour and I have not received anything back).