Started off very conventional. The recruiter called me and stated that they were very impressed with my background and wished to fly me out for an face to face interview but had a few questions about my background first. After answering the recruiter's questions, she stated she would get back to me the following day with more information.
The next day the recruiter called and mentioned the hiring manager had a few additional questions for me before going through with flying me out. I had no problem with this either and answered the questions. The recruiter thanked me and said she would be getting back to me that day.
This is where it got bizarre.
She did not. Multiple days passed with no contact. I even tried contacting her myself personally to no avail.
Finally, when I had lost all hope I received an email from the recruiter stating that they DID wish to fly me out and to send her dates that I was available. I sent an immediate response and then once again was given radio silence. A WEEK after this correspondence I received an email that they were not going to fill this open position and that they encouraged me to apply for any other position I might be interested in.
I found a new job posting that required similar skills and experience to the initial posting and applied for it. Considering they had called my background impressive the first time around, I expected there might be a chance they call me again. However, I had little hope considering the disorganized nature of their interview process leading up to this point.
About 24 hours later I was sent a rejection email saying that after looking at my skills that they did not have an appropriate position for me at this time.
Again, the job requirements were pretty much the same requirements as the first position that I had applied for. The one where I was told I had a "very impressive" professional/educational background. Now all of the sudden it was not sufficient enough.
Overall, one of the most unprofessional interview processes I have ever been a part of. I understand that things don't work out, but at least be transparent with the applicant.