The first phone interview I was stood up and did not get an explanation until I followed up with the recruiter a few times. The 2nd phone interview went well but it was mostly an exchange of information - to know the role and the position better. It sounded like a good fit so he let me know we were ready to move on but there was no transparency into the movement and I later found out from my employee referral that I was just a back-up candidate as they already sent an offer out for the role. Overall, it just seems that applicants have no control or power whatsoever and employers can do whatever they want with people's time. Makes sense in this economy but its not a very positive situation.