The interview itself was fairly standard and overall went well, although there were a few aspects of the process that felt somewhat unprofessional. I was informed that I would receive an update regarding next steps once the owner returned from a leave of absence in a couple of weeks. Unfortunately, I never received any follow-up communication despite that expectation being set. Several months later, I learned that the position had been filled by someone I know whose background appeared to be less aligned with the experience and qualifications originally described for the role. While I wish both the company and the individual success, it left me with the impression that the organization may have prioritized hiring at a lower salary point rather than selecting a candidate based on the experience level they initially indicated they were seeking. The lack of communication throughout the process was the most disappointing aspect of the experience. Professional follow-through and transparency are important parts of the hiring process, and I was surprised that the hiring manager did not provide an update or communicate a change in direction. That said, everything worked out for the best, as I ultimately accepted a significantly better opportunity elsewhere. While the experience was disappointing, it reinforced the importance of finding an organization whose values and hiring practices align with my own.