This was back in August, but I feel my interview process with the company should be known to the public. I passed the first round, met remotely with someone in the second round, and finally got moved to the third round, an in-office interview. Before moving to this final round, the hiring manager guided me through the process and stated more than a couple of times that I was the top applicant.
I was asked to come into the office in person where an intern interviewed me. We had a good conversation until we moved into another part of the room where I met with the CEO and the hiring manager. For whatever reason during the hiring process I was repeatedly asked what my experience with data is and with each question my answer got worse and worse and eventually came off as conceited. Furthermore, this meeting with the CEO didn't go so well as he didn't seem to enjoy my presence. The hiring manager's tone changed from complete confidence in me getting the role to saying "We'll let you know" on my way out. I agree that a company can do whatever they want and approach the hiring process the way they want to. However, the rejection letter that came was nothing short of disrespectful. It stated "Dear Candidate", followed by the blandest letter they gave to every single candidate that didn't even take into account that I was in the final round into consideration.
My message to the hiring manager. Be transparent this your candidates, don't gaslight them into receiving acceptance if you're not 100% sure. Also, for each rejection letter you send remember that there is a human behind the screen. Especially directed towards those you met in person, this letter came off as disingenuous and uncaring.
