M+R interview questions

Nine weeks from my first interview to an answer. I had to speak with EIGHT members of the team in that time and do sample work for two hours - for which I was told I would be compensated but that has yet to hit my account nearly a month after that information was received. I had an initial interview, and then my first panel interview. I had my second panel interview, and then my final interview. There was a delay in my final interview due to staff being out, at least that’s what I was told. The final interview was originally supposed to be with one person, then two more from the first panel were added to it, and I was asked to put together a pitch based on a brief. At this point there was no mention of compensation for the sudden ask for labor. I was also informed they were reaching out to my references at this juncture, which they did. After my final interview with the pitch I was told I’d hear back early the next week. Instead I was given the news that I’d be compensated for the pitch. They spent the next month giving me a different date for a final answer each week. It was like psychological warfare, and a process that started with respect for me as a person felt like it was devolving with each step after the middle point. I was ultimately told they weren’t hiring anyone for the position on a phone call that was scheduled in an email where they said they’d “love to connect” about the job, which is an odd phrase for someone you’ve strung along for more than two months and contacted references for to tell them they haven’t gotten the job. During the process members of the panel attempted to add me on LinkedIn or sent emails that most would read as positive and encouraging. I feel totally blindsided and I suspect it speaks to the larger culture there and I’m astounded that this is how they treat folks.

Structured process with a phone screen, skills test, 2 rounds of virtual interviews with a panel, and a reference check. Everyone was incredibly helpful and kind. Skills test was related to ads platform use.