Public Religion Research Institute interview questions

The interview was over Zoom and relatively short (30 minutes at most). The interview was with the Director of Research and a Research Assistant. There were no surprise questions, mostly the Director of Research asked about research experience and then the Research Assistant described the role and asked about interests within the organization.

My interview process was satisfactory up until the point where I was told my references were being contacted. Then PRRI completely ghosted. The process began with an introductory meeting with one of the leadership principals and a consultant; a second interview with the CEO and the consultant was followed by a lunch with the leadership team. The follow up between the first and second interviews was prompt and professional. After the team lunch is when the process fell apart. I should start by revealing that PRRI has an unusual process that begins with requiring candidates to submit references with their CVs. This makes me uncomfortable; I understand they want to screen the caliber of your contacts, but I don't relish sharing the confidential contact information of my high level references unless I know I am short listed for a position. However, in the interest of this position, I did it. The interviews themselves were upbeat; the questions and dialogue were interesting and relevant. After two rounds of interviews and lunch with the executive team, the CEO shared with me a three week timeline for contacting references and reverting back to me with a decision. I put my references on alert and waited. Then - poof! PRRI disappeared. My references were never contacted (which creates an awkward situation) and no one at PRRI reached out with a decision per the timeline the CEO outlined. I initially assumed that in the Thanksgiving holiday rush, the timeline got away from everyone and PRRI would reach out in a matter of days. I waited an additional three weeks before I sent a note of inquiry. It took the CEO a week to respond. He began his reply to me with his excuses for having let me sit on ice for a month, and informed me that PRRI had indeed selected another candidate for the job. That "Oh, yeah, I was so busy I forgot to tell you" attitude was a crass way to end what had been a good, professional experience. Losing a job to a more qualified candidate is part of the game and I understand PRRI's decision to go with someone who bested me in an important category. However, abandoning a candidate who believes herself to be shortlisted is entirely unprofessional and evidences a culture devoid of empathy, courtesy and engaged leadership.