My process included a screening call, a phone interview with the hiring manager, and a final panel round where I needed to take an entire afternoon off. Everyone I met was polite and professional and they remained responsive throughout the process. When so many employers ghost these days, that stands out. However, I can’t say my experience was entirely positive. I was already in the process of final round interviews with other companies when I did my final interview with them. I let them know and they said they had one more candidate to interview and would have a decision by the end of the following week. The following week, another employer let me know they would be extending an offer (although it wasn’t official yet). Since this role at Relativity was at the top of my list, I notified them and asked if I was still being considered. I was surprised when they said yes because, honestly during the final interview, it seemed like I was more enthusiastic about the role than they were about me as a candidate. They had what I’d describe as a rather chilly/awkward way of wrapping up – saying “thank you” without any feedback or information on next steps. In comparison, other employers had sped up their entire process when I’d told them I was in final rounds with other orgs and were very transparent – I never had any doubt about where I stood. While Relativity was quick to respond, they said they needed an additional week to decide (beyond the original timeline I was given) because they had another final candidate to interview. They said they’d have a decision next week. I received my other offer mid-week and let Relativity know, reiterating my interest in the role – they told me they’d be making a decision that day and would be in touch with feedback. The following morning they sent me a form rejection that literally said “While we were impressed with your background and experience, we have decided to proceed with other candidates at this time.” This was insulting, considering how much time I’d devoted to the process, and it was extremely disappointing. Not because I didn’t get the job but because they knew I had another offer on the table and was waiting on a decision from them. Most employers I’ve dealt with at least send a personalized response at this stage or even call and—if you’re not their top candidate—they let you off the hook early when you have another offer. From my POV, it didn't appear I was a top candidate. Generally when employers know they want to hire you, they don't extend their timeline to keep interviewing. Why make me wait all that time just to send a form rejection? In any event, I do thank Relativity for saving me from a decision I was dreading. While I’d favored Relativity at first, in the end, I was leaning toward the other employer due to how well I’d been treated throughout the hiring process. The other employer was warm, respectful of my time, and transparent throughout the process. Even though Relativity was quick to respond to follow-ups, their hiring process felt robotic and a lot less human in comparison. Given how much effort they say they’re putting into inclusiveness and the human elements of their brand, they would benefit from humanizing their candidate journey and touchpoints.