****Disappointing Lack of Transparency at the End, Company Owner's Availability Was Misrepresented**** I interviewed with Future Tech for a Project Manager position based in their Fort Lauderdale, FL office. Initially, the experience was extremely positive. Over several weeks, I participated in a total of six interviews: an HR phone screen, a second video interview with HR, and interviews with four managers. According to the HR recruiter, each of the managers provided glowing feedback and enthusiastically moved me forward in the process. After those interviews were completed, the recruiter told me that the final step was simply an informal 20-minute meet-and-greet with Bob Venero, the owner, so I could visit the Fort Lauderdale office where I would be working onsite. During that conversation, she asked me to reconfirm my salary expectations, which were above the original posted range. She assured me that she believed she could get my counteroffer approved and went on to tell me she would be emailing me the company's benefits package. Based on those conversations and the positive feedback throughout the process, I had no reason to be concerned about my candidacy. On Friday, I was scheduled to meet Bob in the Fort Lauderdale office on Tuesday at 11:00 AM. However, on Monday morning at 10:30 AM, his Executive Assistant informed me that Bob would not be in the office that day and that they would reach out to reschedule the meeting. Since I had been told this was merely an informal introduction and office visit, I assumed it was simply a scheduling issue. By Thursday, after hearing nothing further, I called the HR recruiter. She stated that she was unaware of any issues with my candidacy and said she would follow up. The following Monday, instead of receiving a rescheduled meeting, I received a generic system-generated email informing me that the role had been filled. I reached out to request feedback, especially given the overwhelmingly positive comments shared by everyone involved in the process, but never received an explanation. I understand that companies ultimately choose the candidate they feel is best. Oftentimes, it is the candidate who accepts a lower salary offer, so I specifically asked for feedback regarding how salary affected their decision. What I found disappointing was the lack of honesty, transparency, and communication. If plans had changed or another candidate had been selected, I would have appreciated a direct and honest conversation. Being told that the owner simply was not onsite and that the meeting would be rescheduled, only to receive an automated rejection email over a week later, felt misleading and unprofessional. It is also important to note that a few days after I received the automated system decline, the job posting was removed. This suggested to me that another candidate's offer had already been extended while I was being told that my meeting with Bob would be rescheduled, and that I was left waiting for approximately a week while the other candidate decided whether to accept the offer. The leaders I interviewed with were impressive, thoughtful, and left me excited about the opportunity. Unfortunately, the way the process concluded created the impression that candidates' time and investment in a lengthy interview process were not valued. A little transparency and courtesy would have gone a long way. The company pays approximately $20,000 below market for a Project Manager with the experience and qualifications outlined in the job requirements. They do not offer bonuses, whereas many comparable Project Manager roles include bonus eligibility. The company is also requiring all new hires to work onsite in Fort Lauderdale while allowing legacy employees to continue working remotely. ### Advice to Management Continue attracting candidates with the strong leaders already in place, but improve communication and transparency during the final stages of the hiring process. If circumstances change, candidates deserve timely and honest communication rather than ambiguous updates followed by automated rejections. Respecting candidates' time and investment will enhance the company's reputation and candidate experience. Since the owner let his EA lie that the delay was simply an availability issue, I would not recommend anyone apply to this company as honesty should be a core company value, and is clearly not.