The hiring process involved an email interview, a phone interview, personality tests, and finally, an in-person interview in Richmond, VA. Recruiters had indicated that passing the personality tests would practically guarantee an offer, given my skill level. My experience was more than sufficient for this niche field, which has a limited pool of qualified candidates. I also possessed relevant management experience from my current role, where I was already performing similar duties.

During the Richmond interview, I was asked numerous technical questions. Three days later, I was informed that they were not proceeding with my candidacy. No reasons were provided until I requested them. I was eventually told that the interviewers felt I was not yet ready for a Director-level position, without any specific justification.

I answered every question accurately, possessed more than enough experience, and am a well-respected and recognized professional in my field. Many interviewers offered compliments throughout the process. I suspect my age, being in my early thirties, may have been a factor, as I am currently a Vice President performing Director-level work.

To this day, I remain baffled by the decision, especially considering the interview was filled with praise, compliments, and one interviewer even stated, "Don't worry, we'll have you starting soon; you will do well here." It is truly their loss.

When I inquired about the position four months later, they still had not hired anyone.

How would you solve technical issues if someone came up to you and asked you a question?