The interview process consisted of several stages:

• An initial screening
• A meeting with a director
• A take-home project
• A pair of final interviews

For the in-person interviews, the questions were fairly easy and standard, such as "Tell me about yourself" and "Tell me about a time you made a mistake." The individuals I spoke with were personable and gushed feedback about what a great candidate I was.

Then, all of a sudden, everything evaporated almost overnight, and I was told they found someone else. It was very confusing.

Be cautious of reading too much into any enthusiasm or positive remarks because they can turn on a dime.

What was a time you made a mistake and then recovered from it?