I first had a phone screen with the recruiter, which went fantastically. He was energetic and informed me that my background was a perfect fit for the position they were trying to fill. After the call, it took two full weeks to schedule a conversation with the hiring manager. During that time, I was continually told they were excited about me and were not expecting to like someone so quickly.

Then came the interview with the hiring manager. This is when everything turned negative. He was ten minutes late to the thirty-minute call. He did not ask any technical questions and seemed to be in a rush to end the call. He then ended the call exactly at the thirty-minute mark.

The next day, I was notified they would not be continuing because my background did not fit what they were looking for, after I was repeatedly told otherwise. I even followed up to try and learn what I could do better or what changed, but was never responded to.

My recommendation would be to make sure you are upfront with your candidates. If they really aren't qualified or a good match, don't tell them they are! Also, if you happen to already have a candidate in mind or know you will not be hiring the candidate, just come out and tell them. It's better not to waste either party's time.

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