Had an initial screening with HR that went well. Scheduled a virtual interview with two people from the marketing team. Well, four showed up, so that was a fun surprise (and my first indication that cross-team communication was failing here.) That interview was awkward on their end. I was wondering if these people had ever interviewed before, but I kept the energy up as best I could and asked a lot of thoughtful questions to try to generate conversation. They didn't dig very deep at all.
But I was told it went well and scheduled an in-person final writing test. Went to their office, and it was less awkward; the few people I met were friendly. The test was pretty easy, and I chatted with the team member after and asked a few additional questions to indicate my interest.
Ok from there...I'm ghosted? I sent a follow-up email and was told the final interview went well, but they were occupied with some other priorities at the time and they'd get back to me by Friday. Of course, over a week later, I still didn't hear anything. That's weird, right? I followed up one last time and was told they were meeting soon to discuss needs, and I'd hear back by Friday of that week. Noticing a pattern? Yes, of course, I still haven't heard anything. I was told they were hiring two people for this role, so I find it odd that they would suddenly decide they aren't filling the role. And if the opening isn't a sure thing, why are you bringing people through an entire hiring process? Eventually, I was told the position was put on hold as they're dealing with drama related to the acquisition and shifting priorities.
Whatever the odd circumstances may be on their end, the whole thing has been super disrespectful and unprofessional. If I hadn't followed up, I would have essentially been ghosted after a final interview. Unheard of. Bizarre. Rude. At this point, I'm considering it a bullet dodged. Obviously, they can't manage the most meager means of professional communication.