After applying for what was advertised as an active Director-level opening, I completed a full one-hour video interview with two senior leaders of the organization—only to learn at the very end (because I asked directly) that it was an “open call” with no current vacancy. That kind of bait-and-switch wastes professionals’ time and undermines trust. Transparency and direct communication should be a baseline, not an afterthought—or something candidates have to excavate for. If this is how the company treats experienced candidates, it raises serious questions about how it communicates with clients and staff.