I was contacted by a third-party recruiter to interview for the role. Over the next two months, I went through five rounds of interviews, including a multi-hour, in-person interview that required taking PTO. I completed applications, submitted writing samples, and tapped business references for their system. In the end, I was one of two finalists. Despite hours and hours of time dedicated to the interview process, I was never notified of their decision or provided feedback. I was ghosted by the company and had to follow up several times with the recruiter, only to learn the went with the other candidate that they sourced on their own. Which I assumed. I wouldn't be as upset about the huge waste of time and energy if I had been treated like a human being and contacted directly. Being ghosted after two months and five rounds as a final candidate? I'm glad I didn't get the job.