u/Straight_Worth_6751

I’ve been interviewing with a company recently and honestly I’ve been kind of shocked… but in a good way.

I actually got contacted while I was overseas for my sister’s wedding. They said all the interviews were happening on the same day and they couldn’t reschedule, but if they ended up doing another round they’d make sure to interview me. I figured that was probably just a polite way of saying “too bad,” but they actually followed through and invited me to the next round.

Before the interview they even sent me the salary range and benefits package to look over, which I thought was nice since a lot of companies wait until way later. And I could compare it with my current comp.

After the panel interview (hiring manager + HR + others), they told me this was the final interview and I should hear back within 2 weeks at the latest. A few days later they asked for references and also invited me for a casual coffee chat with the hiring manager and one of the executives. They were upfront that they were doing this with multiple final candidates, which I actually appreciated instead of pretending I was the only one left.

Then, literally the day before the 2 week timeline was up, they emailed saying they were sorry for the delay, that some unexpected things had come up internally, and they’d let me know as soon as a decision was made. I happen to know someone in another department there, and apparently things really are a bit chaotic right now and the hiring manager has been out of office.

I have no idea if I’m getting the job or not, but honestly I’m just impressed by how they’ve handled everything. Every expectation has been communicated clearly, they’ve been transparent about delays instead of ghosting, and every promise they’ve made so far they’ve actually kept.

Maybe the bar is just really low these days lol, but this has been one of the best interview experiences I’ve had regardless of the outcome. Anyone else interviewed somewhere that just treated candidates like actual people? After all the ghosting experience it feels so refreshing

I originally had a request for interview but I was out of the country and asked to reschedule. They said they cant do that but will circle back if they decide to have another round of interviews. This was for a pretty senior role.

I honestly thought the opportunity was gone after that but to my surprise got called in for an interview for the next day. From the call with the recruiter, I found they tried calling 2 days ago too but I was still out of the country.

Interview day comes, I talk to the HR, HM and also another team's manager that closely works together as a panel. I can tell the loved me at the interview and then just two days later I get a email asking me to submit reference and to schedule a casual coffee chat with HM and VP 2 days later. They were very honest and upfront that they are talking to and requesting reference from multiple final candidates. Casual coffee turned into a whole interview with VP asking interview questions again and the 20min coffee end up being 40min interview. I did however find out my HM is away next week for vacation.

I forgot to ask for timeline during coffee and I messaged internal recruiter today(2 days after coffee) and she responded in 15mins since some stakeholders are away on vacation we are expecting a 2 week time to loop back.

Do you think this is the company keeping me warm while they reach out to other candidates or could it legit be hold up with stakeholders being away for vacation? I am definetely overthinking this but this would be such a good advancement for my career and a big salary bump so I am so anxious AAAA