The initial stages of the interview process were highly engaging. I interviewed for a role involving their 3rd-party AI solution and felt there was a strong cultural and technical fit. Communication with the outside recruiter was transparent and positive; by the final stages, the team was even using nicknames to describe my future role and contribution. However, the process ended in a disappointing and abrupt manner. After a 'soft close' conversation where it was explicitly stated the team wanted to move forward—including a discussion on meeting in the middle on compensation—there was a total reversal. This suggests a significant lack of internal alignment between the hiring team and leadership. While I appreciate the time spent, the 'bait and switch' experience of being sold on a future only to have the process end so abruptly was disheartening. It feels like a missed opportunity for both sides, especially after such a transparent effort to find common ground. Advice to Management: Improve internal synchronization between the hiring team and leadership to ensure a consistent candidate experience. Do not oversell your commitment to a candidate if you are not prepared to follow through. Vetting a candidate’s willingness to accept an offer before you are actually ready to extend one is unprofessional and damaging to your employer brand.