I applied for a business consulting manager role and went through two initial rounds with the leadership team, which were positive. After that, I was asked to submit documents, including salary slips, and was told that the next step was a final HR discussion before an offer decision. The online HR interaction was brief and focused mostly on compensation. Later, I was unexpectedly asked to travel for an in-person discussion, with the assurance that expenses would be reimbursed. When I arrived, I waited for 40 minutes before being informed that the scheduled HR interviewer was unavailable, and another member of the team stepped in. This person appeared unprepared for the discussion, asked questions already covered, and did not seem to have a clear understanding of the consulting manager role or its seniority level. At one point, I was told the status of the position itself was uncertain. Following that, I was asked to meet a senior leader, who suggested a completely different opportunity (a short-term training contract) unrelated to the position I had applied for. This created significant confusion about whether the advertised role was actually open. Afterwards, the communication was inconsistent. Despite repeated follow-ups, I received no clear reason for not being moved forward. Reimbursement of my travel expenses took over two months, and was only processed after multiple escalations. Pros Initial interview rounds were structured and professional. Cons Last-minute changes to interview plans. Lack of clarity about whether the advertised role was genuinely open. Interviewers appeared unprepared and unfamiliar with the role’s requirements. Travel expenses reimbursement was unnecessarily delayed and required repeated follow-ups. Advice to Job Seekers Confirm the exact interview stages, the status of the role, and reimbursement timelines before committing to in-person discussions. Advice to the Company Ensure alignment among interviewers about the role being recruited for. Communicate transparently if the position changes or is no longer available. Respect candidates’ time and reimburse expenses promptly.