This one was really crazy. I applied online to a position in May. I continued with school and my job search process and had two other opportunities lined up until late that August I received a call from them asking if I was still interested. I said yes, and they set me up with an initial phone conference interview with the maintenance and QC managers. That went well and they extended me an offer to have me fly to the facility for a face to face interview.
The interview was very nice and yet different to others. They only really asked me a few technical questions, but the entire time they were pitching me the position like two salesmen at a car dealership. About how great the pay, benefits, schedule, tuition assistance and everything was. I also told them I had another great opportunity lined up and how they "really hope I would consider them." I was particularly interested in this position as it was in my home town and how motivated I was to come here. I finally had to say I accept the position as it was if they would make me an offer. They said they have another three applicants to interview to be fair, but verbatim "I don't foresee anyone coming in here that has a better resume and is a better fit then you."
I was very excited by this point, now just had to wait to receive an offer. And wait. And wait. About 10 days past before they finished interviewing and two weeks til I got an email saying a final decision had not been made, so more waiting. A full two months after the in person interview, after an email inquiry from me and another two days I got a phone call saying they decided to hire someone else. I was very disappointed in losing out on the job, but also in all the time, thought, and emotional effort spent waiting for them to reach a decision.
I guess my pride is also hurt as I graduated top of class, was undefeated in 6 interviews this year, and have been one of the best employees and smartest persons everywhere I've been. I rationalize the decision as their loss.
Bottom line, the physical interview was a breeze, I didn't appreciate all the hot air on their part just to be shut down, and that I was kept dangling for what amounted to two months between interview and final decision.