Northwestern University interview questions

The interview process was over Zoom. Panel was very chill and not in professional attire. Skills assessment with a homework assignment based on an agreement with a Chinese entity. Translated to English & presented my modifications to the panel.

Long process. Applied in February, had two interviews in March, and one interview at the end of April. Interviews were straightforward and conversational with the Director and two members of the team. The last interview was in-person at the department office. The Director of the department emailed me about a week later with an unofficial offer. He told me he was asking HR to move forward with a formal offer, "very impressed with your qualifications," and "I look forward to working with you!" After references were submitted, HR sent a rejection three weeks later. There was no explanation besides "going with someone more experienced". Based on the director's previous email, it was not apparent that other candidates were still in consideration. The director never responded to my questions about why they changed their minds. My only conclusion is that something came up in the reference check, but they refused to tell me. I am now suspicious of my references and need to reevaluate who I ask to supply them. It was a very disappointing experience.