I spent a half hour on the phone with the recruiter. We talked about my background, the position and the company. I was really excited about next steps. I was asked to send work samples. A couple days went by. The recruiter did not acknowledge the samples I sent, so I called to make sure the email went through. I received an email saying "the manager is out sick and I will know more in a couple days." Then another couple days went by. By Friday of that week I received an automated email saying I was no longer being considered for the position.