I was referred by a Splunk employee. I was interviewed by all the inside sales managers on the public sector team. I really enjoyed the interview and I think the feeling was mutual. I left with very positive remarks. They invited me in for a second interview, over-the-phone, with the manger that had the open position but was not able to make it to inverview me. That phone interview with this final manager went well. It ended with him letting me know that he would be in touch after their quarter ended to bring me in so I could meet the account manager I’d be partnering with. When the time came to go in for my final meeting I had to follow-up with the schedule coordinator before she scheduled our final meeting. I was excited to meet the account manager that I might be working with. The next email (before the meeting happened and no more than a day after I scheduled the meeting) I was notified that the position was filled. I was notified via an automated email. I thought for sure it was a technical error because it was so random and abrupt. We had just confirmed our final meeting. It wasn’t an error. I really enjoyed getting to know each team member and the manager I interviewed with. They made me feel valued and led me to believe that I should expect an offer with what they communicated and initiated with me. I understand that they may have found a better fit. I accept that, but I think a personal email would’ve been courteous. An automated email after all the enthusiasm and conversation was rude. I’m still a strong believer in Splunk’s products (so much so that I own Splunk stock) but I am disappointed with how this particular manager handled my interview. I was led on and then abruptly axed. Feedback or just a brief “thank you” would’ve been the right thing to do after you've courted a candidate over the course of several weeks. It may feel awkward to reject someone but we’re sales people. We eat awkward and uncomfortable conversations for breakfast, am I right?