Applied directly. Made it through all rounds until the end. Was told on multiple occasions when the decision would be made, then was left ghosted for 3 weeks with no updates. A continuous "I'll get back to you by end of week" with no updates. I was even told an offer was sent to another candidate WHILE being a candidate myself. The communication process was beyond unprofessional and I still don't have an *official* rejection. Advice to HR: candidates are humans. They have families to feed, bills to pay, and many of them have recently been laid off. Don't overpromise if you'll under deliver. And definitely do not tell candidates you are the favorite and employees want to be your friend only to ghost the candidate right after. No external person should know they aren't the first choice. Do better.