Per employee thru whom I was networking, I sent my resume to the Area Director, who is directly responsible for filling and supervising this position. I did not hear back from him, but rather from a human resources recruiter who lined up a time for a first (screening,as it turned out) interview. Nothing odd at this point, but the trend would become clear. The screening interview was typical - background information mixed with behavior based scenario questions - which have become typical in just about every industry. This first interview ended on a positive note, with assurances that I would hear from the next interviewer...another human resource individual...for a second interview. About ten days later, I heard back from the original recruiter who informed me that the Area Director would like to meet me for an interview at the club with the open GM position. Time and date are determined and all looked good to go. I arrived at the club and informed the front desk individual that I had a pre-arranged appointment with the Area Director. I was told at that time that he was "not in the building", but that she would check to determine the status. About ten minutes later, I was approached by a member of the sales staff, and was asked why I was there, did I have a "specific" appointment, what was the appointment for (an interview), and for what position (GM). Odd line of questioning to be sure. Asked to wait until they could reach the AD, I waited another fifteen minutes for another status update. Finally approached by sales staff to inform me that the interview was to be conducted over the phone. Finally got the phone call which was taken in the GM's office. Area Director apologized for a communications gap and the confusion - despite my confirming with the recruiter on two separate occasions and being assured that the Area Director would at this location at this time - he was copied in the emails! First significant red flag. The interview went extremely well - again, background information, behaviorally based questions, my questions answered. Concluded with my being told that I would hear "from Life Time University" within the next week. With the network connections I have within the company, I was told that this dimly simply meant that I had the position, and this was for scheduling of certification classes within Life Time. I thought it was odd that I would not hear back from the AD with an offer, but, ok...in the meantime, I visited the club as a guest on two occasions to begin to form an opinion on strengths and areas of opportunity from a members perspective. Two weeks passed with nothing from the AD. Meanwhile, he informed several employees that he had found his new GM, even thanking the person who made my recommendation and stating that "I like him a lot!". After two weeks (one week later than when he told me to expect contact), I dropped him a friendly and professional email asking if there was anything else I could to as follow up on our conversation from two weeks prior. Literally 15 minutes passed before my phone rang - it was the original recruiter informing me that they had gone "with another candidate" but they would keep my application and resume on file. I heard nothing from the AD. Eight additional weeks have passed and the position remains open. He confided in several employees that he simply wasn't ready to fill the position and had the recruiter call me to tell me they went with another applicant because he thought I was considering another position. Even going so far as to admitting that "I blew it" and asking if I was still interested. This is not only an Area Director, but a recently promoted "Senior Area Director". This position has been open since early June '11, and remains open as of late September '11. Contrary to what I was told, the position was never filled "with another candidate. I am realistic enough to know that sometimes the fit just isn't right - and one doesn't get a position for which is applied. From every indication, and having a unique perspective due to the internal contacts I have, this is not the case. It is simply an unprofessional, incompetent approach to managing a company.