The process from the interview loop to finally deciding not to extend an offer took 3.5 months, though I was told midway that I'd be a great candidate. It's common practice to let people know within a couple of days whether you want to move forward with them or not. Prolonging this process to several months doesn't only reveal chaos and indecisiveness about who you are looking for. It is mostly frustrating and will turn future employees off. Very surprised to see such a strange application process happen in the current job market.