My interview process was satisfactory up until the point where I was told my references were being contacted. Then PRRI completely ghosted. The process began with an introductory meeting with one of the leadership principals and a consultant; a second interview with the CEO and the consultant was followed by a lunch with the leadership team. The follow up between the first and second interviews was prompt and professional. After the team lunch is when the process fell apart. I should start by revealing that PRRI has an unusual process that begins with requiring candidates to submit references with their CVs. This makes me uncomfortable; I understand they want to screen the caliber of your contacts, but I don't relish sharing the confidential contact information of my high level references unless I know I am short listed for a position. However, in the interest of this position, I did it. The interviews themselves were upbeat; the questions and dialogue were interesting and relevant. After two rounds of interviews and lunch with the executive team, the CEO shared with me a three week timeline for contacting references and reverting back to me with a decision. I put my references on alert and waited. Then - poof! PRRI disappeared. My references were never contacted (which creates an awkward situation) and no one at PRRI reached out with a decision per the timeline the CEO outlined. I initially assumed that in the Thanksgiving holiday rush, the timeline got away from everyone and PRRI would reach out in a matter of days. I waited an additional three weeks before I sent a note of inquiry. It took the CEO a week to respond. He began his reply to me with his excuses for having let me sit on ice for a month, and informed me that PRRI had indeed selected another candidate for the job. That "Oh, yeah, I was so busy I forgot to tell you" attitude was a crass way to end what had been a good, professional experience. Losing a job to a more qualified candidate is part of the game and I understand PRRI's decision to go with someone who bested me in an important category. However, abandoning a candidate who believes herself to be shortlisted is entirely unprofessional and evidences a culture devoid of empathy, courtesy and engaged leadership.