It took 4 months in total. First meeting was with hiring manager with was highly technical. He was great and told me right then if I was moving to round to. Round two had another set of people who were very nice and would be great to work with. They asked different questions which were more focused on ability to coordinate. The last Interview was with the CISO. Again, a great person to speak with. He was very casual and someone I would recommend as a great leader.
After being told I would have an offer ASAP by two members of leadership I had a bonus interview with an HR person from PixelUnited. She was super friendly and just wanted to know what expectations were discussed around the job such as any relocation and compensation. Seemed she was new in the process and just needed a hand. It was highly friendly, but she did indicate that she had a different amount in mind for compensation, but no budget was mentioned. We talked and I suggested I was flexible and no problem. She agreed that she would get back and get a offer to me soon.
After a week without hearing anything. She sent me an email saying thank you for the time, but they decided on someone else, best wishes. Just as happy and carefree as she was on the phone.
Although I really loved the job and the company and would have taken a $25k lower amt than we all previously discussed, I was dropped at the last minute strictly due to the HR lady with PixelUnited. No doubt she told people I would just leave for better pay and was being ridiculous. After 500+ applications and 5 companies, it would be delusional to think I want to fill out another application in the next several years. If she had done her work she would see that pay ranges for such a job span from $130k to $250k+ The sweet spot being around $165 for Lead roles. If she understood business and economics, she would know that to leave you have to have some place to go and our economic situation in the US is really bad. This was a fear-based decision which are done from a place of weakness. Weak people are dangerous. What started out as one of the best experiences looking for a new job, is now one of the worst I have had in my entire career, I pray for the people at this company and for this lady, they are all in for a rough ride with those she will recommend.
I am now going to lower my rate to $150k for Director Roles. Then, I will grow a side hustle to protect my financial and mental wellbeing from people exactly like her. You should do the same and avoid this company.