I applied for a job a month ago and received a lengthy, but very good phone interview a week later. The result was an offer to do a second interview. Things look real promising as in my 50+ job applications, this has been my only deep hiring process run. Anyways, I drove really far to the interview (I'm going to move closer soon) and earned a nearly three-hour interview of mostly high-level questions. It was a great time and honestly enjoyable experience with the head of the department. They spoke in a manner that if they could hire me in the instant, they would have (not trying to self-boast; I think that's an impression some of you may have had in prior interviews). My references were contacted, all directions point upward.

I got a call back finally as they denied me an offer due to a perceived lackluster job fit. I honestly just sat there after the call and cried.

I maintained my best professionalism that I could, and I mean no ill words towards the company (I have mad respect for their crew), but it was the biggest slap of reality I have gotten in job hunting. To be seemingly such a promising candidate and just not get there. I don't want to give up but man this just feels so discouraging.