I recently went through a lengthy interview process that took 2-3 months and included: 1. A recruiter call. 2. A take-home assignment. 3. A technical interview with a developer. 4. A behavioural interview. 5. A team interview with the hiring manager. I was fully committed at every stage and followed up consistently. However, after the final round, the recruiter completely ghosted me. No feedback, no updates—just silence, despite my efforts to reach out. This experience was not only disappointing but also unprofessional. Candidates put significant time and energy into these processes, and the least companies can do is provide timely closure, even if the decision is a rejection. For anyone currently navigating the job hunt, be mindful of how companies treat you during the hiring process it’s often a reflection of their culture. And for recruiters and hiring teams, respecting candidates’ time and efforts is the bare minimum to build trust and maintain your reputation.