I usually don't write interview reviews, this one was one of the most unusual that I ever had in a long time. I've applied online, and 1 hour of my application, I got an email from TA to set up a time to talk, which brought my hopes up... but that is where everything starting to go out of the ordinary.
I had the interview with the TA next day. Right out of the gate, she asked 3 pre scripted questions that don't have a right or wrong answer, just point of views. Right after (5 mins in) gave a very short explanation of the position and benefits, after which she asked me if I have questions for her. One of the questions that I always ask is this is a new position, or it is a backfill, which she answered to the effect of "for this position it is the same, doesn't matter..." there is when I started to feel that something is not going well, that the energy that she was putting in this interview was pretty little, it was an interview with video, and while she was answering my questions, she was not looking to the side, not straight to the camera.
The last question that I asked, it was about the interview process, and how fast do they usually move. The answer was "this position will start in November" (this interview took place in mid August) She gave me a half bake explanation why, which I responded "that is a big risk, but it is what it is" and the interview ended there, 9 minutes in total.
All that made me wonder if they really have the intention to hire someone, or they need to check a box for an internal move, especially when the hiring date is so far out, why the rush.
Next morning I received the email telling me that they are not moving forward with my candidacy, not surprise there...