An unusually intrusive screening process – SAT-like test and referrals to current and past managers to discuss performance. Otherwise, just the standard phone screens and half day on-site interviews with up to six people. The questions were standard for a PM role. Then things got weird. The hiring manager asked for a second, ad hoc meeting equivalent to a 30-minute speed date. He explained that a person within the company asked for the position. Even though I was more the more qualified candidate, he felt it’d be better to give the position to someone that is close to him despite their lack of experience for the position. Nepotism isn’t uncommon in the job market, but why in the world would you invite someone back to a second meeting to discuss how you’d rather give the job to a personal buddy?