UPLIFT Desk interview questions

One quick phone screening for basic information followed up by a virtual interview and an in person interview. All were straightforward and relatively easy. They were quick and I was offered the job.

First 2 interviews on the phone, then had an on-site final interview. After the on-site interview, I was asked to share references. Everything seemed to be going very well. My references were contacted and I did not hear anything back for 21 days. After 21 days since my last update, I received an automated "we've gone with another candidate". Getting rejected is part of the job hunt, but this seemed to be a huge waste of time for both me and my references. I have never seen a situation where references were contacted when there was no intention of hiring a candidate. I wish they had better communication throughout the process.