I was working as a contractor at NOAA and learned through coworkers of a contract opportunity through IMSG in support of another branch of NOAA. After applying via email, the program manager from IMSG met me for an informal, in-person interview at NOAA's offices, during which she asked me about my interest in the position, relevant experience, salary expectations and start date. Her feedback was positive and she pledged to forward my materials to the NOAA hiring manager for a final round interview. After two weeks with no communication, I called the IMSG program manager to learn that, despite her previous pledge, I was not among the finalist referred for an interview. Although the manager at IMSG claimed interviews were still ongoing, I was able to confirm through coworkers at NOAA that the position had already been offered to another applicant who was willing to start immediately and work for less money.