Applied for Pro Sales Representative in DFW. Resume (10+ years high-volume routes, independent vending with $238k+ revenue and 15–20% YoY growth) passed HR phone screen and advanced to full interview with regional manager. Interview went very well, strong answers, clear examples of revenue impact, client relationships, and upcoming Route Sales Representative promotion at current employer in 3–4 months (adding direct selling experience). Outcome was inconsistent, despite solid performance and direct rebuttal of the “merchandiser-only” perception, I was told I was “not to waste anymore time” and should start entry-level or in the Management & Sales Training Program. An SSR example was shared, but it was in Odessa (not local) and clearly entry-level. Process felt like a bait-and-switch: Pro Sales advertised → advanced through screening → pivot to entry-level after strong showing. Left me questioning evaluation consistency between HR and hiring manager. Interviewers were professional, but feedback didn’t match application strength.