February 23, 2010: Formally applied to Blizzard Entertainment via online job center and sent cover letter and resume directly to HR contact. Great expectations! February 24 – April 20: Network with a friend who works for Blizzard and recommends me to the appropriate internal contacts. Two months of making inquiries with virtually no response. Excitement fades. April 21, 2010: Still no response from anyone at Blizzard; not even an automated “Thank you for applying.” I send note directly to the Department lead via Linked In “In Message” service in hopes of generating a response. Hail Mary play. April 22, 2010: The next day, I receive call from HR representative asking for more information and request to schedule an interview. Progress! May 4, 2010: Approximately 3 months from when I first applied, I finally have an interview with one of the Department team members. We enjoy a productive conversation and he intends to recommend me to his supervisor for the position. Encouraging May 5, 2010 – May 26: continue to follow up with HR bi-weekly for updates and am told: “We are still interviewing Round 1 candidates and will contact you when we are ready to proceed.” Really?! June 25, 2010: one month since my last correspondence with Blizzard HR representative and nearly two months since my encouraging interview with the Department team member. I send note to HR representative to ask if I am still being considered as a candidate and am told “yes.” Cautiously optimistic June 30, 2010: After four months of being told that I am still being considered as a candidate, I finally receive the customary decline message: “Thank you for your interest in the XXX position at Blizzard Entertainment. I wanted to follow up and let you know that they have decided to move forward with another candidate at this time. Again, thank you for your interest and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors.” Shameful