Round 1: HR Round 2: Hiring manager Round 3: Various VPs/leadership After my final interview, they reached out to confirm my references and begin the background check. I thought it was highly strange they would conduct a background check before an offer - it's even illegal in some states. I unfortunately let my hopes get up thinking it was a good sign - hell, everyone I knew except one person said it was a good sign. They ultimately went with another candidate, after having me wait three weeks. Also, one interviewer kept asking my why I was laid off from my previous company and what would I do differently to prevent it, as if I can control the rising interest rates and inflation that is hurting consumer spending, or the leadership my previous employer made to over-index on certain apparel and hurt sales.