For external candidates, beware of fake interview: I had a suspicion that there would be preferences for internal candidates but my recruiter assured me there wouldn't be. I was given the impression I'd be a top candidate. I even had to provide 3 references and disclose my investment portfolio. I received a 1st round interview with a lot of easy questions that I answered thoroughly. I thought I would at least make it to the writing assessment. I was told 2 weeks that I would not be moving forward but to still hang on in case the other candidates didn't work out. A month and a half later, I received the official notice that I was rejected.