Started with an informational screen with an HR Specialist who was great to talk to and work with throughout the process. I then moved on to a phone screen with the Supply chain leadership, who was very probing on my career, leadership style, and me as a person. We connected very well in a very casual and comfortable conversation. He made extra time for my questions. Then I had an on-site interview with supply chain leadership, HR, and an operations leader(he was virtual). It was a panel setting where they had scripted questions after I was asked to go through every role I had over my career. They spent extra time in those areas that were relatable to this role. They were very detailed and focused on the areas where they needed help. Again, it was an excellent conversation and I was really liking the team and the company. Then came the curveball. At the end of the conversation, I was asked if I would consider a different role as they were looking at an internal candidate for this role, but thought I could help out in the purchasing organization. It was weird that they waited at the end to pivot to a role that was not open, but I was willing to review and listen to what they had to say. We talked over the phone later that week about the role and where they thought I could help. They said my interviews went great and they liked my fit within the team. They asked that I come in and meet more folks over an informal and casual lunch to make sure I felt comfortable with the folks that would be my peers. They called it a formality but to ensure I could see myself working with the team. This is where it got interesting. There were 8 folks and me eating lunch and talking about my experience and theirs. We talked about what I could to help them with my experience. There was also some casual conversations as well, which was nice. I thought it went well and the local HR person seemed to agree. Then, after e-mail requests for updates, I was called and told they felt I was overqualified even though through multiple prior interviews and conversations they felt like I was a good fit. It really gave me the sense of what Ageism looked like. That was a younger group in the casual lunch, which was sold me as a formality. I invested a lot of time and research in the teams and company only to have the rug pulled out from underneath me at the very end. Personally, I would have appreciated a call from the HR and supply chain leadership saying there was a concern that I might get bored or might not be challenged enough in this role. The chance to respond before they made their final decision would have been appreciated as the time spent and my excitement shared about the growth and opportunities there should have been more than enough to show I could see myself there long term. Instead, they made me feel too old for the group.