Having a Masters and medical degree, I was to be hired on a contract basis, in contrast to the Economic analysts they typically hire after undergraduate degrees (who then move up the ladder internally). I had reached out to the founder, interested in this new firm, and was sent an email for an initial phone interview with Ashley (HR). A week later I had a 2nd in-person interview with the 2 founders, 2 other employees, then finally with the HR rep. Following this, I was told I would be contacted in a few days. After about 2 weeks, I emailed o ask for an update. Ashley emailed me asking for me to send transcripts, publications, references from Professors, and even PDFs of all my publications. After another 2 weeks, I emailed, and was then asked to come in for a 3rd in-person interview, following which I was told an offer letter would be sent promptly. Three weeks later, I still hadn't received anything, and I emailed again. I finally wrote to my interviewer, and received a reply from Ashley saying that my asking for updates was a red flag. Today, I finally received an email saying I was not being hired as "after completing their reference checks due diligence, they decided to not move forward in the interview process". I had contacted my references ( 2 of my Professors) and they were in contrast, very encouraging.