This is specific to the YMCA of Greater Seattle. A month after originally applying, I was asked if I was still interested. I was but this was the first red light.
First a basic phone interview with HR, then a semi-difficult panel interview, and one final 'interview' with the CMO. They pushed up the final interview because I had another job offer coming. I say 'interview' because it was more of getting to know the CMO and I could tell I had it already. She even said they tried to have the offer letter ready for me. Red light number two. We discussed salary and she said, "Tell me what you want."
I understand this is a non-profit, it was the type of job I was targeting. They were already significantly lower than jobs of this caliber in Seattle. They offered the same day of my final interview and I countered with the smallest increase. 3k. All the negotiations were through the CMO to this point. After my counter, silence.
After the weekend and then 3 days of silence, HR calls me. At this point, I assume they are sticking by their original offer. No. They rescinded the offer. Claiming they were worried I would jump at the next opportunity that came to me. What?! I followed up with the CMO to explain why I asked for what I did and that it was never about the money. I knew I would be taking less to work here and still wanted it. No response or apology.
Completely unprofessional from start to finish.