I had an initial phone interview with the recruiter, after two weeks I received an update from the same recruiter that the hiring manager had been out and he would follow up soon. THEN 2 days later I received a clearly template email stating the position had been filled. I accept that I was not selected for the role, that's fine. What I don't understand was what was the point of lying and saying the hiring manager had been out and stringing me along? Just say the position has been filled and leave it at that! Makes no sense and, in my opinion, is very unprofessional!