I never really appreciated HR as a gate keeper until I interviewed here! The Brand manager brought me in 2 times for casual interviews. The way he conversed with me he made me feel as though I had the job with here I quote "I'm ready to bring you on once the interview clears" not once bringing up the fact that he had other candidates. They then proceeded to request BOTH a paystub and references as though I was in the final stages of an offer, only to snub me and say they are going with another candidate. I never liked HR for the fact they were notorious in ghosting candidates, but in this case HR being an arbiter between the division hiring and potential candidate would have been greatly appreciated.