[brudgers]

The other piece of the puzzle is that companies often interview based on projected or possible needs, e.g. next quarter's potential staff increase or in preparation for the acceptance of a proposal. Therefore, an actual decision about "the position" may be months off when the project is a go or may never occur should the project be cancelled.

I will add that companies also will interview people simply out of a general interest in the candidate, a relationship with the recruiter, or because they are someone's girlfriend even when there is no intent of hiring the person anytime soon.