[tetris11]

Same. Family friend is in high up position. Passed my CV on to the data team. They said positive encouraging things, and he said that he'd soon be in contact for the next steps.

It's been over a month. I can believe that family friend would be forced to say something positive about my CV, but not that he'd give me false hope.

My interpretation: companies aren't hiring, they're covertly laying off staff whilst projecting growth to the market. Or, they are hiring, but the current teams are worried about the security of their own jobs as AI is now making everyone worried.

[Paul-Craft]

I'm not saying your family friend has done this, but I've seen people "refer" others to their company, then deliberately tank the candidacy because they didn't believe in the candidate's skills.

[tetris11]

I would buy this, and even take it as a valid criticism, if he left with a lie like "... but there aren't any open spots right now" or "...it's out of my hands".

But he left with the promise of a reply. It just seems heartless, especially since I will see him again soon at another family function.

[Paul-Craft]

Have you spoken to him since he promised to refer you? If not, you could probably clear all this up with a 10 minute phone conversation.