Now that I've slept o it a bit...

I wrote a thank you letter to the interviewer and he responded to it last night and let me know they selected someone else.

It was very nice and said that I was their 2nd choice.

I used to work for the former head of their department years ago, that guy is working part time as a consultant to the company right now. I have become aware that this guy found out that I was applying and spoke very highly of my expertise and professionalism. So I actually had a very well respected former manager advocating for me.

So I aced the phone interview, aced the actual interview, had the former head of the department advocating for me and in the end it wasn't enough.

The number one guys must have been a superstar.

I am still very disappointed but these things happen. I keep wondering when my fortunes are going to turn around. This was a hard one to lose.