Sorry that you didnt get the job, I dont even get notified when I dont get the job. Bastards.

What Todd said only I'd say "probably most" rather than "many". I've been on interviews (and conducted them) knowing the whole process was a sham just to legitimize an already-made decision. Sucks but move on and keep at it.

I had a similar experience last year. Half day interview went really well and they asked me to wait in the lounge for HR who requested to see me again. After ~ 15 minutes waiting was told there was a conflicting meeting and they would contact me the next day. Nothing. I did email the HR manager after 2 weeks and she was apologetic thinking someone else sent the deny notice. Reason - too large of a divide in compensation expectation which we had discussed, and I thought resolved, early in the interview. Oh well.

I have been on the other side as well. Lots of smart people with great resumes but the personality has to line up with the team dynamic.

damn.

better luck next time!!!

how would any of you even ask this question?

"thanks for the opportunity, but WTF?" :D

I was going to put most, but it depends on the level of the job. As they climb the ladder, almost all of them have candidates in mind.

HR departments exist to avoid litigation. If the person who interviewed you has half a brain, your question would get a "we found a better qualified applicant" answer and that's it. Or no response.

We do not live in a meritocracy nor are there many level playing fields. Thinking either to be the case will just give you heartburn...

I have very rarely interviewed with anyone from HR. This last one was with the mgr. for the sales team I was applying for. I would have been reporting to him. What really surprised me is that he called me before ever seeing my cover letter, in which I mentioned my previous interviews and the people there I had spoken with before. So he called me strictly based on my resume, which I found flattering. When he asked me if I knew about their product, I asked him if he had seen my cover letter, in which I had explained that. He opened another file and said, "Oh yeah. Here it is. Oh, so you know so and so and have discussed this stuff before. Well, we need to get you in here. How's this Thurs?"

He was a very cool guy and we didn't discuss money at all, so there couldn't have been a disconnect in expectations there (yet). My gut tells me it would have been a pay cut, but I'm not sure.

FWIW, while I was in the reception area, I saw the previous interviewee leave and she was a decent looking, professionally dressed woman. I always wear a sharp suit and clean up pretty well. When I was leaving, I saw the next guy and he was wearing slacks and short sleeved collared shirt, no jacket, no tie.

Did you work with a head-hunter/recruiter?

No, otherwise I could easily ask him or her.

IMO its not out of line to ask but odds are you won't get an honest answer. As others have alluded to, in today's litigious society there is a reason why all rejection letters are almost identical:
Thank you for your interest in the X position with Zorch Corp...we reviewed many qualified candidates...we have offered the position to an applicant who we feel more closely met our needs...we will retain your application for the future...
Chances are you won't get much help unless you can get inside to talk with someone who knows you.

Job hunting sucks but you will come out OK. Don't get down. Its not about how many times you already got up to bat but rather the home run you will hit next time up.