Ask HN: Technical interviews went amazing but HR is not answering my emails now?

I recall one position that was stalled until I followed up with the hiring manager, who was early into the organization and had long tenure and a lot of influence.

I reached them directly. They said they'd put the request in to HR. We hung up after the hiring manager said they would give HR a follow-up call. Within 24 hours, HR was calling me, asking how soon I could come in.

Most hiring managers don't have that much influence with HR (instant turnaround). But if they hare a good reputation internally, and HR is good at their job, then HR knows that such strong interest is reason to proceed expeditiously.

If HR is unresponsive to them, a hiring manager with budget -- an internal client of HR -- then maybe that is a place you don't want to work. Disfunctional HR tends to become a burden, over time. (Perhaps I should say, abnormally disfunctional HR; some would argue that HR is inherently at least somewhat disfunctional, from the perspective of those outside of HR and Legal.)

If I were you, I would touch-base with my references and ask them if they're received any calls or emails about me lately. If so, ask them exactly how the conversation went, word for word. You might get some clues there.

More like your date's Dad was unpleasant when you picked her up. If you want the job or the girl, sometimes you need to deal with the gatekeepers. But then again, if you don't want her Dad to be your father in-law someday, you might have a point. :-)