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[rodentmind]

Put it out of your mind. It's not bad in terms of their opinion of you, and it doesn't mean there's something wrong with the job/place.

[daurousseau]

Put it out of your mind. It's not bad in terms of their opinion of you, and it doesn't mean there's something wrong with the job/place.

ditto.

The whys and wherefores of hiring are intractable.

[mdwlark]

I'll take the job.  I don't care if I'm 2nd, 3rd, 4th, diverse, safe, nonthreatening, or a fourth for bridge.   Where do I sign? 

[prof_twocents]

Don't sweat it at all. Our department went through the same thing just this year. We brought in 3 candidates for a position. Two had poor interviews, the third had a good one and got the offer, but ended up accepting another offer near hu's hometown several states away. We then brought in a 4th candidate who interviewed extremely well. While that candidate was technically the "fourth choice," it in no way speaks poorly of that person's qualifications.

[toda2]

Why does your "rank" matter? As long as the job suits you, and if you take the job, it is all yours. Good luck!

Toda

[larryc]

I would  not strain my eyes trying to read the tea leaves on this one, there is just no way to know what it means. Most likely the other candidates got better offers. Take the job and celebrate!

[pippin]

Don't sweat it at all. Our department went through the same thing just this year. We brought in 3 candidates for a position. Two had poor interviews, the third had a good one and got the offer, but ended up accepting another offer near hu's hometown several states away. We then brought in a 4th candidate who interviewed extremely well. While that candidate was technically the "fourth choice," it in no way speaks poorly of that person's qualifications.

We had exactly the same experience two years ago, and we *love* our new hire.