The interview process was straight forward for this role. The initial phone screens then an on-site meeting with HR, recruiter and the people the role would be supporting - CEO and CRO.
The recruiter was really great throughout the process - the company needs to hang on to this guy!
The CRO was awesome and was very clear on his expectations for the role. He has had EA's at previous companies and from an EA's perspective he would be someone great to support.
The CEO on the other hand (who hasn't had an EA before)..... while it was great speaking with him it's very clear he has no idea what he wants in an EA. What he did communicate verbatim is "I like things done my way no matter where I am in the world". No clear direction on what his way entails.
There was no job offer and the recruiter could not provide any feedback as to why the CEO gave a no hire. The CEO could not provide feedback as to why the others that had interviewed previously for this role were no hires. This puts a recruiter (and probably the rest of the team) in a difficult spot. Not to mention, a waste of everyone's time.
The only positives in the process - the recruiter was really great, the VP of HR was great and the CRO was awesome.
Recommendation:
Hire the CRO an EA so maybe the CEO can see what the benefits entail. And can clearly communicate those needs to HR - therefore setting someone up for success in the role.
Or
Put this position on hold and not waste people's time internally and externally. It appears the CEO is learning what he wants by way of endless cycle interviews.