Connected with recruiter over LinkedIn for a different position then came across this one based down here in Burbank, CA so reached out regarding the role closer to home. Dolby decided to move the role up to San Francisco instead and I decided to go through the process. Initial phone call with recruiter went great - talked about work experience and why I wanted to be part of Dolby. Overall it was great and then she set me up with the hiring manager to speak over the phone. I felt like we connected well and that was the feedback the recruiter got so they decided to bring me onsite. It was challenging because one week the team was at a conference then the next week there were people traveling so it got pushed back more. Did the onsite with the team - first guy senior felt like he didn't care much about me interviewing there. What was suppose to be a 45 minute interview turned out to be 15 mins long so then the associate recruiter came in and gave me a tour of the office (Gym, Cafe). The hiring manager came in second and it was great to chat with them - def. felt the energy and vibes we had over the phone. She brought in someone to talk with me who was not part of the initial panel which was okay. He focused more on operations and we chatted about my startup history and about pivoting. I felt like he had ADHD because he'd stop our conversations and talk about the window being held up by tape or protestors outside the building. Overall though he seemed like a nice guy. The third guy was a creative so we connected on that level and he was really nice. It felt like I'd be able to help him move in a direction that would make the process better for the group since he was from another team within the company. The last person was suppose to be research manager but she was out sick. My last conversation was with the recruiter that I connected with over LinkedIn - I have to say that there are okay recruiters and there are great recruiters. She made me feel like she cared and I'm sure she did. She felt like I was the top candidate for the role and I felt the same way too. There was a concern from one executive that I was doing my own thing for so long that I wouldn't be able to mend well back into the corporate environment which was wrong unless that was code word for just needing a person who doesn't innovate and does what they are told. I was told there would be another step in either coming up to speak with the Sr. Director of the group and a VP of creative marketing. Alas I didn't make the last step since they felt like I did well overall but the whole "worried about not being able to be part of a group" which the recruiter knew was a non-issue. I feel like it was a great opportunity for me grow professionally and it felt like a good team to be part of. I totally understand that decisions have to be made for the best interest of the company. I have to say that if you find someone that fits/checks all the marks on your list don't lose them to another company just because they've been riding solo for a few years.