Was approached by headhunter on openings at GCE based on my background. Quick 30 min phone interview with CTO. After a successful interview, they asked that I go in for on-site interview. The interview took 5.5 hours and was with HR, 2 directors (separately), their security team, and the CTO. Entire time it was not clear what role they would like me to fill.
Received raved reviews and was asked to apply for Infrastructure Architect role and come back to speak with CEO as the role would be custom created. Went back a week later for CEO interview and was told I would be talking with the existing "network person", CTO, then CEO. Technical interview was straight forward. Afterwards, I was informed that the CTO was not available so I spoke with the former CTO. Former-CTO did not know what position I was applying for and was following path of questions irrelevant to the Infrastructure Architect position. Half way through the interview, I had to stop him to clarify and steered the discussion back on course. After interview with former-CTO, I was informed that both CTO and CEO have left for the day. (VERY unprofessional)
Again received raved reviews and was told there is a strong interest in me and made a verbal offer 10k lower than what I feel is my worth. I was still considering since I would be helping to build the team from scratch. Was asked to forward my college transcript from 14+ years ago. After many days of no communication, I was told I was no longer being considered for the position because of my transcript. Never mind that was over a decade ago, I have had 18+ years of very successful experience, and I was able to solve two issues they have been experiencing during the interviews.
Complete waste of time. If something as arbitrary as transcript from over a decade ago will make the determination, than ask for it up front when you show an interest. If you ask someone to take off work to come in to talk to your CEO, have the decency to make sure he is available. Especially when I had verified the interview was still occurring earlier in the day due to icy road conditions.