Process lasted 3.5 months. Six stages: recruiter screen, hiring manager, case study, growth manager, CMO, and founder. Positives: - Warm, professional team throughout - Well-designed case study - Compelling mission and growth plans Areas for improvement: - Long timeline: 3.5 months made it hard to maintain momentum - Role ambiguity: uncertainty with role definition persisted throughout, making it difficult to position myself clearly - Communication gaps: CMO didn't attend case study despite briefing doc stating they will as well as no response to follow-up questions after the interview - Feedback disconnect: Very positive feedback throughout from multiple people, then final rejection, would have been helpful to hear concerns earlier Bottom line: Thorough process, talented team, but be prepared for a long timeline and some ambiguity. Positive feedback throughout doesn't necessarily reflect final decision-makers' assessment