> Submitted a resume and received an initial phone screen from Columbia (they have a call center there). > I was told that I would be advanced to round 2 of interviews with their CEO. > No invitation sent, so I followed-up within a couple of days. > They sent a rejection email (on a Saturday) that I didn't see until that Monday. >Read rejection email on that Monday, and replied by thanking them for the opportunity. Within 5 minutes later, they replied with an invitation to interview with their CEO. I accepted the invitation. >The second interview was not with their CEO (Ramin Heydari), but with their second in charge and HR. Interview went well and they mentioned that they would recommend meeting with CEO; they made the recommendation and I accepted. >An on-site meeting with CEO and his assistant was longish. Asked for my prior salary (violation against CA labor code section 432, but I didn't dwell). >Was more interested in not hiring someone that would not work out, so he offered the possibility of working as a contractor/vendor (I/C) for a couple of months, and then hired as an employee. Why? Not sure, but possible inter-company political motives. >I asked how I would be measured/judged, response was by Additional Revenue. This is exceedingly awkward since accounting does not drive revenues, but he insisted that he is an expert CEO and stated that cost accounting is the driver of all sales...Wharton, I think you're safe. I didn't argue, I merely acknowledge that this is his position. >I sent an engagement letter to the CEO detailing scope, rate, joint responsibilities, terms, et cetera. >After 4 days, I received an email stating they couldn't more forward. >