Having been offered this role only 2 years ago and opting for an alternative position and having stayed in touch on and off with the line manager over that time. I assumed my application would have been received in good faith but I was sadly mistaken. The timing was perfect to take the role I should have accepted before and I sailed through all interview stages including a panel interview with the entire UK sales team where I answered 6 difficult questions and closed each of them on the spot to confirm that they all considered me suitable for the position. I also interviewed with another European leader who was fine with me joining the business and remembered me from the last time I interviewed and got the role. The wheels came off at the penultimate stage which is the CRO interview. He clearly took offence that I did not accept the role the first time round so did all he could to make it impossible to get past him. His questions were totally inappropriate, unprofessional and frankly bizarre. I can only surmise it was a twisted attempt to ensure I could not be offered the role for a second time. Knowing he had no intention of allowing me through to the next stage he suggested I circle back to the prospective line manager and a face to face over lunch in London was arranged with him. Where I was asked more questions but was assured that this was not part of the interview process and just a conversation. I was left hanging for over a week when I reached out to the line manager I was told they had offered the role to a man to cover the UAE territory. I feel the whole opportunity was blocked by the CRO who couldn’t see past his own spite to do what was right for the company. I had the right experience, warm leads to bring in with me including the UAE territory and the ability to start at short notice. All very disappointing.