Loosely structured, which isn't bad or good. Every company has a different style.
I felt it was very amiable, and relaxed which I actually prefer, however lacked professionalism.
I was flown out to the company for a final interview and to get to know the company. I had very mixed feelings:
Positives - The exposure to the team, work, vision, ambition, and overall processes was fantastic! I thoroughly enjoyed it. I got to interact with people on a day to day level. Helped design the office, went on team activities and lunches. I felt I was already a part of the team!
Negatives - The treatment of the leaders and team members was not consistent. I was treated like I was already in the position before I even had an offer. This is extremely confusing for a candidate. As I was not yet a part of the team, and we did not discuss the role too much, I was unsure how to behave, or what others' feelings were. It was a roller coaster of emotions. The Team even wrote "Welcome to the team" on a board, which is awesome, but only to be rejected very soon after.
I can handle rejection, it is just business. However, the process was so unstructured and unprofessional that, this one was rough. I had felt like I was bonding and growing relationships with the team only to suddenly have that door closed.
My advice: I get there is no HR department, but there needs to be some basic HR skills gained. The hiring process needs to remain fairly neutral. As a candidate I should not be lead on to believe I do or do not have the role. My skills should be assessed along with my competencies, a meeting with the teams and office is a great idea, but maintain the relationships as professional. No indications of acceptance or rejection should be had.
And make more time to interact with the candidate.
Lastly, do not buy expensive gifts for candidates, it makes them feel uncomfortable, like they themselves are being bought. Also I would strongly encourage to maintain jokes to be appropriate. You may have a culture, but you also need to assess the appropriateness of some jokes over others. It can turn off candidates.