After a successful interview with the HR executive, I was informed that I would be brought back to meet with the individuals with whom I'd work if hired for this position. To my dismay, the company process (as presented by the headhunter!) is to check references PRIOR to that meeting. I suppose this would be okay if A) my boss knew I was looking or B) I was a lower level employee reporting to a manager-level individual, however it is not the case. I report to the CEO, and as a result of this absurd hiring process I had to withdraw from consideration. Frankly, it's just as well. I'm certain that this is only the beginning of the oddity with this small family-run company.