Weird interviewing situation?

okay so back in june I had an interview for an hr assistant position at a very small company. long story short, they weren't offering enough comp. and the job seemed to show no growth potential. after declining the offer, i recieveed a call from the owner's secretary saying that the CEO wants to make another offer at another firm of his...it would be for a marketing assistant. i did not respond to the secretary's call about coming in for another interview. a few days ago i got a call from someone at an investment banking firm in ny, and after doing an extensive search, i find out this is the CEO of the small company that i turned down. now that i have found out, i feel turned off. i dont even want to go to this interview now. i feel like he did not value my potential at the other firm, so why would it be any different with this one. i'm not exactly sure what to make of this?? should i politely decline again? with a bogus excuse?

This guy is desperate to hire you and you want to run the other way?

The position you were applying for did not pay well. He liked you and is trying to find positions where he can pay you what you are worht. JUMP ON IT. Ask for a little more than they offer you, and they will probably accept and you will have a great job working for someone who really liked you and who will pay you well.

Man - I wish I had this type of "problem".

I think they may see potential in you and you should go in and do the interview then if the offer isn't what you want tell them what you need to have as far as money and benefits go. That way they will only call again if they know they can meet your needs. The CEO may see something in you because you won't settle for any job and he might admire that. I say go for the interview and see if they offer more than the other job.

It sounds like they may have some compensation structures for the first company that are pretty strict...and that they couldn't make exceptions (how would you feel if you found out that your assistant was making only slightly less than you do?). There is a huge issue with salary equity in companies.

They know your salary requirements, presumably, so don't hesitate to go into the other company...the compensation structures may be different...the structure for THIS particular position might be different, too. Don't be afraid.