I've made it through the final interview round for my dream job and it's down to 2 candidates, me and another guy.

I've made it through the final interview round for my dream job and it's down to 2 candidates, me and another guy.

I've worked in a volunteer capacity with this organization in the past, and my maybe-future-boss reached out to me to consider applying (they may have also reached out to the other person too, idk).

My interview process went fast, with quick requests for the next rounds and my 2nd and 3rd interviews a day apart. They were often scheduled at 9am, as soon as their work day started, which says to me that I've been at the top of consideration (or maybe that's just when I fit into the schedule). The hiring director complimented me on my thourough work and how they've seen me grow through the interview process.

At first I was told I'd hear something earlier this week. Then I was told yesterday. Now I've been told that it will be early next week because the CEO needs to have a final review. I understand this because I know it's important for the CEO to know and approve who they're bringing onto their team, and I'm sure the CEO has been busy.

However, the waiting is making me extremely nervous because with the pace of my interviews, I thought I might have gotten an offer a week ago (and I assumed they were interviewing other candidates, but now it's confirmed). I go back and forth between "You've got this!" and "Prepare for 'we've gone a different route.'" Clearly, I wouldn't have made it 3 rounds without being a solid candidate, and I know I'm talented at what I do (although I'm an introvert, I'm also a "people person" - and this is an outreach role).

What is the CEO's typical role in final candidate selection? Do they review and approve the final selected candidate? Or do they serve as a tie breaker/final decision maker between the final candidates?