The time between a final interview and receiving a job offer can be an anxious period for job seekers. You’ve made it through the initial phone screens, multiple rounds of interviews, skills assessments, and other hurdles in the hiring process. Now you’re in the home stretch waiting to hear if you’ll receive an offer. What goes on behind the scenes during this period, and how long should you expect to wait before hearing back from the employer? Here’s an overview of what typically happens between the final interview and offer stage.
Reference Checks
After completing all interviews, the employer will likely conduct reference checks. They will contact 2-3 professional references you provided to get insight into what you’re like as an employee. Your references will be asked a series of questions about your past job performance, strengths, weaknesses, work ethic, and other qualities. The employer wants reassurance that you are who you presented yourself to be throughout the interviews. Strong positive references can act as a final seal of approval and boost your chances of getting hired. Make sure to alert your references they may be contacted soon.
Background Check
It’s common for employers to conduct background checks before presenting a job offer. A background check verifies information from your resume and application to ensure there are no discrepancies or red flags. Some key aspects a background check may cover include:
- Employment history verification – Confirming previous job titles, duties, employment dates, salary, and eligibility for rehire
- Education verification – Confirming academic credentials and degrees obtained
- Criminal history – Checking for any previous convictions
- Credit check – Reviewing your credit score and report
- Driver’s record – Checking motor vehicle records and status of your driver’s license
Background checks reassure employers that you are truthful in your credentials and have integrity. Some positions require more extensive background checks depending on security clearance. Be upfront about anything negative that may arise to avoid appearing dishonest.
Salary and Benefits Negotiation
The hiring manager will need to align with the compensation team to put together an appropriate salary and benefits package for you. They will consider factors like your previous compensation, industry standards, the company’s pay scales, where you stand versus other candidates they’re considering, and the overall budget for the role. It’s advantageous to do research beforehand on typical pay for the job type and location. This helps you negotiate a fair offer once proposed and avoid underselling yourself. Be prepared for some back and forth negotiation before settling on final numbers.
Offer Approval and Drafting
Once the hiring team is aligned and ready to move forward, your offer will need approval from senior management and HR. Before presenting you with an official offer, they will draft up the complete terms in an offer letter. This includes details like your job title, start date, salary, bonus opportunities, benefits package, and any other agreements. The offer letter provides you clarity on what you’re signing up for before accepting. It also protects the company by documenting agreed upon employment conditions should any issues arise later.
Verbal Offer
After getting necessary approvals, the hiring manager will finally reach out with a verbal job offer. This is usually over a phone call or video chat. They will express excitement about hiring you, highlight key details from the offer letter, and gauge your interest in accepting. You’ll have a chance to ask any clarifying questions about the offer during this discussion. If you need time to consider the offer before formally accepting, let the hiring manager know. A verbal offer means the job is yours if you want it, contingent on passing any remaining background check requirements.
Written Offer
Shortly after the verbal offer, the company will provide you the written offer letter via email. Take time to thoroughly review all the specifics before signing. Ensure the compensation, benefits, job title, start date, and other details align with what you discussed during the verbal offer. Look for any discrepancies or missing information you want to clarify before formally accepting. This written offer letter becomes part of your legal employment agreement once signed by both you and the company.
Offer Evaluation
Before signing the offer letter, carefully evaluate if the job is still aligned with your career goals, interests, and salary needs. Some key questions to ask yourself include:
- Is the compensation package fair based on my experience and qualifications?
- Do the job duties and work environment seem like a good fit for me?
- Does the work align with my desired career path and help me gain skills for the future?
- Can I envision myself thriving and growing at this company long-term?
- Will I be giving up other better opportunities by accepting this offer?
If you have any hesitations, consider negotiating further before signing if you still remain interested. Getting more time to make a decision is also reasonable if needed.
Offer Acceptance
Once you’ve evaluated the offer and are ready to move forward, it’s time to officially accept. First, sign the written offer letter and make a copy for your own records. Get in touch with the hiring manager by your agreed upon decision deadline, either via email or phone, to notify them you’re excited to accept the position. Thank them for the opportunity and express enthusiasm to start. Discuss any remaining questions and next steps regarding handing in formal notice at your current job, transition plans, paperwork, etc.
Onboarding Plans
The company will begin preparing for your arrival after you accept the offer. HR will initiate formal onboarding plans to get you situated as a new employee. Here are some things that may occur:
- Paperwork – You’ll receive company policies, tax forms, benefit enrollment info, and other documents to review, sign, and return.
- Equipment – They will order any hardware, software, or tools needed for your job duties.
- Workspace – Your desk, office, cubicle, or workstation area will be prepared.
- Schedule – Your orientation, training dates, and initial team meetings will get booked.
- Announcement – Your new coworkers will be notified about you joining.
Strong onboarding processes help you adapt quicker when starting a new job. The employer should provide clarity on what to expect as your start date approaches.
Rescinding Offer
In rare cases, a job offer can be rescinded by the employer after initially proposing it. Some reasons this may happen include:
- Background check reveals undisclosed issues or inaccuracies
- Company institutes a hiring freeze due to budget cuts or restructuring
- The role or project you were hired for gets cut
- A stronger candidate accepts after you
- You attempt to negotiate an unreasonable counteroffer
Don’t panic if an offer gets rescinded – it’s usually not a reflection on you. Be professional, request feedback, and keep searching for new opportunities. Withdraw from any other applications you have in process.
Offer Rejection
On the flip side, you may decide to reject the job offer after initially receiving it. Reasons could include:
- Receiving a better offer from another company
- Having second thoughts and realizing the role is not an ideal fit
- Unreasonable compensation or terms you couldn’t negotiate
- Wanting to pursue another opportunity instead
- Major life events impacting your ability to take the job
If rejecting an offer, notify the employer promptly by your decision deadline, ideally calling to have a discussion first before following up in writing. Share that you’re unable to accept the offer, reiterate your appreciation for the opportunity, decline politely, and wish them the best in finding another candidate. This maintains your professional reputation.
Conclusion
The offer stage is an exciting time as your hard work pays off with a job opportunity. However, don’t let your guard down just yet. Important steps still remain before you sign on the dotted line and start work. The back and forth between final interview and offer can span anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on the employer’s process. Be patient yet persistent in following up if you don’t hear back. With an accepted offer in hand, you can shift focus toward preparing for your new job while closing out your current role. The stressful job search journey culminates with you securing a written agreement!