How Long After Background Check For Offer (And Why)?

Exact Answer: 1 week

Waiting for a job confirmation might turn out to be quite stressful at times. Once a person applies for a job and appears for the interview, the real patience game begins. Irrespective of the genre for which the applicant has applied, most of the companies convey the news through hiring managers, human resources managers, or public relations managers.

In case one is going through such a procedure for the first time, it might be a bit confusing. After a considerable amount of time has lapsed, calling up and confirming is the only solution left. A week’s time should be given.

How Long After Background Check For Offer

How Long After Background Check For Offer?

The time span between the conduction of a background check and communication of the final offer is based the toughest wait for any job applicant. The process becomes lengthy at times, leading to much more anxiety and speculations on the part of the expecting party.

Various organizations inform about the deadline while others have no fixed time period as per the manifesto. Knowing about the duration is essential because it leads to further clarity and reduces thoughts of rejection and other confusing feelings. 

One must understand that the process of background checks is quite beneficial for the applicant. It might lead to selection for higher positions as well. The administration department must be clear enough to declare the normal waiting period so that there is no loss of opportunities.

The duration is based on the number of checks as well. Some organizations keep it exaggerated while others do so only for the purpose of a little formality. Different criteria take their own time and in case the departments are sluggish in their work, applicants might be required to wait a little longer.

In case the number of applicants is low, the applicants might receive their offer letter or mail within seven working days. For large organizations with a lesser number of employees working for recruitment, the wait might be longer than usual. Whatever be the case, a fourteen-day limit is genuine enough and the applicant might try contacting thereafter.

In Summary:

ApplicantsDuration
Fewaround 1 week
Large number2 weeks

Why Does It Take That Long For Offer After Background Check?

The applicant might think that the offer is being delayed for no reason, or the ultimate communication would be in disfavor. It is essential to understand things from the offeror’s perspective instead of simply assuming based on past experiences. The organization takes so long to confirm or reject the offer due to the diverse criteria of the background check.

It might look like a mere formality but a lot more goes into it. There have been instances of recruiters contacting the alma mater of the applicants in order to make out if they would be fit for the concerned positions or not. Certain applicants provide misleading information which further contributes to unnecessary delay in fruitful work.

Other facets of background checks are also time-consuming. For instance, checking criminal records is a quite gruesome task if the person has not provided any information before applying. Nowadays, a lot of technological advancements have eased up the process to a considerable extent.

Many people from the admin department work on the profile and a thorough search is conducted. At times, even past employers are contacted individually for authentic feedback and personalized recommendations.

On the other hand, if the workforce is low and the applications are more in number, speed might be compromised leading to a delay in communication of offer. One must stay patient and be alert enough to ask how long the specific company takes to finalize job offers. Above all, conducting a background check is just for deciding whom to select.

Conclusion

Though the wait during the process of background check is a tiresome one, the final results might be worth the wait. Whatever be the result after all other formalities are complete, one must make sure that they are communicated in an adequate manner.

For negative responses, certain organizations provide a facility to ask for feedback as well. In case the hiring process has to be initiated owing to the positive result, the applicant must not delay at all as it might be risky in most cases. The terms of every offer should be read properly, irrespective of the trust quotient.

References

  1. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1745-9125.12130
  2. https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/01409171011030372/full/html?queryID=14%2F5414599

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AboutNidhi

Hi! I'm Nidhi.

Here at the EHL, it's all about delicious, easy recipes for casual entertaining. So come and join me at the beach, relax and enjoy the food.

25 Comments

  1. Such a comprehensive approach to the issue, I am seriously impressed by the way you deal with these situations

    1. I find the information substantial, although the humorless tone could be adjusted to make it more engaging

  2. The anticipation of job offers is indeed an anxious time for many, and it is a topic that needs to be addressed more often

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