Is this normal in NYC?
Received a verbal offer from a pretty well-known company in NYC and HR mentioned that they would only be able to send me my official offer letter after I complete all the background checks and pre-employment screening.
The HR, at this time, can only "expect" that I would receive an official offer letter given that I would have to go through background screening and checks.
Is this normal in NYC, and, if so, how likely will I receive the official offer letter? This is my first time encountering this situation and am worried that the company, even after background checks, may decide to not send me the offer letter (esp in this type of hiring environment).
Have seen it both ways - your offer isn’t valid until you clear background checks
first step is a background check portal
Thanks for your reply. Right, I get that all offers are conditional upon the successful completion of background checks. However, this is the first time where I was told to complete a background check PRIOR TO receiving and signing an offer letter.
Do you think that it is reasonable to be worried that the company may decide to not send me the official offer letter even if I end up passing the background checks (which may be more believable and realistic in this type of economic environment) or is there really nothing to worry about here and is a pretty normal occurrence?
I know that, in the business world, nothing counts unless it is on paper which is why I'm a bit worried.
I mean if that's their policy, then there's nothing you can really do about it. Just don't drop out of any other processes or act like the job is yours yet until you officially pass everything and get it in writing.
echoing above ^ wouldn't stop recruiting/conversations until something official is sitting in your inbox.
Yes, super normal. Mostly consists of fingerprints and confirming you haven't committed a felony. At this point, very few banks in NYC still do drug tests given the legalization of MJ and overall social climate. Will take 2-4 weeks for them to confirm, but i would say that you don't have anything to worry about
Thanks for your reply. It's not a bank but a financial institution. So basically, as long as I clear the background checks, I will definitely have an official offer right?
Just nervous as no other company that I encountered before ever had this policy
Yes. It's 100% just a procedural thing. Particularly if you're coming out of college (and, again, don't have a felony or anything) you'll be totally fine. It's just checking the box for these big financial institutions
I’m never comfortable actually believing I have a new job until that first paycheck hits my bank account, so keep interviewing.
lmao. I'm the exact same
I think it has to do with the fair chance act in NY or something like that. Pretty crazy how some employers are now requiring candidates to do a background check (and therefore risk their current employment) for just an opportunity at getting a conditional offer
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