You've impressed them and they want to hire you. But between "we want you" and signed offer, there's a complex process.

This stage often takes 1-2 weeks and involves multiple stakeholders you've never met making final approvals, especially at consulting firms and investment banks.

Engagement Message

What's one thing that might cause delays during this final stage?

First comes the internal decision confirmation. The recruiting team meets with practice leaders or department heads to discuss salary, start date, and office placement.

They need budget approval from finance and final sign-off from senior partners or managing directors before making anything official.

Engagement Message

Why might senior leadership need to approve even if the role was already posted?

Reference checks happen simultaneously with internal approvals. They'll contact 2-3 professors, internship supervisors, or previous managers to verify your experience and academic performance.

This isn't just a formality - concerning feedback can derail offers even at this late stage in competitive business recruiting.

Engagement Message

What's one way to prepare your references for this stage?

Here's when negotiations happen: after they've confirmed they want you but before the written offer. They'll often revisit compensation discussions one final time.

This is your window to discuss signing bonus, preferred start location, MBA sponsorship, or other terms that matter to you.

Engagement Message

What's one item beyond base salary that you might want to negotiate?

Expect 1-2 weeks from verbal interest to written offer. Consulting firms and investment banks often move faster due to competitive recruiting cycles and standardized processes.

Delays are normal and rarely signal lost interest - but silence beyond two weeks warrants a polite follow-up, especially during peak recruiting season.