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As stated in the Message title, I had a skype interview with two members of a firm, followed by a callback in-person interview with three separate attorneys (all partners including the managing partner), then a request for writing samples and references the day after. I've now been waiting obsessively looking at my phone and refreshing my email for three days now. Is an offer forthcoming, or was I a finalist who fell short? This is my dream job and I am going insane waiting, what are they waiting for!?

Any anecdotal information appreciated.

Calm down - it's five days before Christmas. They could still be interviewing people after the holidays.

If they're still interviewing other people...

Isn't it generally that if they ask for references you've got it in the bag?

I love how this entire conversation is anon.

It’s very possible they collect materials for anyone they’re still considering, but decisions haven’t been made. And because it’s the holidays, they may even be deliberately waiting on a decision until the holidays are in the past and their entire hiring committee can meet and discuss the open position.

Relax. For now, no news can still be good news.

How many other people would likely still be under consideration at this stage? What are the typical offer rates after a references and writing sample request? How long after a reference and writing sample request would it take for an offer to typically be forthcoming? Any anecdotal insights?

Sorry if I'm sounding neurotic, I just really want to know at least partially so I can surprise my significant other for Christmas that I'll (finally) be relocating to the same city...

Anonymous User wrote:How many other people would likely still be under consideration at this stage? What are the typical offer rates after a references and writing sample request? How long after a reference and writing sample request would it take for an offer to typically be forthcoming? Any anecdotal insights?

Sorry if I'm sounding neurotic, I just really want to know at least partially so I can surprise my significant other for Christmas that I'll (finally) be relocating to the same city...

No one here can tell you what you want to hear. The most we can say is what you already know: That there's a very good chance you'll receive an offer, because if your callback hadn't gone well, it's unlikely the firm would've bothered to request references. Checking references is typically a formality, because people usually manage to find folks willing to say positive things about them.

That said, we can't tell you that you're guaranteed to get an offer. No one knows that until and unless you actually receive an offer. Your offer could simply be delayed due to folks being away for the hols, or the firm could still be on the fence about you and considering other candidates, or the firm could be considering whether they actually need an additional body. We can't say for sure. Certainly, unless you get the news from the firm, don't attempt to give your SO a Christmas surprise. Presumably s/he already knows you are feverishly attempting to find a job in their city (if not, certainly make that clear). But you can't truthfully promise them you'll get this job.