How long after reference checks were you extended an offer? (job offer, credit)

[grayblue81]

For some background, the hiring manager told me in an email that I'm a "finalist" for a position in his department (policy analyst in state government, Office of the Lieutenant Governor) and he asked for a list of references. Also the hiring manager forwarded me a 92 page report and asked me to read it, parse some raw data, and compose a memo with recommendations within 3 1/2 business days. Here's the timeline:

2/13: Applied
3/2: Interview 1 (with hiring manager)
3/16: Interview 2 (with hiring manager and 2 others in the department)
3/20: Told I'm a finalist, asked to read the 92 page report and write a memo, asked for references.
3/22 - 3/24: References contacted -- one emailed me to say he provided a "stellar" review and I had lunch with the other two over the weekend who both said they focused on my leadership and subject-matter expertise.
3/24: Submitted the recommendation memo at 8AM, before the opening of business.

Today is the 3rd business day following the submission of the recommendation memo. I accept that state governments take a long time to make a hiring decision so maybe I should just cool my heels. I'm just wondering what others' experiences are with respect to the timeline between reference checks and a job offer.

[joe from dayton]

You can't base your time line on the reference check. I assume they will read the work product of all of the finalists, then meet and discuss the pros and cons of the memos (and candidates). After a candidate is decided upon, they will jump through the hoops to get the required signatures to make a job offer. It could be days, or it could be weeks.

[ccm123]

Usually, a few days after references were contacted, but no longer than a week's wait.

[Serious Conversation]

It was a week or so.

With government bureaucracy, I'm sure it will take more time.

[jribe]

i've had some that gave me an offer before checking references, some that took a week; but this was all private sector employers. My sense is most government jobs take much longer.

[foundapeanut]

I had a weird situation 20+ years ago. I was given an offer before the back ground check.

Got a job offer in medical equipment. Selling to hospitals. It was a great offer, not a large territory about a 300 mile radius. Many bennies, wonderful salary.

I was doing consulting work for a large Fortune 500 company. Not related but a tie in. I really wasn't looking, a head hunter called me.

Anyway after the offer I got passed to HR, who wanted to do a unlimited background check. I asked this what this entailed. My father worked for a company on the Apollo project. That background check seemed to never end. And upset my mother. People went to the neighbors asking questions which of course in the early 60's created suspicion with the neighbors.
I get with what my dad did probably this kind of check was appropriate. This medical equipment job wasn't. I told HR go ahead and check me out but I am never going to give you permission to never stop or go to my neighbors and ask questions. I owed a home up to date on payments, never arrested, not even a traffic ticket. Perfect credit, had provable bachelors and masters. Clear background.

The gentleman who would be my boss called me. I told him my issues. He said he tried to get around this but they are standing their ground on this. Turned down the offer, thank you for the opportunity. Best decision I ever made.