Hi all,

How long does it take once HR tells you that you are the finalist for a position and they would like to hire you (Big Corp)... until you actually get the contract with all the details and signed?

Any experience out there?

Once you go that stage, it normally goes very fast. From my experience they send you a contract by e-mail so you can confirm you accept its conditions, and the the hard copy by mail, together with a list of admin stuff you need to organize (I got the offer on Friday, confirmed on Monday, received the hard copy of the contract Wednesday.) For the other jobs I have, it was more or less the same.

If you have agreed to the offer verbally, I would suggest you to send an e-mail to the HR person whom you spoke with, thanking and stating the agreed salary and date of start.

And, by the way, congratulations for you new position and best of luck :-)

Wouldn't be good to call your future manager to also verbally accept the offer?

HR would inform him/her. Typically, once the decision is made to make an offer, the discussion on terms / conditions is between HR and the candidate. The hiring manager could get involved in case the negotiation stalls for whatever reason.

Can't hurt to let hiring manager know you signed and are looking forward to start of course.

I would tell it directly to HR, but they do not pick up the phone nor call back.

Quite frustrating...

Are you sure you're the only "finalist"? I mean, did they actually tell you: you'll get an offer?

Either way, don't chase them... it'll only give them reason to reduce the offer.

The offer (contract) is on my desk with all the details and already signed by them.

I just wanted to talk to them over the phone.

This latest post ('I have the contract') would appear to contradict your earlier post ('how long until you receive a contract?').

Please explain.

Many thanks and best of luck....

Just let HR know and give them a slot to reach you on or have them propose a slot. Then just wait. Presumably you want to speak with them to clarify some things or do some negotiation on final points. They've given you a contract so are fairly committed. Chasing them will just dilute any negotiating power which you may have.

1 week but I felt like forever...