A Verbal Offer Led To No Offer After All

Job hunting can be a stressful and emotional experience, especially when you think you’re on the cusp of landing a role you’ve worked so hard for. Recently, I went through a rollercoaster of emotions during my job search as I am currently unemployed. After interviews with both HR and the hiring manager, I received a verbal offer for a position I was excited about. However, after reference checks were conducted, the company decided to offer the job to another candidate. It left me with an important question: Was the verbal offer fake the whole time?

Here’s my story, along with some insight into how verbal offers work and how to handle these situations in your own job search.

The Interview Process: A Promising Start

Like many job seekers, I had been searching for an accounting role since January of this year. After submitting applications, perfecting my resume, and practicing for interviews, I was thrilled when I finally landed an interview with a a privately held company. The position seemed like an ideal match for my skills and experience.

The interview process began with a conversation with HR. The questions were mostly about my background, why I was interested in the company, and how my experience aligned with the job description. I felt confident throughout the interview and by the end of the week they wanted me to interview with the hiring manager. A week later, I interviewed with the hiring manager, who delved into my technical accounting skills, past projects, and how I would approach common challenges in the role.

After the interview with the hiring manager, everything seemed to go well. The hiring manager seemed impressed by my answers, and I left the interview feeling hopeful. Another week goes by, HR contacted me and said they were impressed with my qualifications and wanted to extend a verbal offer for the job, pending reference checks. I was ecstatic! I felt like all my hard work had paid off, and I could finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.

The Reference Check: The Final Step

After receiving the verbal offer, HR informed me that the next step was to check my references. I knew this was standard practice and I’ve never failed a reference check, so I wasn’t worried. I reached out to my references, former colleagues and managers, asking if I could use them as a reference. Everything seemed to be on track. The company had already expressed interest in hiring me, and the reference check was the final step.

I waited eagerly for the next call, which I assumed would be the formal offer letter. I could already picture myself in the new role, contributing to the team, and finally getting back to work after a period of unemployment. The anticipation was almost unbearable, but I remained patient, understanding that this was just the final formality.

The Unexpected Twist: Rejection After the Reference Check

Then came the phone call I wasn’t expecting. The HR personnel informed me that, after conducting the reference checks, they had decided to move forward with another candidate. The news was crushing. I had been so close to landing the job, and the rejection felt like a punch to the gut.

The HR personnel explained that while my references were positive, another candidate was ultimately a slightly better fit for the role. Although I tried to remain professional, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed. After all, they had already verbally offered me the job. So, the question lingered in my mind: Was the verbal offer ever real, or was it just a tactic to buy time?

Is a Verbal Offer Fake?

A verbal job offer is an informal promise made by an employer to a candidate before the official written offer. In many cases, it’s a positive sign that the employer is seriously considering you for the position. However, it’s important to understand that a verbal offer is not legally binding, nor is it the same as a formal written offer.

In my case, the verbal offer was not fake. It reflected the company’s genuine interest in hiring me. However, the offer was contingent on the reference checks and any other final procedures the company needed to complete. It’s possible that the company was simply being cautious and wanted to ensure everything checked out before making the final commitment.

Unfortunately, sometimes things don’t go as planned. A candidate who seemed like the perfect fit on paper can be edged out by someone with a slightly better fit, more relevant experience, or other qualities the company values. This is exactly what happened in my situation: I was a strong contender, but in the end, they found another candidate who aligned better with their needs.

What Does This Mean for Job Seekers?

If you’re in the middle of a job search and receive a verbal offer, it’s understandable to feel both excited and cautious. Here are some takeaways from my experience to keep in mind when you receive a verbal offer:

A Verbal Offer is Not a Guarantee
While a verbal offer is a strong indicator that a company is interested in you, it’s important to remember that it’s not the same as a written offer. Companies often use verbal offers to gauge a candidate’s response before proceeding with formal paperwork. Until you’ve signed a formal offer letter, the deal isn’t finalized.
Reference Checks Can Lead to Surprises
Reference checks are an important part of the hiring process. They’re used to verify your background, work ethic, and qualifications. In some cases, reference checks can lead to unexpected outcomes, as was the case in my situation.
Don’t Get Too Comfortable Until You Have the Written Offer
It’s always important to remain cautious and professional, even after a verbal offer. Continue your job search until you have a signed offer letter in hand. Although it’s disappointing, I’ve learned that things can change quickly in the hiring process, and it’s better to be prepared for any outcome.
Stay Positive and Keep Moving Forward
Rejection is a natural part of the job search. It’s important to not take it personally and to keep a positive outlook. Remember that every interview is an opportunity to learn and grow. The right job will come along when the time is right.

Conclusion

Receiving a verbal offer, only to have the job taken away after reference checks, can feel like a gut punch. It’s easy to wonder if the verbal offer was ever genuine, but in most cases, it’s simply part of a process that’s not entirely in your control. While it wasn’t the outcome I had hoped for, this experience reminded me that the job search is full of ups and downs. A verbal offer is a sign of serious interest, but until you have a written offer in hand, the process isn’t over.

The key takeaway is to stay resilient, keep learning, and always be prepared for whatever comes next in your career journey. The right opportunity is out there—it just might take a little longer to find.