Hi guys! I recently received a verbal offer from a large financial institution in Canada. The recruiter also confirmed by email that the official written offer would be sent by Friday or early this week, but I have not received it yet.
Today I received the Sterling background check request. The expected start date discussed is June 1, but I have read that Sterling background checks can sometimes take 3–4 weeks.
The tricky part is that I currently have a full-time job, and I do not want to give my two weeks’ notice until the background check is cleared (I don't have the official written offer NOW). At the same time, if I wait too long, I have no idea when I should tell my current company. It seems like June 1 is impossible for me to onboarding unless bg check takes less than 2 weeks.
For people who have gone through a similar process, especially with banks/large companies in Canada:
- Is it normal to receive the background check before the official offer letter?
- Should I wait until the background check is cleared before resigning?
- Should I ask HR to adjust the start date if the background check takes longer (is it possible to only extend 2 weeks, tbh I want to onboarding ASAP)?
Any advice would be appreciated!