Offer With No Face-To-Face Interview?

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified)
in
Career Management

I recently had phone interviews with the hiring manager and the COO of a small IT/services company that holds a lucrative long-term government contract.  Neither interview was a behavioral interview but, as I mentioned previously, the first one was a lot of the hiring manager telling me specifically why I was great for the job.  The COO interview was similar. 

I closed with the COO and he said he'd send me an offer letter in the next couple of days!

That being said, I follow Horstman's Law of "until you got somethin', you got nothin'."  This still brings up some questions.  Notably, should I be worried about a company that courted me to the point they've been almost selling themselves to me and is now talking about an offer without meeting me once?  Or should I just be flattered?

I've checked up on the hiring manager and COO and both have significant industry and management experience.  In other words, this isn't their first time doing the hiring game.  I've been working with them for the past six months (again, never met anyone face to face) and was asked for my resume for the job.

Should I be looking a potential gift horse in the mouth?

Submitted by Paul Cartwright on Wednesday October 21st, 2009 11:54 am

ABQ_Andy,
I think that you should be concerned about not meeting them Face to Face.  I would suggest that if you do get the offer, make the request for a face to face meeting at that time.
Good Luck,
Paul

Submitted by Jerel Bonner on Wednesday October 21st, 2009 9:54 pm

Andy,
Back in 2002, I had several rounds of phone interviews, and then received an offer. No Face to Face due to location distances. Before I accepted, I politley asked for an on site visit of the location where I was going to be reporting. They did not blink, said sure and arranged the tour. I was satisfied with the location and meeting the team, accepted and things went well.
Try that request and see what happens. Check the news paper and other sources for stories on the main players to see if you find any bodies buried.
Otherwise congrats on being considers a good lead candidate.
Remember, use common sense and good business practices, and you'll make a good decision.
JHB
"00"

Submitted by Geoff Lind on Monday October 26th, 2009 6:36 pm

Andy,
Last year I was living in London, UK and interviewed for a job at a different company in Boston, USA.  I had a number of video interviews and after they concluded, the subject of an offer came up and I was asked whether I would accept the position. 
I politely said I wasn't comfortable accepting an offer without visiting the team and site, as I wanted to get a feel for the place before I accepted.  The company was completely fine with that and organized flights etc. etc. and I received a formal offer after the visit.  I've now been over here for a year and loving it. 
As you're asking the question, my recommendation would be to ask for a site visit to give you additional comfort that the move is the right one for you. 
Remember though that if a site visit does follow, in effect you're accepting additional interviews and need to be prepared just like any for any phone interviews - keep prepared and on top of your game until you get that final formal offer.
Geoff