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I believe the verbal confirmation is to make sure you’re good with the base salary, so when they make you the written offer there is no more negotiation back and forth.
Don’t let them pressure you into accepting. Just say you’re beyond thrilled to receive the offer and would like until next Friday to accept so you can meet the CEO, receive the written offer and discuss the position with your family.
Rising Star
Say you'd like to meet the team before you accept, and that you're at the tail end of another process and want to make a fully informed decision.
Also, the acceptance being rushed is a tactic.
I personally would accept the verbal offer, then see what else comes from the one you’re anticipating. What’s the phrase “ a bird in the hand…” you can always walk away from the verbal offer you accepted.
Accept the verbal (if you’re fine with the info you currently have) but don’t feel bad about backing out/renegotiating once new info emerges (the CEO interview, additional info in the written agreement). In other words: the oral agreement means nothing other than allowing you to continue.
First, I think each of the comments I read are good. To the extent the employer is "pressuring" you for acceptance, that is an indicator that there interest in getting you is high and you should keep that in mind.
I faced a similar but not identical situation. In my view, your current oral offer is not firm as it is conditioned upon the outcome of the CEO interview. Obviously it's subjective, but I would feel comfortable giving an oral acceptance which is essentially also conditioned on the outcome of the CEO interview. If you get the other offer prior to an unconditional written offer from this company, then I would think it would be okay to choose the other company's offer if, all things considered it is the better offer. Keep in mind that it may also have some conditionality and timing my yet be an issue.
I would never accept an offer on a rushed timeline.
Never accept a verbal…you’re an attorney - what would you tell a client? Don’t give notice at your current job until clear their background abs drug test etc.- it’s an employee market right now, let them know they need to work within the scope of your other offers. Just went through the same thing - let them know they are your top choice but you won’t forgo other opportunities until this one is solid. Don’t be afraid to light a fire under their ass
To be fair, I don’t think anyone suggested that s/he should resign (or cancel other processes) on the basis of a verbal - merely that there’s no issue with accepting it (and backing out later if need be) if they are pressuring him/her to do so. Not sure what the issue with that would be and can’t see any real opportunity cost (and would advise clients similarly, to the extent relevant).
One could expend your human capital “lighting a fire under their ass” but honestly, I’d rather spend it negotiating for better package/terms in due course.