Congratulations!

They were super fast; called the references, checked the HR boxes, talked to the agency head to get sign off, and made the announcement the next afternoon! And the effective date will only be 1 or 2 pay periods away.

Excited!

Oh I misread - didn't see promotion. Then they may tell you, but they still might slow down promotions to save future funds.

It's a very good sign, but don't be surprised if you don't hear anything until January. Usually there is some paperwork that needs to be processed, and HR offices (or approving managers) will be lightly staffed until then. Also, it depends on how that department or agency is dealing with possible sequestration. One key element is to not add new hires until it's sorted out, as that will save next year funds if they let positions lapse due to attrition. Good luck, though.

YEAH! What a great christmas present!

Usually the offer is conditioned on a reference. So this is the last step.

I'm up for a promotion and heard yesterday that the hiring manager would be making the announcement today or tomorrow.

Then two of my references let me know he called them this morning.

Is calling references the last step before making an offer? Or is it done earlier and there are still HR steps he'll have to go through?