Internal Interview Timeline

Looking for perspective from people familiar with Fortune 500/internal hiring processes because I’m trying not to overanalyze the waiting phase lol.

I applied internally for a commercial/sales role about 3 weeks ago. I skipped recruiter screening and went straight to the hiring manager. HM interview moved quickly and I advanced to panel interviews last Wednesday. The only other finalist interviewed late Friday. After my panel the HM stated that have one more panel to complete, after which her manager would conduct the final interview.

The panel felt extremely strong conversationally and I received very positive signals throughout. One panel member even reached out afterward to tell me how well I did and that she and the other panel member were impressed. I’m also well liked/respected internally with no performance or relationship issues in my current role.

The HM has been warm and communicative throughout the process. On Monday she told me she was “working on scheduling the next/final panel interview,” anticipated it “early next week,” but would be at a company event Wed–Fri with leadership and would reconnect next week with next steps.

A few other details:
- sounds like only 2 finalists made panel stage
- others currently in the role came from backgrounds similar to mine internally
- coworkers have commented the process seems relatively fast/communicative compared to normal

At this point, does this still sound like active finalist territory? Or does no movement a week after the second finalist panel usually lean toward them already choosing someone else behind the scenes?

Trying to calibrate realistically 😂