Originally Posted by Unregistered

Were the two others on the same email thread or you found them from govt directory?

Also, was your referee check pursuant to verbal offer?

If they’re keen, usually the process will be fast. Silence after 2-3 weeks doesn’t sound good. Even if the HR resigned, the department should be calling to chase. If they don’t, the hiring process may be a good indicator of what you can expect after joining. I mean this generally and not specific to LTA.

Anyway, generally I find public service takes quite long to get back if they’re not interested. A rejection email is not guaranteed unless you ask for it. Regardless of public or private, generally a slow response can be taken to mean lack of interest or you are not the top choice. No serious recruiter will allow a candidate they are really interested in to wait. So you should make your own backup plans accordingly.