I need some job search advice. For the past month I’ve been interviewing for a company out in the suburbs (I currently work in the city). I had 2 rounds of interviews where I met everyone I would be working with including the VP and their boss. Last Tuesday, I had a 3rd round lunch interview with the team of people I would be working with, the VP and a few other people. It was a pretty nice restaurant so I think I’m probably the final candidate since I doubt they would spend the money to take multiple people out but I don’t know. There was no talk at lunch about the job really or where we stood in the process and it was too awkward for me to ask about it while we were all leaving.

On Wednesday I received an automated email from HR asking me to fill out an online application for the position- this included reference info, permission for a background check, etc. So I assume that they are doing a background check but there’s been no real communication from the HR contact or anyone else indicating that I’m getting an offer. I’m getting extremely impatient because I just want to know where I stand. I really want this job and it’s really hard to continue with my job search at this point even though I know that’s probably what I should be doing. I know background checks can take a while and I don’t want to be annoying- should I try and contact someone to find out the status or just be patient?