Offer letter, Appointment letter

Offer letter

An offer letter is a document which is given to a candidate after he has been selected for the position. The letter clearly, mentions the salary package, designation, department and other benefits that he will be entitled to, if he joins the company. Other than this, a statement of at-will employment, list of contingencies, and a confidentiality agreement. A signed offer letter doesn’t mean that you are legally bound to join the company after that. However, that may be possible in very rare circumstances.

Purpose:

• It provides information about the job role, compensation and benefits, and other conditions of employment.
• It marks the beginning of a positive employment relationship.
• It acts as a legal document.
• It sets the right expectations.

Content:

• The job title of the employee being hired.
• A brief job description of the same.
• The joining date of the new employee.
• The work time and workable schedule of the employee.
• Their place in the hierarchical structure of the team or the org.
• A brief about the leave policy and details about list of leaves.
• A breakdown of the salary and other financial benefits.
• A description of the employee benefits being given to the new joinee.
• A list and breakdown of the privacy policies that the employee is supposed to abide by.

Appointment letter

An appointment letter or employment letter is a formal letter provided in writing to a candidate joining for employment. Appointment letters are usually provided after offer letter on the first day of the candidate starting work. The appointment letter describes in length the position offered, salary, benefits, confidentiality policy, work policy, starting date, and important information about the employment. The candidate usually would receive the appointment letter on the first day after beginning employment and would return a signed copy back to the employer indicating acceptance of the appointment letter.

Content:

• Name and current address details of the organization (employer)
• Name and address of the applicant
• Name of the position (position title)
• Additional details about job duties and responsibilities of the job
• Conditions of job: whether permanent or temporary, office employee time, performing another job simultaneously.
• Monthly salary per employee’s agreed-upon salary.
• Time length of the contract.