it is important that you have a written offer in hand before you verbally accept a position, even if it’s your DREAM job. We tell you why is it important to have a ‘Written’ offer letter with you. Read on!
You had been on the job search for months. The job search did not just exhaust you, but drained you of all the patience you had. So, when you got that all important call from the HR offering you a job, why wouldn’t you accept?
While it’s completely understandable that you’re thrilled and even slightly overwhelmed with relief, it is important that you have a written offer in hand before you verbally accept a position, even if it’s your DREAM job. We tell you why is it important to have a ‘Written’ offer letter with you. Read on!
1. Know what you’re getting
The most basic reason to have a written offer letter is to know what you’re being offered by the company. When HR calls, you’ll likely get a sense of what your base salary is, but to have it in writing means you have the proof of assurance. Apart from that, you also get to know what exactly is your work profile, as in which department are your supposed to work for.
2. Compensation
Compensation includes anything other than your base salary, such as bonuses, commissions, stock options etc. If commission and raises are a part of your compensation, get to know more about what does it take to achieve those.
3. Paid time off
All companies, generally, provide a certain number of days for sick leaves, vacation days and paid holidays. If you’re paid on hourly or daily basis, make sure whether or not you’ll get extra pay for holiday hours. Also, before you accept the offer check with the organization whether you’re a regular employee or not. You’re entitled to take sick leaves and vacation holidays if you are a regular employee.
4. Schedule
It is quite possible that you weren’t aware about the telecommuting or flexible working hours things verbally, which is why a written offer letter is important for you. Check whether it includes other issues like employer-provided training and use of company paid resources such as a cell phone and laptop. In fact, if none of these are included in the offer letter, you may want to check things with the hiring manager.
As long as you have you’re confident about yourself, remember to ask for a written offer before accepting and saying yes to the job. If you think you’ve negotiated well, prepare to position yourself and then, celebrate.
