Why you must have a Written Job Offer before you make any decision?

Any employment begins with an agreement between two parties – the employer and the employee. Just like any other relationship, employment too, begins with trust. A written job offer, as much as it is a formal contract, it greatly reassures the individual of his position in an organization.

Why a Written Job Offer is important?

Till the time you don’t see your employment offer letter in writing, you wouldn’t get a complete picture of your job. Over a call from the HR, you might just get an idea about your base salary but not much. But the job offer letter outlines other aspects of the employment too such as leave policy, medical insurance, vacations, maternity or paternity leave and so on. Before you say yes, you must definitely get informed about what is and what isn’t a part of the job offer.

(Suggested Read: 5 Things to ask before accepting a Job Offer)

Having said that, you wouldn’t want to be in a weak position to negotiate when you later discover that your job does not cover health insurance or paid leave. There are companies which do not offer insurance or any additional facilities. In that case, you can negotiate for a higher package if you have dependents back home and financial security is paramount for you.

Accepting or Declining a Job Offer

Once you have the written job offer in your hand, take your time to consider all the aspects. Don’t say yes in a rush only to regret later. From salary to the benefits, go through everything carefully. You can evaluate the offer letter by considering the following aspects:

Salary and Benefits: Are they in line with the market standards? If not, is there a possibility to negotiate?

Company Culture and Values: Do you see yourself as a part of the company culture? Are you able to connect with the company’s values and vision? How will your job role fit into your life outside of work?

Your Future Plans: How will this job help you achieve your goals? Would it add any value to your career?

If you are not convinced, you can also decline the job offer. And you really need not feel guilty about it. But make sure that you do it very politely and professionally. You never know if you would want to work with the same organization in the future. Write a polite formal email to decline gracefully. Do not forget to thank the hiring managers for offering you the opportunity.

(Suggested Read: 3 Valid Reasons to Decline a Job Offer)

Remember, without a written job offer, you risk losing the job even before you begin.