What constitutes a formal offer?

[shouldbworking]

Verbal offer given, backed up with an email briefly repeating it and stating that contracts are being prepared.

Is that safe enough to quit do you think?

can't quite believe im finally going to escape

[prand]

Me too - I'd want to have the contract, and all details drop on my doormat, that I can sign and return before I tell my work. An email would not be enough for me (Edit to add - I woudl accept it as a provisional offer until I saw all he details in writing).

Saying that, I have heard of offers being withdrawn after contracts signed, and people backing out after agreeing to start, so there is still some scope for things to go wrong even if you have the piece of paper in your hand.

Edited by prand on Wednesday 17th November 11:34

[Kudos]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

In a perfect world then yes, however some people are desperate to get away and perhaps asking for this may mean offer is refuted. Granted, you wouldn't want to work for anyone who would do this but sometimes needs must

[shouldbworking]

Well, waiting on a signed contract it is then! Noone in authority actually around to resign to today anyway.

[prand]

Kudos said:

anonymous said:

[redacted]

In a perfect world then yes, however some people are desperate to get away and perhaps asking for this may mean offer is refuted. Granted, you wouldn't want to work for anyone who would do this but sometimes needs must

Yes, times change and email is seen more commonly as a method of official communication. I'd be prepared to accept a new job by email if it also included the formal letter of offer, contract, terms and conditions, package, pay and benefits attached an official document.

Also I'd make it clear that a job acceptance if sent to me by email, as by post, was conditional on me being happy with the above and any pay/benefits/conditions negotiations complete and agreed in writing before I woudl formally accept an offer, and hand my notice in at my current place.

If a company was to say "sorry we won't give you the job if you won't respond ASAP" then within reason I'd be happy to let them go and swing.

This is often the last chance you get to negotiate your position with an employer, so it's not the place to rush headlong into it, just because you are desperate, or so delighted in receiving an offer.

[purplepolarbear]

I'd appear enthusiastic and say you would like to accept it, and you would like to start as soon as possible. Could you confirm the details in writing, and once you've had a chance to review these you will be able to resign from your current employer and let them know a definite start date.

If there's a problem with any contractual details then this still gives you the chance to back out.

[plg]

Only when you have signed contract both sides.

Hold your horses, however tempting. HR can take weeks...

Edit. Don't resign until you have not only signed the contract, but the new company have acknowledged it and confirmed your start date.

Edited by plg on Wednesday 17th November 14:10

[Firefoot]

When I recruit people, I advise them not to hand in their notice until they receive their written contract from me. Safer all round that way.