Important Things to Check in a Job Offer Letter
What are some extremely crucial points to consider before you sign the employment contract or appointment letter as an employee? Although every business prepares their letters differently, they often contain details about the designation and department, salary package, and the period allowed for the person to quit their current job. It also includes a joining date and work location for the employee.
What Precisely is the Joining Letter?
A joining letter is originally published by the chosen candidate voicing his eagerness to take on the designation offered by an organisation.
It states the date of joining the company, the location of joining, the reporting time, the required joining documents to be borne, and so on. Several individuals (or institutions), however, still refer to the joining letter as the letter given to candidates who have already received their offer letter.
What Essentially is an Appointment Letter?
The appointment letter is a legally enforceable letter written by a company to confirm the offer of a designation to a participant. In a location like India and the United States, most new hires do not receive an offer letter or an appointment letter. Most businesses follow a rather conventional appointment letter format with fairly standard terms and conditions.
Things to Ponder on Before Signing the Appointment Letter
The following are the top eight things you should think about before signing an appointment letter, whether you are applying for a job or have already started working there. The offer letter contains some clauses, company policies, your cost to the company (CTC), and other snippets and factoids.
Job Description and Designation
The recruiter may determine after the interview that you would be a great fit for another post, in which case they may alter your work roles and designation in your appointment letter without informing you. You should therefore ensure the job you have been employed for corresponds to the one you interviewed for.
Working Hours, Leaves, and Holidays
Make sure you know about their vacation, leave policies, etc. A person can maintain a healthy work-life balance by doing this. You must read this section of your appointment letter to prepare for what is ahead.
Appointment Period
All appointment letters usually mention the joining date. This should be made very clear if you are joining for a specific time. Additionally, carefully read the notice period. Although most employers want a 90-day notice period, you may frequently work out an agreement with your boss. But let’s say you sign up for a specific amount of time.
Office Location and Relocation Clause
Although the company’s work location occasionally varies from its original site, the business location is typically the same as where the interview was held. You can’t object to anything if you sign the appointment letter that sends you to a new location ten streets away from your present location. You should hence read this section of your appointment letter attentively.
CTC, Perks, Benefits, and Superannuation (Increment) Policies
When you start a job, you get health coverage, incentives, state insurance, and other monetary rewards, including having access to a private pool/gym and even quarterly or monthly tickets to theme parks, among other things. The hiring manager or administrator will not necessarily approach you and ask you to claim them; you must do so on your own. So, before you accept that offer memo, go over the complete CTC structure that includes everything, and make certain that you understand what to claim.
Exclusivity/Non-Compete Clause
You should consider their exclusivity clause if you want to collaborate with another organization simultaneously. It is not only criminal once you sign the appointment letter but also immoral in terms of professional standards, so consult with your superintendent or reporting manager.
Non-Disclosure Agreement
In most cases, your appointment letter will include a non-disclosure agreement.
Breach of this agreement will harm your CV, reputation, and so on. This agreement specifies what details about the organisation you may and may not disclose to potential competitors.
Research Ownership, IP & Patent Policies
Most businesses include this statement in their appointment letters, stating that any work you complete while on assignment will belong to the company, not you. While the firm may appreciate your work, the copyright belongs to them. Review this clause in your appointment letter, and if required, settle with the company to avoid this from happening unnecessarily.
Final Thoughts
When you receive an offer letter from a company, you should review the basic data such as your designation, salary package, and probation period. Most new hires do not receive an offer or an appointment letter in a location like India. Ensure you know about their vacation, leave policies, etc., to make the most of what you have!
