Are Offer Letters and Appointment Letters Really the Same in IT Companies? Let's Discuss!

Dear All,

Greetings,

I would like to know about the offer letter/appointment letter format. I have recently joined an IT Company with over 60 employees. Here, there is no separate appointment letter; the same offer letter is used as an appointment letter.

Are the offer letter and appointment letter the same document?

I hope you will share your views as soon as possible.

Thanks & Regards,

Sritha.R

Dear Sritha. R,

There is a huge difference between an appointment letter and an offer letter. An offer letter means the company offers a person to join the concern (the person may or may not join the concern), while an appointment letter is proof of appointment. It signifies that a person is accepting the offer, ready to work for the concern, and agrees with the terms and conditions of the appointment with the concern.

Hope this meets your requirements.

For further communication, keep in touch.

Regards,

Pankaj Chandan

I need one piece of information. I have resigned and given one month's notice to the company, but the company wants me to continue my service until the 2-month notice period as per the offer letter. The company is also not ready to accept my resignation and is not approving my 1-month relieving date. Is it true that the company can take legal action against the employee if they do not serve the complete notice period? I am willing to pay the notice pay penalty. Please advise me and let me know what precautions I should take.

Regards,
Nikhil

There is a huge difference, and I agree with Pankaj Chandan's suggestion, who absolutely describes the same. An appointment letter will be issued when your acceptance is received by the employer against the offer letter. Here, acceptance is an important part.

Madhukar

Hi,

Difference in Offer & Appointment: There are significant differences for the candidates between an offer and an appointment.

Offer letter: The company issues an offer letter to the new joiners. This letter specifies the joining date, designation, some confidential information, and acceptance of the letter will initiate further processes. The offer letter serves as proof for the company.

Appointment letter: Normally, the company issues the appointment letter within 1 or 2 days after receiving the offer letter. This letter includes all details regarding company policies, agreements, and salary information. Overall, all necessary details will be provided.

Regards,
Viji

What is a letter of intent? How is it different from a letter of offer? Please help on this....

A letter of intent is a document that outlines the preliminary agreement between two parties detailing the understanding of a proposed transaction. It expresses the parties' intent to enter into a formal agreement in the future. A letter of intent is typically non-binding and serves as a starting point for negotiations.

On the other hand, a letter of offer, also known as an offer letter, is a formal document issued by an employer to a potential employee, offering them a specific position with defined terms and conditions of employment. Unlike a letter of intent, a letter of offer is legally binding once accepted by the recipient.

In summary, while a letter of intent sets the stage for future formal agreements, a letter of offer is a concrete employment proposal with legal implications once accepted.

Offer Letter would be given to anyone who is getting selected, and the company is happy with, after all the interview and negotiation process.

Appointment Letter would be given only to the people who accept the offer and the terms and conditions and join the company.

Regards,
Priya

I think the Letter of Intent (intimation) and offer are almost the same. Whereas, by having an appointment letter, a new joinee comes under the obligation of the policies, procedures, and management norms of the company.

Dinamani

Sure, here is the corrected version of your message:

"Can you tell me where are the terms and conditions mentioned - in the offer letter or in the appointment letter?
Reply, please."

Dear Nikhil,

The company can't take any legal action if you are paying the salary of one month. Because either you have to pay salary for the notice period or serve the notice period. So don't worry!

Hi Amit,

I have resigned and given one month's notice to the company, but the company wants me to continue my service for the full two-month notice period as per the offer letter. The company is also not ready to accept my resignation or approve my requested relieving date after one month.

Is it true that the company can take legal action against an employee who does not serve the complete notice period? I am prepared to pay a notice pay penalty. Please advise me on what precautions I should take.

Regards,
Amit

DA Terms & Conditions are mentioned in the appointment letter, not in the offer letter.

Regards,
Sujayalakshmi S

Hi Chechi,

Please refer to the below links to clarify your doubt:

- Letter of Intent
Letter of intent - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

- Letter of Offer

Definition:
A job offer letter is a document that confirms the details of an offer of employment. The job offer letter includes details such as job description, reporting relationship, salary, bonus potential, benefits, vacation allotment, and more. The job offer letter generally confirms the terms the employer and the candidate have agreed to for his employment during negotiations.

Regards,
Sriram
sriramwarrier@gmail.com