Is the Offer Letter Still Important After Signing the Appointment Letter? Let's Discuss

Dear All,

My company issues an offer letter after selecting a candidate, which includes the designation, department, probation clause, and notice period. Also, the list of documents needed to submit upon joining if the candidate accepts the offer.

Upon joining, an appointment letter is issued, which is a 4-pager. It includes, in detail, all the terms and conditions of employment, leaves, a detailed breakdown of CTC, conditions of termination, employment elsewhere, etc.

My question is, after the candidate joins (i.e., signs the appointment letter), how valid is the offer letter? Does it hold any value?

Appointment Letter vs. Offer Letter

A detailed appointment letter supersedes the offer letter. For all practical purposes, the appointment letter becomes valid after the employee joins. The offer letter is akin to a provisional degree certificate issued by a college upon graduation. Once you receive the official degree certificate from the college/university, the provisional certificate becomes redundant.

Regards,
Pon