Is It Normal to Get an Offer Letter as a Current Employee or Is My Job at Risk?

I received an offer letter on Friday that is to be signed and returned by Monday to continue my employment (I've been with the company for 8 years) by a new VP of Sales & Marketing. They are hiring a new salesperson (I am the only salesperson) and thought it would be fun to start on the same playing field. (Those are the exact words used).

There is no promotion involved. I have been told if I do not sign this letter, I am out of a job. Is it HR procedure to give offer letters to current employees? The company is very small, with 8 employees and no HR Department.

Strictly speaking, the answer is NO - Offer Letters are given to new joiners. If you don't find any negative or decreasing differences between the new Offer Letter and what you are presently drawing, I don't see any reason to hesitate - unless there are other issues involved that you didn't mention.

Regards, TS

In addition to what TS has correctly mentioned, issuing an offer letter to existing employees can happen if the company has just gone through a merger, acquisition, or corporatization—where the "old" company ceased operation (therefore, your old contract is invalid), and the "new" company has to issue you a new offer letter with new terms and conditions.

Since this is not the case in your situation, there may be more than meets the eye. Talk to this new VP, see where he is coming from and where it is leading to. Then make the decision.

Regards,
Autumn Jane