Timing for Offer and Appointment Letters
Firstly, there is no law of limitation stipulating a time limit within which an offer letter or appointment letter is to be given. It is a sound principle of administrative procedure that if any obligation to respond to the other party is outstanding on the part of the company, then it shall be done promptly or immediately wherever it is possible or within a reasonable time. What is a reasonable time depends upon the circumstances in each case.
In the case of job interviews, it is ideal to let the candidates know the results at the earliest as they will be anxious, and they can accordingly plan their exit from the current employer or make decisions regarding other pending offers. A too late communication may deprive the company of a right fit, as he might exercise his option to join another company, or it gives time to the existing company to negotiate with him for retention. Therefore, a company should ideally communicate the offer letter within a week's time. The appointment letter can be given on the date the candidate reports for joining as well. It can also be mutually settled.
Regards, B. Saikumar HR & Labour Relations Adviser Navi Mumbai