Is It Safe to Accept a Job Offer Without a Written Contract? Seeking Advice on a Suspicious Hiring Process

I have recently started to look for a job change. I updated my profile to actively seek new opportunities, and based on that, I received a call regarding a similar opening. The company is credible, with a decade of experience in the market. I went through the phone discussion and was shortlisted for a face-to-face interview. The interview experience was remarkably good; they treated me well, and the company's infrastructure was impressive. The levels and intellectual nature of the tasks and discussions were good. I cleared all the rounds and eventually got selected. However, this is when the suspicion started to arise.

They discussed the remuneration with me and finalized a mutually agreeable number, but they refused to send an official offer letter with the proposed job title and remuneration details. Instead, they asked me to confirm my joining date. All I received was a single email from my recruiter titled 'Offer Indication Mail,' which vaguely stated that I had been offered employment in their organization and requested that I bring some personal details on the joining date. No job title was mentioned, nor were exact remuneration details provided. Instead, there was a line stating that we agreed on the financial terms I had confirmed with their HR team, but there was no written acknowledgment of that.

After a detailed discussion with them, they convinced me that this process has been followed there since the start, and they are orally acknowledging all the terms and conditions, including my job title, remuneration details, and joining date. However, no written commitment was given, nor was there an acknowledgment of my email stating all the discussions we agreed upon. The company appears credible and promising, having established a brand value, and the role aligns with my goals more than enough. But this lack of transparency is causing me second thoughts.

I would like to have advice from an expert on this scenario to clear my head. Should I proceed with this offer? Can I trust them and accept this offer, or should I turn it down based on this suspicious reluctance to disclose policy details?

Dear Friend,

Based on my knowledge, this is a risky choice.

1. Brand companies share their official offer letters with the candidates.
2. Do not solely rely on communication.

If you would like more details about a specific company, please provide the company name, and I will furnish you with the information.

Hi,

You may accept the offer with a small write-up. "I agree with the offer subject to the fixation of the salary of Rs. ___ as discussed and mutually agreed at your office on ____." On the day of joining, before signing the Appointment letter acceptance, please check your compensation to ensure it aligns with your discussion. If not, refuse to sign the appointment letter. Also, please insist on receiving the appointment order on the day of joining.

Some companies merely send an intimation about their selection just to enable the candidate to resign from their current employer. This case seems to be similar. From your narration, there does not seem to be anything awkward. However, to put yourself in a safer place, you can send a reply email stating, "I accept your offer subject to the fixation of my salary at Rs. [amount] and other perks, as has been mutually discussed and agreed to, and shall be reporting to your company on joining on [date]."

Carry the print-outs of the emails (their email and your reply) and politely demand a detailed Offer of Appointment before completing your joining formalities.