Waiting 120 Days for an Offer Letter: Should My Brother Move On or Keep Waiting?

My brother has been confirmed for the role of Assistant Manager at Axis Bank. He received confirmation through email and over the phone as well. However, it has been four months since the confirmation, and he still has not received the offer letter. When he consulted with HR, they mentioned that the position has been put on hold and they are waiting for more days. Now, it has been 120 days with no response from the other side. What does this mean? Can anyone suggest whether he should prefer another company or wait for it?

Delay in Offer Letter from Axis Bank

Banks like Axis Bank will not make false promises. A confirmation email has already been sent to the candidate by the bank, confirming his selection. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there may be delays beyond the control of the HR or senior management of the bank.

The candidate needs to wait a bit longer. At the same time, he can search for another job as well, as we must apply practical wisdom in our personal lives.

Understanding a Job Offer on Hold

A job offer put on hold can only mean that the company likes you, but due to company-related issues, they can't take you on board for the time being.

Making the Most of the Waiting Period

Use this time wisely to add to your qualifications. Keep looking around for other job opportunities. COVID times are unprecedented, and one needs to be watchful and not rest on their laurels. Stay active on the job front.

Impact of COVID on Job Offers

Querist has raised an important query. In the times of COVID, such things are happening—offers put on hold, interviews canceled, joining dates being postponed, etc. All this leaves the job seeker in a quandary. Jobs are not readily available nowadays, and when, after securing a job, such a thing happens, one can well understand the candidate's state of mind.

Reasons for Job Offers Being Put on Hold

In general, candidates may or may not be informed about why the offer has been put on hold. Some common reasons for a job offer being put on hold could be:

- Budget concerns or the failure of a big project, product, or initiative
- Unexpected restructuring, which could involve layoffs, the company being acquired, or work pausing in the area where you were going to join
- Reservations on the part of the hiring manager or other stakeholders about your ability to do the role
- Internal competition for the role, or potentially, a decision not to resign on the part of the person who was vacating the position

This may not be directly relevant to the present querist's case. But notwithstanding, if such events happen, it's important not to take such holds personally and to keep trying and adding more qualifications, etc., in the interim period.

Understanding the Offer Situation

It's only a verbal or email confirmation stating that he has been selected for the project. There is no offer letter released or any other formalities put into place, which means he is not entitled to employment with the company. Also, four months is a lot of time. The best option is to move ahead with other prospects, keeping this offer aside unless the offer letter is officially released.

Professional Approach to Handling the Situation

The professional approach can be sending out an email to the concerned HR/Recruiter, letting them know that if they can be helpful by providing transparency on the offer. If they are considering taking a decision after the pandemic, look out for other opportunities, and give a hint to the other recruiter stating that you already had an offer from Axis Bank and because of the time gap, you have started searching for new opportunities. By giving this heads-up, they would understand that if your offer letter is released at Axis Bank, you will be serving a notice period and will leave the organization.

Considering the Organization's Perspective

For an organization like Axis Bank, they won't have much trouble hiring a replacement if you are not available. But as an individual, you do not have the option of playing along with your career. Three months could have been the maximum you waited for their offer letter, and then you should understand and move on.

If your brother really wants to change, don't wait; ask him to look for a better job than Axis Bank. He can wait for a better opportunity than the existing offer. All the best.