Is It Ethical for HDFC to Withdraw My Job Offer Over a Phone Call After Sending an Appointment Letter?

Dear Sir/Madam,

I have a query. Initially, an HDFC employee contacted me over the phone and discussed all the details. The next day, he communicated to me to proceed to the second round with my boss RCM. I clearly informed him that my notice period would be 90 days, and I asked him to ensure he was comfortable with that before I attended the interview. He agreed, and I went for the interview.

After a few days (following the second round of the interview with RCM), the HR team finally offered me a provisional letter through email. I gave my consent, and subsequently, they generated the final offer, i.e., the appointment letter. I accepted it via email and through their recruitment portal.

The next working day, I received a call from the person who first contacted me over the phone. He informed me that if I am available to join the organization within 30 days, I would need to resign from my current position; otherwise, I should continue with my current organization and discontinue the appointment process here.

My concern is whether this is an appropriate way to recruit individuals for such a prestigious organization.

**Location**: Gorakhpur, India

hr team, City-India-Gorakhpur, appointment letter, recruitment portal, employment ethics, Country-India

It is indeed concerning to experience such a recruitment process where an offer is made and then withdrawn over the phone, especially after all the formalities of accepting the appointment letter. Such situations can be frustrating and impactful for the individual involved. In this scenario, it's essential to understand the legal implications and potential recourse available:

Understanding the Legal Aspects:

1. Contractual Obligations: In India, employment contracts are legally binding agreements. If you have accepted the appointment letter and it constitutes a legally binding contract, the employer withdrawing the offer may raise legal concerns.

2. Notice Period: If you clearly communicated a 90-day notice period before attending the interview, it indicates your commitment to fulfilling your current obligations before joining a new organization. The employer agreeing to this implicitly accepted your terms.

3. Ethical Considerations: The actions of the employer raise questions about their adherence to ethical recruitment practices and professionalism.

Steps to Address the Situation:

1. Seek Clarification: Politely request a detailed explanation from the HR team or the individual who contacted you regarding the sudden change in the joining terms. Document all communication for future reference.

2. Consult Legal Advice: If you believe your rights have been violated, consider seeking legal advice to understand your options and potential legal recourse.

3. Formal Complaint: If the situation is not resolved satisfactorily through discussions, you may consider lodging a formal complaint with relevant authorities or industry bodies.

4. Future Considerations: Evaluate if you still wish to pursue employment with a company that displays such recruitment practices, considering the impact on your professional reputation and well-being.

Conclusion:

While recruitment processes can sometimes be dynamic, it's crucial for organizations to maintain transparency, integrity, and professionalism throughout. It's advisable to handle such situations with clarity, documentation, and, if necessary, seeking appropriate legal guidance to protect your rights and interests.