A job appointment letter is a legal document that a candidate receives once they have gone through a job interview and got selected.
An employer must send this letter to the qualified candidate. A qualified candidate is a job applicant who has been chosen by the company’s employer after applying for the job and successfully going through an interview(s).
This letter mainly targets employees like auditors, teachers, accountants, designers, software professionals, and individuals looking for an internship. An organization’s employer should send their new employee a formal letter, usually prepared by their Human Resource (HR) department.
There are several reasons why an employer should provide it to their new employee. Some of these reasons are as follows:
- This letter is an official confirmation that an individual has been chosen for the job they applied for and interviewed for.
- The letter highlights the roles of the new employee in their job position as they work at the company or organization.
- It also informs the new employee regarding what to expect about their new employer at their new place of work.
- It provides the terms and conditions of the employer’s position, and the new employee can review it before signing and accepting the job.
Sample Letters
Difference Between Offer Letter and Appointment Letter
After an employer has completed the recruitment process, there are two important letters that they usually send out, that is, the offer letter and the appointment letter. Unfortunately, most employers tend to confuse these two letters, but they are different.
An offer letter is an official document that an employer sends to a candidate after they have decided to hire them for a particular position. The offer letter contains details, the salary, the benefits the employer is providing, and the joining date. The main part is that this letter has a deadline that the chosen candidate must respond to their employer or risk losing it.
On the other hand, an appointment letter is a confirmation that a particular candidate has been selected for the position they had applied for and interviewed for. The appointment letter is sent to a candidate once they have accepted and replied to the offer letter. The details contained in this letter will be addressed later in the article.
note
An employer will send an offer letter to a candidate to show their intention of hiring them. In contrast, an appointment letter is sent to confirm a hire. Also, for an offer letter, the candidate must reply, unlike an appointment letter.
What to Include in the Letter
Some details must be included in the appointment letter before sending it to the selected candidate. This section discusses some of the essential components that should be included in this letter.
These are:
Name & address of the organization (employer)
The employer should indicate the name and the address of their organization and highlight that they are the ones offering a particular candidate the job. The employer can also indicate their title.
Issuance date of the appointment letter
The employer should indicate the date that the letter is being sent to the qualified and selected candidate. This signifies the communication date.
Full name and address of the candidate
It is vital for the employer to mention the full name, address, and other contact information of the candidate. Salutations should also be included since the employer already knows the letter’s receiver.
Title/position offered
Since the appointment letter is all about confirming a hire, the job the candidate is being offered should also be indicated in the letter.
Date of commencement and date of joining
The candidate should also be informed when they are required to join the company and start the job.
Role & responsibilities
Apart from mentioning the position of the qualified candidate, the employer should also provide details of the role and responsibilities that the candidate will have at the company based on their position.
Nature of job
It refers to the lasting period of the work that the one has been selected for, which could be permanent, temporary, or contractual.
- Permanent– for this case, the job will last as long as the employee wants it, and the conditions are still favorable to them.
- Temporary– for this case, the employer agrees with the new employer that they will fill the job position for a certain period of time. The employer can choose to extend this period and make the offer permanent if the new employee has great performance.
- Contractual– Contractual job involves signing a contract between the employer and a new employee before they start working at their new position. It always stipulates how long the employee will be hired by the particular company, usually until the project they are dealing with is complete.
Work hours/ office timing
The employer should highlight the number of hours that their new employee will be working in a day or indicate when they should arrive for work and leave the office at the end of the day.
Probation period
The probation period refers to the company’s trial period that a new employee is given to adapt to the company’s culture and display their skills and work performance. This period determines if the new employee will continue working at the company or not. The employer should inform the new employee of the probation period, the expectations, and the terms like salary and working hours.
Annual & monthly salary
The employer should inform the new employee of their salary and indicate the amount on an annual and monthly basis. If there was an approbation period, the employer should indicate if the salary will be increased or not.
Perks and benefits
Apart from the annual and monthly salary, the perks and benefits of being in the job should also be highlighted. The new employee should be informed of benefits like health insurance, flexible working hours, bonuses, and retirement packages if the employer is offering them.
Applicable tax deductions
For the final salary the new employee will be receiving, the employer should indicate the applicable tax deductions and the amount that the employee will receive after their salary has been taxed.
Leave policy
This includes regulations around sick days and vacations periods. The leave policy should be clearly stated, with the number of days per year being well mentioned by the employer for the new employee. The leave policy can also highlight things like paternal leave, maternal leave, and earned leave.
Employment terms & conditions
Since the appointment letter will act as a contract, indicating the terms and conditions for their employment is an important detail the employer should add in the letter. This way, the new employee knows what they are signing and all the regulations surrounding the acceptance.
Brief of various company policies
The company has its own culture and policies that guide its daily operations. The letter should therefore highlight briefly these policies that guide the decisions made at the company.
An employee handbook or HR manual
The employer must include the employee handbook in the letter as it addresses the treatment of both parties for a better working environment. The employer will be safe from any discrimination charges if the new employee has received this manual. This is because the employee will know how the company operates and handles its issues in detail. For example, if the new employee misses work without informing their employer and the manual states that such a situation leads to a particular course of action, the employer is safe from unfair treatment charges.
Duration of the contract
The employer should inform the employee about how long their employment contract will last and the conditions surrounding the possible extension of the contract once the project has been completed. This is mainly for new employees who are seeking internships at organizations.
Checklist of documents to be submitted
The employer should indicate the documents that they would like the new employee to arrive with if they choose to accept the employment. This might include identification documents, education certificates, and even the appointment letter.
Security requirements
These details are required from the new employee looking to secure permanent employment if their nature of work is currently temporary.
Commitment or declaration
The employer includes this section to guide the new employee on their expectations throughout the employment period. For instance, the employee might be expected to be respectful and answer to a particular supervisor.
Amendment and enforcement
This information from the employer directs their new employee about what they need to do if they find it and all related requirements suitable or want to change some details about their new job position.
Condition for termination
The employer must include this information to highlight the situations that might result in employment termination for the new employee.
Notice period clause
This is a period that the new employee is supposed to give if they choose to leave their job. Therefore, the employer must indicate the number of days that an employee should give the management when they want to leave the job. The information should also include the person who should be notified of these plans.
Signatures
When it comes to the signature part, the employer should sign off with not only their signature but also mention their full names and an association stamp and stick.
note
An employer sends an appointment letter to the candidate before they join the company to give them time to review the terms and conditions before submitting their acceptance. This is usually done by signing a duplicate copy of an appointment letter and sending it to the employer for record-keeping, future reference, and indicating their acceptance.
Free Downloads
Special Considerations
When crafting an appointment letter, there are some special considerations or tips that an employer should keep in mind when writing this letter. Some of these important tips are as follows:
Formal tone
It is an official letter, which means that an employer should write it in a formal tone. The employer should formally mention all that was discussed verbally during his/her meeting with the new employee.
Print on the letterhead
The letter should be official, and this can be achieved by including the company’s letterhead printed and signed by the company’s management.
Business letter format
Since an appointment letter is a legally binding document, the format used by the employer to write it should be a formal business format. The terms and conditions should be clearly written, but the tone should remain positive and inspirational.
Open on a congratulatory note
As this letter indicates a new and exciting experience for the new employee, an employer should start the letter by congratulating them. It is also best to end the letter with a welcome note while including all the required details in the body.
Get it reviewed by the legal team
Since this letter is a legally binding document, it is best to get it reviewed by the company’s legal team. This way, they can confirm that all the terms and conditions have been well-crafted.
Sample Appointment Letter
An official appointment letter should include the day of commencement, employee’s duties, workstation, working hours, cash compensation, and working hours among other important details an employee should know before taking the job. Below is a sample of an appointment letter:
Employment Letter
(Your name)
(Your Address (Street Information)
(City, State, and Zip Code)
(Date)
(Recipient’s Name (third party))
(Recipient’s Address (Street Information))
(City, State, and Zip Code)
Dear (Name),
We are pleased to inform you that you passed your interview and we are hereby offering you employment on the contract basis for the position of a safety officer at XYZ Company. The terms and conditions of your employment are as follows:
- Day of Commencement:
You are expected to report to your duties as of October 24th, 20XX. Your contract is based on a period of two years, after which we may renew it based on your performance and mutual agreement.
- Reporting
You will report to your immediate supervisor on the said date. You are required to comply with the company’s rules and regulations at all times and should always act in a manner that protects the company’s interests.
- Allocated Place of Work
You will be based at the company’s headquarters in New York City.
- Roles and Responsibilities
Your roles and responsibilities are outlined in the job description, which is an extension of this contract. Your signature will imply that you fully agree with all the terms and conditions laid out in this contract.
- Monthly Salary
You are entitled to a monthly compensation amounting to {Amount}, which will be subject to all statutory and company deductions with regard to the law.
- Working Hours
Your working hours shall be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Monday–Friday). However, you may also be required to avail yourself outside of these stipulated hours if the need arises.
- Leave
7.1 Vacation
You will be entitled to 21 working days of leave at full pay. However, the leave days should only be taken at a time most suitable for both you and your employer.
7.2 Sick Leave
You are entitled to up to 29 working days of sick leave at full pay.
7.3 Paternity Leave
You are entitled to a paternity leave of up to two calendar weeks, which you should apply for seven days beforehand.
- Termination
This contract can be terminated:
by either party giving a prior 30 working days written notice of failure, to which compensation equivalent to a month’s salary will be awarded.
OR
by the employer on grounds of indiscipline or underperformance.
OR
The employer on account of redundancy or retrenchment as per the law.
- Copyrights and Ownership
You shall not work with any other company, either full-time or part-time, in a capacity that would create a conflict of interest with the company.
- Amendment and Enforcement
Any alterations or amendments to this contract shall be duly communicated in writing, taking into consideration both the employer’s and employee’s views.
Yours Faithfully
Veronica Vee
Human Resource Manager,
XYZ Company
To affirm your acceptance to the terms and conditions laid out in this letter, kindly sign below;
(Date) (Name) (Sign)
(Witness) (Sign)
Sample Job Appointment Letter
Dear John Doe,
Subject: Appointment for the Position of Senior Software Engineer
We are delighted to inform you that Innovatech Solutions Inc., located at 456 Technology Drive, Silicon Valley, CA, 94043, has selected you for the position of Senior Software Engineer. This letter serves as a formal offer of employment, outlining the terms and conditions of your appointment.
Position and Responsibilities:
Your position as Senior Software Engineer will involve leading software development projects, designing system architecture, and mentoring junior developers. You will report directly to Jane Smith, Head of Software Development.
Start Date and Probation Period:
Your employment will commence on January 2, 20XX. There will be a probationary period of 6 months during which your performance will be evaluated.
Working Hours and Location:
Your regular working hours will be from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. You will be primarily based at our Silicon Valley office, with occasional remote work flexibility.
Salary and Compensation:
Your annual gross salary will be $120,000, payable monthly. In addition to your salary, you will be eligible for performance-based bonuses and stock options.
Benefits:
As an employee of Innovatech Solutions Inc., you will have access to various benefits, including comprehensive health insurance, 401(k) retirement plans, and 20 days of paid time off annually.
Leave Policy:
You are entitled to 20 days of paid vacation per year, 10 days of paid sick leave, and 5 personal days. Additionally, the company observes all federal holidays.
Company Policies and Procedures:
You are expected to adhere to the company’s policies and procedures as outlined in the employee handbook, which will be provided to you on your first day of employment.
Copyright and Ownership:
All work products, inventions, designs, and developments created by you as part of your employment will be the sole property of Innovatech Solutions Inc.
Termination Clause:
Employment with Zenith Innovations Inc. is at-will and may be terminated by either party at any time, with or without cause. However, we request a notice period of 30 days from either party for termination under normal circumstances. Termination for cause, including but not limited to misconduct, breach of company policies, or performance issues, may occur without notice. Upon termination, you will receive compensation for any accrued but unused vacation days. The company will also provide a written notice detailing the reasons for termination and any post-termination obligations.
Acceptance of Offer:
Please indicate your acceptance of this offer by signing and returning a copy of this letter by December 15, 20XX. This offer of employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check.
We are thrilled about the prospect of you joining our team and look forward to your valuable contributions. Please feel free to contact me or our HR Manager, Emily Johnson, at emily.johnson@innovatechsolutions.com if you have any questions or need further information.
Sincerely,
Michael Brown
Director of Human Resources
Innovatech Solutions Inc.
michael.brown@innovatechsolutions.com
Analysis
The provided sample appointment letter is a good example for someone looking to create a similar document. It is structured clearly and professionally, covering all the essential aspects of a job offer. This makes it a valuable guide for anyone needing to draft an appointment letter.
The writer starts the letter with basic details like the date, recipient’s name, and address, followed by a formal greeting. This sets a professional tone right from the beginning. The subject line clearly states the purpose of the letter, making it easy for the recipient to understand the intent.
The writer has written a comprehensive body section, covering important details like the job title, position responsibilities, start date, probation period, working hours, and location. Including such specifics ensures that the recipient has a clear understanding of what the role entails and what is expected of them. This is crucial for setting clear expectations and reducing misunderstandings.
Notably, the letter includes a detailed breakdown of salary and compensation, benefits, and the leave policy. This information is vital for a potential employee to make an informed decision. The addition of a copyright and ownership clause is a thoughtful inclusion, especially relevant in industries where intellectual property is a key concern.
Finally, the writer concludes with instructions on how to accept the offer and a warm, inviting closing remark. This structure not only provides all necessary information but also maintains a tone that is welcoming and positive.
In summary, the key points of the letter that make it an excellent guide are:
- Clear structure with all necessary details like date, recipient’s information, and subject line.
- Comprehensive job description, including responsibilities and reporting hierarchy.
- Detailed information on salary, benefits, and leave policy.
- Inclusion of a probation period and copyright details.
- Warm and professional closing, inviting the recipient to accept the offer.
The language used is professional yet easy to understand, making it accessible to a wide range of readers. This sample serves as a thorough guide for anyone needing to write a professional appointment letter.
Frequently Asked Question
The main details that should be included in an appointment letter include the commencement date, designation or title, location, salary, perks and benefits, working hours, leave policy, and terms and conditions.