This blog was written by Brandon White, Director of Human Resources at Helpside. Brandon has more than a decade of experience, allowing him to make complicated employment situations and regulations approachable for small businesses.

“Did that really just happen? Have I actually understood?” These lines are not only uttered by one of your favorite green witches, but also by many candidates after receiving a verbal job offer. Following up the verbal offer with a clear offer letter can be beneficial to you and your new hire in many ways:

It Sets Clear Expectations

In the offer letter, you can reiterate items you discussed in the interview such as:

  • Is the position full-time or part-time?
  • Is the position exempt or non-exempt?
  • What is the schedule/workdays?
  • What is the pay?
  • Does the company offer paid time off?
  • When will the anticipated start date be?

Writing down all these details can clarify the manager’s plans and give the candidate the correct expectations as they consider whether to join your company.

It Establishes the At-Will Relationship

Many companies neglect to directly state the at-will status of employment in the offer letter or verbal offer. An at-will relationship is one that affords the employer the right to terminate the employee at any time, with or without cause, and gives the employee the same right to resign from the position. A statement that the employment relationship is at-will can establish this relationship from the beginning.

It Instills Confidence

When a candidate receives an offer letter, it gives them peace of mind that the offer is genuine. A professional looking offer letter also helps to build credibility with your company and effectively kicks off the onboarding process. An offer letter shows your candidates that your company is committed to professionalism and clear communication—instilling confidence in your candidate.

If you are interested in using an offer letter but are unsure of where to start, consider reaching out to the Helpside Human Resources team. We can share templates, and other useful information that will help you draft an offer letter that is compliant and sends the correct message.