Should employers always put a job offer to you in writing?

[raccoon]

I'm of the opinion that they should. Your thoughts?

[LeftyFingerPop]

1. Yes.

It is always better to have a written offer letter which details the conditions of your employment, salary, etc. You should have this letter in-hand before resigning from your old job.

[avasmom]

2. what are your alternatives?

if they DON'T, are you gonna complain?

[raccoon]

3. Well, I'm not in that situation right now, thanks. But once I was offered

a part-time job in a library, and when I asked for it in writing, the women was like, "Huh?"

Seems like to me they ought to always write a letter detailing the position title, pay, and start date.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

4. Absolutely.

This should go without question.

[avasmom]

9. i've NEVER had it in writing

worked at hospitals, for doctors (as a critical care nurse)- of course, when i filled out my info for benefits, etc..., i had SOMETHING in writing- but not as an attorney or as a nurse have i ever had a job 'offer' in writing.

i'm surprised to see so many responses otherwise...

[Ellen Forradalom]

5. Yes.

So you don't show up on the first day and they act like they never heard of you.

[tjwmason]

6. Verbal contracts are not binding in law.

So, yes.

[avasmom]

10. depends

there are verbal contracts that are binding... they are harder to prove.

[crispini]

7. Yes.

Indeed!

[NewJeffCT]

8. yes, they should

even if you accept an offer, you should tell them it is pending you getting it officially in writing. It happened to my wife before - she was offered 14 days of vacation per year, and the actual offer letter was 14 days of paid time off, which means it includes sick days. big difference there.