Introduction

All candidates-successful and unsuccessful-must be informed of the decision.

How many positions have you applied for and not heard back from the company? How did this make you feel?

If there is a close ‘second choice’ candidate, it is best to wait until the selected candidates have actually signed the letter of offer to accept the position before informing this person that he or she has been unsuccessful.

You may need to write an interim letter explaining that the decision is still being made.

The initial job offer is usually verbal, but it should be supported with a written offer. When the person to whom the job offer is made accepts the offer, a legally binding contract is made. This contract of employment is the foundation for the legal relationship between the employer and the employee. Each has rights and obligations at common law as a result of entering into the contract. A contract need not be in writing. It can also be oral or implied.