Offer Letter - How long does it take to issue

[maximax]

My consultant told me two weeks ago that the company who intereviewed me had confirmed to give me the job and would prepare offer letter for me and would like me to start work ASAP since I am available to start work immediately.

It's been two weeks now and when I asked about the status, the consultant kept saying that the offer letter is under approval process (for package and headcount) and asked me to be patient.

Is it normal to take more than two weeks to issue an offer letter?

(The company is a big corporation)

[Alby]

First remember the consultant works for the company after all you are not paying their salary.

Getting an offer letter depends on several factors such as, but not limited to,

-- Just how urgently the company wants to fill the position - although saying that they need someone ASAP could be reality although I have known some companies who use it as a tactic to get people to let their guard down and jump.

-- The company could have had an unexpected event happen which required their immediate attention and filling the role has lost priority

-- The company could also continuing interviewing other people or the consultant could still be presenting possible candidates to the company -- telling you an offer is in the works so that if one does surface you can jump and the consultant can get paid

The possibilities are endless.

I would suggest that you continue to interviewing as nothing is definite until all parties have signed then there still is the probationary period to go through.

Also, once you have the offer letter then you officially begin the negotiation process (better salary, more vacation days, more frequent performance/salary review, bonus, medical, living allowance, etc.)

Best of Luck!

[KnowItAll]

In HK, if the offer letter is not out by the end of the day, you've frequently lost the candidate.

Any self respecting company should know that.

I'd continue interviewing until you have an offer letter on hand - if nothing else, as a bargaining chip as you might get something better offered to you.

[maximax]

Thanks for your advice!