Start with an informal offer
Once you've decided on your preferred candidate for the job, contact the them as soon as possible and offer them the position. Delays can give them more time to consider other offers.
Be prepared to negotiate salary and employment conditions that you're both satisfied with. You can't offer pay or conditions that are less than those required by law.
Although the initial job offer is usually verbal, you must then follow up with a written offer letter.
What is an offer letter?
An offer letter is a brief way of presenting the role to your chosen candidate for acceptance. It should include information about the role such as:
- position title
- agreed salary
- start date
- type of employment or expected hours, if relevant
- length of probation period
- any special conditions of employment
The candidate must sign the offer to accept the terms before they start the job.
How to write a contractual letter of offer
Use our template for a contractual letter of offer if you haven't created one before.
Make sure the conditions you're offering are in line with the minimum entitlements listed in the National Employment Standards.
Notify unsuccessful applicants
Once the applicant has accepted the position, notify all of the unsuccessful applicants and try to provide feedback if it's requested. This a basic courtesy that it will leave applicants with a positive view of your company for the future.