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Original poster

Would you start a job with no written job offer ?

23 replies

OddCat · 07/04/2019 13:48

I received a phone call at 18:45 on Friday from the recruitment agency saying that I had got the job I was interviewed for earlier in the week.
The call was a bit difficult as the agent was driving and the connection kept cutting out. She said something about starting tomorrow (Monday) but then asked if I could get references to her .

I thought it was down to the employer to request references and anyway there was nothing I could do so late on a Friday.

I would rather wait to get an offer in writing but I'm not sure if the new job are expecting me to show up tomorrow.

I don't have any notice to give to my previous employer.

Should I wait for an offer letter?

OP posts:

Doyoumind · 07/04/2019 13:56

Did she mean the details of referees rather than actual references? Did she outline what the offer was? If you don't have anything else you should be doing tomorrow I would go but it does all sound disorganised and unprofessional.

PolarBearBubbles · 07/04/2019 14:01

I wouldn't resign or start a new job without a written contract with full details of the agreed salary, bonus scheme, holiday and all other benefits like pension/health and travel insurance etc. I think you'd be crazy to do otherwise.

Original poster

OddCat · 07/04/2019 14:02

She asked me to get the references, I said I could probably get a personal reference but not one from an employer because they would not have been in the office. I did say that I thought the new employer would have to write to hr for a reference. She said the new employer wanted references first .

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Original poster

OddCat · 07/04/2019 14:04

I asked her what the salary was and what days I would be expected to work. I have no idea about annual leave.

OP posts:

Doyoumind · 07/04/2019 14:11

It doesn't sound like you are clear what you are expected to accept then. I would want to understand if this unprofessional approach is down to the company or the recruiter as there are red flags here.

RussellSprout · 07/04/2019 14:17

If it was agency work and I was already out of work, yes.

I'd probably check with the employer the hours/rate of pay when I started though.

If it involved leaving a current employer to take up the new role, no way!

Original poster

OddCat · 07/04/2019 14:17

I think it's a bit of both, most of the conversations I've had with the recruiter have been difficult because the phone connection has been so awful and I don't think the employer realises how references work.

OP posts:

Original poster

OddCat · 07/04/2019 14:19

This is a permanent position, I'm not working at the moment- finished my last job last week.

OP posts:

PoliticalBiscuit · 07/04/2019 14:35

I'd be ready for work first thing on Monday, and contact the recruitment consultant to confirm details, and then hot foot it over to work before written confirmation yes.

At the minute sounds like you didn't quite confirm a few details and I personally would not want to turn up at 9am with such weak info!

Original poster

OddCat · 07/04/2019 14:39

Good idea, it was difficult to have a proper conversation because her phone kept cutting out.

OP posts:

Original poster

OddCat · 07/04/2019 14:42

The recruiter should have made it clearer, in my opinion, I may have to use my car for this job so need to know whether to drive in (no idea if there's parking) or take the bus.

OP posts:

wowfudge · 07/04/2019 14:45

If you turn up then you are tacitly accepting their terms, which you don't yet know. I wouldn't turn up, I would email or text the RA requesting written details before you can accept. Just because you are not working does not mean you have to accept.

Original poster

OddCat · 07/04/2019 14:50

That's what I was worried about wowfudge

OP posts:

Gwenhwyfar · 07/04/2019 14:51

"If you turn up then you are tacitly accepting their terms, which you don't yet know. "

Yes, but you can still discuss them later.

"Just because you are not working does not mean you have to accept."

It does if you're on benefits. However, the DWP would likely only know about it if the job was through them.

Meandmetoo · 07/04/2019 14:53

Youd only be accepting the terms if you begin working for them. If you're not working currently and it's not a massive commute I'd turn up as agreed and immediately ask for the terms. Doesnt sound very organised but tbf I have had this with employers before when it's been a bit of a rush job for whatever reason.

Original poster

OddCat · 07/04/2019 14:54

I'm not on benefits so that bit isn't a problem, I want to work for a company that has professional standards ( especially after the disaster of my last job) and is organised, atm this seems a bit airy fairy!

OP posts:

wowfudge · 07/04/2019 14:55

The OP has said nothing about benefits, etc. If I were her, I would want to know more and have something in writing. On the other hand, if you don't like it/the terms you're no worse off really.

Meandmetoo · 07/04/2019 15:02

A call late on Friday to start on Monday isn't necessarily alarmingly disorganised, especially if they are aware you are out of work and can start immediately.

I wouldn't be too worried at this point, especially if you do arrive and they are willing to confirm everything before you start physically working for them.

Original poster

OddCat · 07/04/2019 15:07

They didn't know I wasn't working, they thought I was employed in a permanent job , which I was until I ended that employment after the interview.

OP posts:

sandi2019 · 07/04/2019 15:17

What an unprofessional agent.

I take it you have the agent's mobile number if they were on the phone to you when driving?

Can you call or text them now to ask for clarification? X

Meandmetoo · 07/04/2019 15:22

Did you tell the agent you were now available immediately?

If not and this company was seriously expecting you to leave a perm job in the lurch that doesnt sound good. However, knowing agents generally as I do, I suspect they are the disorganised/shite ones here rather than the company.

Original poster

OddCat · 07/04/2019 15:32

I have sent the recruiter text and WhatsApp messages, the company and recruiter were unaware of the fact that I was available immediately, they were under the impression I had to give a weeks notice.

I feel so unsettled, left a job that I had been in for 18 years for a totally new career, it was an absolute nightmare, nasty atmosphere, lots of back biting, not allowed to talk to colleagues at all and they wanted me to 'mention' if I went to the loo . I decided to leave after I had the interview with this present company and if I didn't get this job, I would have gone temping.

OP posts:

Original poster

OddCat · 07/04/2019 16:13

Just heard back from agent, they don't want me to start tomorrow after all. At least I know now .

OP posts:

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