Job offer - no contract - help

[PalmaViolence]

I was offered a job on Wednesday. They told me I’d have a contract in the next 24 hours. Since then I’ve heard nothing and now it’s been 48. I know it’s probably too early to panic but I am worrying a little bit. I really wanted to be able to give my notice in before Christmas. The recruiter said he’d chase this morning for me and give me an update today, but he never came back either. Someone tell me it’s still going to be ok! I’m not usually anxious/ nervous but I love the job and was so pleased to get it! The wait is making me a crazy person

IME it always takes longer than a day. Especially at this time of year when HR (and everyone else) aren't exactly firing on all cylinders.

It'll be fine. Everyone has just been out at Xmas parties and zero work is being done. It'll come through in January.

Should I still keep interviewing for other positions just in case?

Have a little patience. It's a busy time of year and many staff will have started their annual leave.

I doubt you'll be getting any interviews over the next 2-3 weeks but personally I don't stop applying until I have an agreed start date.

Given the time of year I would agree to have more patience. It's very likely some members of staff are off on leave at the moment and many companies are not running at full force.

I would expect to hear back after Christmas, probably early January depending on the sector.

Yes. Until you have that contract, you don't actually have the job - they can back out.

I would

I waited 4 weeks for my contract after a verbal offer! Hideously long wait (and the agency was as invested as I was in getting it), but that was a global insurer so not really surprising.

If it's a small firm they can at least send you a confirmation of offer and salary, if not the full contract. Maybe push for that on Mon, if you're working?

Contracting takes forever. I’ve never seen a contract sooner than a month. What notice period did you say you’d need? Lots of people on AL now for Christmas so I’d be surprised if you get anything before January.

I’d make sure they are clear you won’t give notice til the contract is signed and what notice period you need. Yes, keep interviewing because something better may, of course, come along.

My notice period is 3 months and it was them pushing for me to hand it in before Christmas. I have an interview on Monday I was going to cancel but I’ll go to it just in case as a back up option