XOBIPEDIA
HR Glossary

Post the hiring process, the appointment letter is the first official document handed out by the company to the selected candidate. Read this blog further to understand more about the appointment letters in detail.
What is an Appointment Letter?
It is an official document given out by the company to the candidate who has been selected for the job.
The letter confirms that a particular candidate has been appointed for the job. The letter of appointment is sent after the candidate has been selected for the job and has accepted the offer letter.
The letter is a fairly detailed document that consists of crucial details such as designation, salary, start date, etc. It clears everything about the job or any doubts regarding the job that the candidate might have.
When is the Letter of Appointment Given?
It is given after the selection process is completed. A letter of appointment basically confirms the appointment of a person to a particular job and the candidate’s acceptance of it.
It is provided by the company after a candidate has been selected and accepted the offer letter.
Importance of an Appointment Letter
It is a really critical official document for both the employer as well as employee.
This contains the complete details of the job role and the company’s expectations of the employee. The letter contains terms and conditions in detail and acts as an employment contract.
The letter of appointment is signed by both parties and each gets one copy of the letter. The receiver of the letter needs to go through the letter carefully as it contains all the information regarding the job such as salary, designation, etc.
Is is also accepted in the court of law to deal with any discrepancies that may arise in the future.
Letter of Appointment Format
Here is a list of items that must be mentioned –
- Designation
- Job location
- Date of joining
- Salary and perks
- Working hours
- Terms and conditions
- Leave policy
Keep the following things in mind while writing a letter of appointment –
- Start off the letter by addressing the person and signifying your name and designation.
- Be concise and clear in conveying all the necessary details regarding the job to the receiver.
- Provide the receiver with all the necessary information and terms and conditions of your company.
- Mention the roles and responsibilities of the receiver.
- Sign the appointment letter with your full name and the official stamp.
- Ask the receiver to sign the letter and send a copy back to you.
Take a look at this sample format template for better understanding-

This is a sample format for getting an idea about writing a letter of appointment.
Difference Between an Appointment Letter and an Offer Letter
Here are some of the key differences between a letter of appointment and an offer letter-
Features | Appointment Letter | Offer Letter |
---|---|---|
Information | Comprehensive | Superficial |
Purpose | Provide a detailed employment contract | Offer a position |
Timeline | After acceptance of offer letter | After the interview process |
Legally Valid | Yes | Yes |
Hope this blog was helpful and provided some value to you. To know more;
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