On Wednesday, I received a job offer from a law firm that practices exactly the niche area of law I’m interested in so I was very excited about the offer – they wanted me to start next week. I called them back yesterday to discuss the details of the offer and to accept the offer. I was informed that they would like to move the start date back a few weeks to late-January/early-February but they didn’t have an exact date at this time. I accepted the offer under those terms and asked that they send me written confirmation of everything we discussed with the precise start date. Should I wait until I receive their letter prior to sending my letter/email essentially providing written confirmation of my acceptance of the offer?
Question is, when you talked to them about the details and accepted by phone, were any details of the offer changed, other than the start date?
It sounds like, they may not need you, or realize that they may have to hold off hiring you, or anyone else. To go from next week, then late January/early February does not sound good.
I would give it till the middle of next week for a response. Then suggest you you call them back. It could be that they may not know precisely when they want you to start, so no written letter back, in case they have to change it.
Law firms are very competitive and it could be that their “numbers” are not what they have expected and may not have enough to hire someone else at this time.
good luck, hope I am wrong.
Make sure you put in a 2 weeks like you’re required to do. Leave on a good note.
I think you can accept the job. However, I would not simply accept the job by stating “I accept the job”
I would outline the agreement as you understand it and agree to begin the position at a date between say Jan 24 to Feb 15 to be decided in the near future.
That way you cover yourself in the event there is a disagreement in their letter. Your main issue it seems is the start time.
Congrats on the new job