10 Offer Letter Traps Freshers MUST Avoid! (Don't Get Scammed)

Summary

In this video, fresher coach Ish explains the 10 key things freshers need to check before signing their first offer letter to avoid hidden traps. From understanding salary breakdowns and job roles to avoiding companies with poor work culture or job stability, Ish covers it all. He emphasizes the importance of checking probation periods, work hours, leave policies, training opportunities, and more. Freshers are encouraged to ask questions, investigate company reviews, and ensure they are clear on exit policies and offer letter validity. Ish’s final advice: don’t sign without thorough scrutiny—your first job can shape your career for years.

Takeaways

• 😀 Always ask for a full salary breakdown during the interview, including fixed pay, bonuses, allowances, and ESOPs.
• 😀 The CTC (Cost to Company) is often misleading, and your actual take-home salary may be much lower than expected due to bonuses, taxes, and deductions.
• 😀 Ensure your job title and responsibilities match what was discussed during the interview, as vague titles can lead to unexpected tasks.
• 😀 Long probation periods (over 6 months) are a red flag, as they may limit your benefits, job security, and pay.
• 😀 Research a company’s work culture and hours before accepting an offer, especially if the job requires long hours without overtime pay.
• 😀 Avoid companies with signs of financial instability, high employee turnover, or poor reviews regarding job security.
• 😀 Verify the company’s leave policy to ensure you have reasonable vacation days and sick leave, without the risk of salary deductions.
• 😀 Check if the company offers clear training and growth opportunities. Avoid roles that offer no learning or mentorship.
• 😀 Pay attention to the company culture—look for signs of toxic work environments, micromanagement, or lack of work-life balance.
• 😀 Be wary of long notice periods (3 months or more) and bond agreements that can trap you if you decide to leave early.
• 😀 Make sure the offer letter is clear on the joining date and salary, and avoid offers that are ‘subject to management decision’ or still under review.

Q & A

What is the main issue with CTC (Cost to Company) that freshers face?

Freshers often get misled by the glamorous CTC figure, which includes components like bonuses, insurance, and ESOPs that they don’t immediately receive in cash. The actual in-hand salary is much lower than what is advertised.

How can freshers avoid being misled by the CTC breakdown?

Freshers should ask for a full salary breakdown during the interview, compare fixed pay versus variable pay, and calculate their in-hand salary by factoring in bonuses, provident fund, taxes, and ESOPs.

What should freshers do to ensure they are not trapped by misleading job titles?

Freshers should confirm that the job title in their offer letter matches the one they interviewed for, ask for a detailed job description, and research the job title to avoid vague roles that may include undesirable tasks.

What are the risks associated with probation periods?

During probation, freshers face lower job security, fewer benefits, and a lower salary compared to permanent employees. Some companies extend the probation period indefinitely, keeping freshers in uncertain conditions.

How can freshers verify their probation period terms?

Freshers should ask HR for the official probation period, check the offer letter for confirmation processes, and inquire whether salary increases are expected after probation.

How can freshers avoid getting caught in the 9-to-9 work trap?

Freshers should connect with current and former employees on Glassdoor or LinkedIn, check if the contract specifies fixed work hours, and avoid vague answers from HR about work expectations.

What steps can freshers take to ensure job stability before accepting an offer?

Freshers should research company reviews on platforms like Glassdoor, AmbitionBox, and LinkedIn. They should also check for signs of financial instability, layoffs, and red flags like high attrition rates.

How can freshers verify the leave and holiday policies in an offer letter?

Freshers should ask HR about annual leave, sick leave policies, and whether leave can be taken during probation. They should also check if leave is carried forward or canceled at year-end.

What should freshers do to ensure growth opportunities in the company?

Freshers should inquire about structured training programs, check LinkedIn profiles of senior employees to assess growth, and review promotion criteria in the contract to avoid stagnant roles.

What should freshers do to evaluate company culture before signing the offer?

Freshers can check the company’s social media and employee reviews for signs of a positive work environment. They should also ask HR about employee well-being programs and take note of any vague or non-serious responses.