Just got official offer letter in the mail but I have some questions....

[Anonymous]

Hi all
I just got an official offer letter in the mail that I was waiting for. I am really happy, especially since it's an entry level position and the salary is higher than I expected. I am going to sit on it for a couple days (that's okay, right?) before sending back my signed copy. However, I have a few questions about specifics that I would like to know before accepting the job. They aren't dealbreaker type questions, but I still want to know. Can I email my would-be supervisor (the woman I have been in contact with and interviewed with) with my questions, or should I email her letting her know I have some questions, and could she direct me to HR?
My questions are about the schedule (the hours listed are 45 hours, so am I to assume this includes lunch, or is there a little bit of overtime involved?) Also, there is some tricky wording regarding the 401k plan- "3% of your eligible pay for each pay period will be automatically contributed to an account in your name...". At the interview, the supervisor said they will match up to 3% of whatever I contribute. But the wording here doesn't include anything about that, and I do want some clarification. Also, my schedule includes Saturdays. I know I have a day in June where I have a wedding on a Friday night (so I would need to take a half day that Friday), and another wedding in November (where I would need a Saturday off)- do I let her know right away? Is that bad to be taking time off already? I also would like to know how that works- if I can work a half day, instead of taking off the whole day, does it not make a difference?
I know these are all questions that won't necessarily make a difference in whether or not I accept the position, but they still are on my mind. Also, I have no information for the HR person, so I would be contacting my supervisor with these questions.

Let me know what you all think. I am new to this, so some of this might have an obvious answer, or seem kind of stupid!

[Anonymous]

OP here again. Just thought of another question- dress code. During the interview, I did see some employees dressed conservatively- dress pants/blazers (suits), dresses/heels... so I can just assume that's what I would be wearing too, right? I would like to have an official knowledge of it though. All of these are things that will most likely be in the employee handbook though right?

[Anonymous]

If you are sincere in saying that your questions are deal breakers I personally would not ask those questions now. Why peg yourself the annoying question asker right out of the box? Especially for an entry level job. If something is a dealbreaker then by all means, ask now, but if not just wait a bit. No matter what, don't ask your supervisor these specific questions...simply say to your supervisor that you have a few questions of an HR nature and would he/she be so kind as you put you in touch with the right person to ask.

[Anonymous]

meant to say "if you are sincere in saying that your questions are NOT deal breakers..."

[Anonymous]

OP here. You're so right. That's the last thing I want is to be the needy newcomer. They aren't dealbreakers, so I can wait on them. I think I'm just excited/anxious/ a little nervous, so all these thoughts are rushing around.

[Anonymous]

AS for the Saturday off in June, yes, I would tell them now. You are not obligated to change your plans nor will they expect you to as you made the plans prior to the job.

[Anonymous]

Communicate, once you get in the door. Since you are entry level, wake up! It is your first job. Try earning the money first!

[Anonymous]

In the past, when I have had previously scheduled trips that would conflict with the hours of a new job, I have asked whoever I was talking to in HR to include those days in my employment offer so that there is no confusion later. This has happened twice and neither time has been a problem. My logic was that for at least one of those trips, I would still be in the probationary period where one is not supposed to use vacation time, and I wanted it to be understood that I was not violating that rule.

[Anonymous]

15:14- Can you be more specific? You mean I should relax a little and worry about the details later?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:15:14- Can you be more specific? You mean I should relax a little and worry about the details later?

I'm not 15:14, but I would suggest that clarify the hours and the days during which you will not be available. I would not ask questions about dress code or 401k contributions at this point. You will comply with whatever the dress code is, and 401k questions can be saved for benefits discussions. Unless those things are dealbreakers to you. In which case, honestly, you are kind of nuts.

[Anonymous]

Step 1. Call or email your supervisor thanking them for the offer. Express your intent to accept and tell them you'll be signing the paperwork soon.
Step 2. Mention you have a few housekeeping questions you'd like to clarify at some point. Ask for a brief 15 mi ute call
Step 3. Go to the call. Clarify your work schedule and mention that you have an immovable commitment in June. Reiterate your interest. Don't bring up 401k, it'll get explained when you get there. I wouldn't ask about work dress either. What was your interviewer wearing? I'd dress business casual on your first day
Step 4. Profit

[Anonymous]

No, wear suit on your first day then see what others wear

[Anonymous]

agree with 23:56 and 21:22 above

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi all
I just got an official offer letter in the mail that I was waiting for. I am really happy, especially since it's an entry level position and the salary is higher than I expected. I am going to sit on it for a couple days (that's okay, right?) before sending back my signed copy. However, I have a few questions about specifics that I would like to know before accepting the job. They aren't dealbreaker type questions, but I still want to know. Can I email my would-be supervisor (the woman I have been in contact with and interviewed with) with my questions, or should I email her letting her know I have some questions, and could she direct me to HR?
My questions are about the schedule (the hours listed are 45 hours, so am I to assume this includes lunch, or is there a little bit of overtime involved?) Also, there is some tricky wording regarding the 401k plan- "3% of your eligible pay for each pay period will be automatically contributed to an account in your name...". At the interview, the supervisor said they will match up to 3% of whatever I contribute. But the wording here doesn't include anything about that, and I do want some clarification. Also, my schedule includes Saturdays. I know I have a day in June where I have a wedding on a Friday night (so I would need to take a half day that Friday), and another wedding in November (where I would need a Saturday off)- do I let her know right away? Is that bad to be taking time off already? I also would like to know how that works- if I can work a half day, instead of taking off the whole day, does it not make a difference?
I know these are all questions that won't necessarily make a difference in whether or not I accept the position, but they still are on my mind. Also, I have no information for the HR person, so I would be contacting my supervisor with these questions.

Let me know what you all think. I am new to this, so some of this might have an obvious answer, or seem kind of stupid!

I am curious - why?

It's an entry level job that you want so why wait?

[Anonymous]

Tell them about the days off now. Ask HR about 401k now. Just wait in everything else and DO NOT ask about a dress code. Wear something nice on your first day and you can see what others are wearing.