I was offered (and accepted) a job via email. How long am I supposed to wait for the employment contract?

What is the typical waiting period between an informal and formal job offer? Should I expect the contract via email or mail - maybe just an invitation to sign in person? Even though I've already informally accepted the job, should I call to clarify?

Thanks for any advice.

You should expect the contract to sign within the week even if the job doesn't start till a months time. They have to process details etc so they have to get everyones contract asap. I'd call them if you haven't received anything after a week.

Call, especially if it's been a couple weeks.

Didn't they give you any idea?
Bigger companies tend to take longer than smaller ones - I would wait a week then ring your contact & tell them you are just checking in & wondering how things are going with your formal offer & contract.
It is OK to appear enthusiastic!

Did you apply for the job or did you reply to an advert that came by email?
There are a lot of scams here. They collect your details and either steal your identity or access your bank account (if you've given them that info).
I hope I'm wrong but do watch out.

Once you've had the offer, you need to make sure that you have something in writing and signed before you do anything else, especially like handing in your notice at your present employment.

If you've not got it after a couple of days, chase them up and let 'em know that it's delaying you doing anything. It's perfectly reasonable to chase and they should understand you doing so.

If you've not got it after a week chase 'em again.

Any further delays and start job hunting again - just in case.

If you were 'offered' a job (by email) that you never applied for, its almost 100% sure you are being scammed ... time, I think, to contact your bank and put a stop to any outgoing funds transfer .. and check out 419 Advanced Fee Fraud, Cheque Cashing scams (link below)

Check out the contact details you have ..

If the return address is eg. 'Barclays_Bank@yahoo.co.uk' (or 'Barclays_Bank@msn.com or "...@any.public. free.email. provider.com") it's a scam.

If the address is "Barclays Bank, Threadneedle Street, Lagos, Nigeria" it's a scam :-)

On the other hand, if it all looks legit, vist their company adddress, and, if the Company name on the building matches you what you saw in the eMail, go in and ask the Recepionist if you can see Mr. (whoever your contact is) for a few miniutes to clear up the start date etc. .. but don't be too supprised if the address is an empty building site or you find no-one of that name works there :-)