In general, at the time of an offer and acceptance of a new job, most new employees are verbally told the details of their new employment, including the rate at which they'll be paid. Employers often believe that having a writing contract with an employee automatically eliminates the freedom of at-will status. This is incorrect. But verbal offers are not good for employees for a few reasons:

1. If the information is not written down and there is a dispute or misunderstanding as to what was said in the past, you will find it very difficult to prove your version of the original agreement.

2. The manager that made all of the verbal promises may move to another part of the company, or quit, or be fired, leaving no confirmation of your agreement;

3. The manager may not have been authorized by the company to make certain promises to you, and the company may refuse to stand behind the manager. The consequences can be profound if you have already resigned your old job and uprooted your family for the new one.