I got a new job! At least I think I did

For a job seeker, there is no better feeling than picking up the phone and hearing those magical words, "We'd like to make you an offer." After a call like that, it's natural to want to shout the news from the rooftops, hand in your two weeks' notice and buy yourself a "Congratulations on the new job" present.

But what happens when a week goes by and you have yet to receive official new-hire paperwork or any additional communication from the hiring manager? You don't want to bother the new company, but you start to panic. Perhaps your celebration was a bit premature?

Given today's up-and-down economy, strange or untraditional hiring situations are becoming more common. Perhaps you get an oral offer but then never hear back. Or you accept a job with the understanding that it's for a certain role but later learn the position has become drastically different. You're just happy to be offered a job, so you don't want to come across as pushy or a complainer. You do, however, want -- and deserve -- to get some confirmation or clarity.

If you ever find yourself on the receiving end of what appears to be an awkward or ambiguous hiring situation, here is some advice to help you avoid getting burned:

Daniel Newell, job development and marketing specialist for San Jose State University's Career Center in San Jose, Calif., suggests that if you don't hear back after seven to 10 days, it's time to follow up. "When calling the employer, thank them for taking your call and inform them that you were calling to follow up on the job offer made to you," Newell says. "Let them know that you have been preparing yourself for the opportunity and are simply inquiring about a general estimate of when they anticipate you starting the position. It's not a bad idea to ask if you will receive a formal offer via email or by mail."

If after multiple attempts you're still hitting a brick wall, it may be a sign that it's time to move on. "If a job seeker has interviewed with an employer and has checked in with them at least twice within three weeks and has still not received a formal job offer or any sign of moving forward in the hiring process, that job seeker should reconsider working for that employer," Newell says. "This looks bad on a company and tarnishes their image as a professional business or representative."

That's not to say that if you're unsure about the drastic change you can't speak up. Just do it in a way that shows you're a team player and happy to pitch in where needed, but you want to have a complete understanding of the expectations and goals for the position.