A contingent job offer is an offer of employment that is subject to certain conditions being met before the job offer is finalized and accepted. These conditions can vary depending on the job, but they often include background checks, drug testing, and the successful completion of specific assessments. As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, contingent job offers are becoming more common and are being used by employers to better assess a candidate’s skills and qualifications before making a final job offer.
Whether you are a job seeker or an employer, it is important to understand the nuances of a contingent job offer and its implications. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what a contingent job offer is and what it means for employers and job seekers. Additionally, we’ll explore best practices for employers when making contingent job offers, as well as tips for job seekers who are considering accepting a contingent job offer. You’ll walk away from this post with a better understanding of contingent job offers and
Why employers might use contingent job offers
Employers might use contingent job offers for several reasons, including:
What is a contingent job offer?
Employers can find qualified job candidates by using a contingent job offer, also known as a conditional job offer. To ascertain a candidate’s eligibility, they perform background checks, reference checks, and other evaluations. Contingent job offers can occur for permanent positions. But they are also typical for contract work, short-term assignments, skilled work, and internships.
Disadvantages of a contingent job offer
The following are some potential drawbacks of accepting a contingent job offer:
Advantages of a contingent job offer
A few advantages to accepting a contingent job offer include:
Common contingencies
Employers typically evaluate a candidate’s qualifications for employment at their company using a variety of contingency factors. Here are some scenarios where employers might use potential contingencies and examples of those situations:
Physical exam
Some employers demand physical exams from new hires before they start work to make sure they are physically capable of performing their duties.
For instance, airline pilots are subjected to physical and psychological examinations so that their employers can be certain they can transport passengers safely to their destination.
Relocation
Relocation is also considered a factor in contingent job offers. Employers must be aware that new hires have the means to travel and find housing before they can begin their jobs if they currently reside too far from the employer’s location.
For instance, a political consultant might be given a chance to work on a campaign in Washington, D.C. C. If they can relocate within two weeks, they will be given a contract for one year.
Drug test
Drug tests are yet another requirement that employers impose on workers in order to assess their level of mental and physical fitness. Before beginning the new job, a candidate might be required to submit a urine or blood sample at a drug testing facility.
Some employers also demand that current workers submit to monthly drug tests
Commercial drivers license
Some jobs might require a commercial drivers license. Employers may request to see the license and any pertinent paperwork, or the applicant may need to complete the required training to obtain the license.
For instance, a trucking company might make the applicant a contingent job offer, stating that they can begin working as soon as they receive their Class B trucking license.
Background checks and fingerprinting
Employers run background investigations and fingerprint candidates to learn about their criminal histories. Background checks take time to process, and applicants must visit a law enforcement agency to have their fingerprints taken if they are not already in the system. This is a common factor in contingent job offers.
For instance, an applicant for a position as a tutor might be given a conditional job offer while the employer runs a careful background check to ensure they are fit to work with children.
Credit check
A credit check may be required as a condition of a contingent job offer by employers. This is crucial for jobs where handling money or using a company credit card for regular tasks is possible.
An event planner might make a contingent job offer to a candidate, for instance. Their employer may check their credit report to see how they manage their finances since their job will require them to use a company credit card to buy decorations for venue spaces.
Reference check
During or following an interview, an employer will most likely request contact information for references. Employers can verify a candidate’s skill level, professional experiences, and even educational background with the help of references.
For instance, before verifying a candidate’s five years of IT experience, an employer might make them a conditional job offer.
Common contingencies for staffing agencies
Staffing firms offer a range of employment options, such as contract work, temp-to-hire positions, or seasonal employment. Due to the nature of their work, staffing firms may interview applicants for positions with their clients and even possibly place them with a business before the completion of the following steps:
Tips for what to do when you get a contingent job offer
When you receive a job offer that is conditional, you should take the following actions:
Job Offers: Responding to a Contingent or Contingency Offer | JobSearchTV.com
FAQ
Can I back out of a contingent job offer?
- Don’t wait to respond. …
- Include a thank you for the offer, your written acceptance, the offer’s terms and conditions, such as the starting date and the job title and salary.
- Keep it professional. …
- Return enclosures and attachments.
Are contingent offers a good idea?
Regarding withdrawing from a job offer that is conditional, nothing is final until everything is final. If they can match it, you can continue. If not, they will politely ask you to withdraw and accept the other offer. Alternatively, you can inform them that you have another offer of X and Y.
Can you negotiate a contingent job offer?
The Bottom Line. Contingency offers are a helpful tool when there are specific unknowns that buyers want to safeguard themselves against. Buyers can enter into otherwise legally binding contracts without worrying about facing financial repercussions if necessary conditions aren’t met by making contingent offers.
