If you’ve received a contingent job offer, you’re probably wondering what will happen next. The answer? It depends. Companies that make contingent offers of employment want you to work for them, but they also need to check that what you’ve told them about yourself is factually accurate – your employment history, skills, education, strengths and weaknesses, and more.
All the checks are part of the pre-employment process, and how long it takes depends on the employer and the requirements of a position or role. That’s why the employment offer is contingent – it is an offer for employment that is conditional on the results of these checks. Contingent offers can be for permanent, contact, or temporary positions or even internships.
Time frame for the pre-employment process
The duration of the pre-employment process can vary significantly even within a company. In some cases, it may be completed within a few days, while in others, it could take several weeks or even months. The time frame is influenced by elements such as the complexity of the background checks, the number of verifications required, and the responsiveness of the parties involved.
For a straightforward pre-employment process with basic background checks and verifications, the timeline can be as short as two or five business days, depending on the employer. Your experience with an employer, including Employbridge, may be different. For example, at Employbridge we must meet the specific requirements of our clients, which could extend or add steps to the process that can take weeks to complete.
In general, more comprehensive background checks and verifications will take longer. For instance, if the position requires extensive education and employment history verifications, drug testing, credit checks, or security clearances, the pre-employment process could span two to four weeks or longer.
Certain factors can further extend the timeline, such as:
- Delays in receiving responses from previous employers, educational institutions, or references.
- Incomplete or inaccurate information provided by the applicant, necessitating additional verification steps.
- High volumes of applicants, leading to backlogs in processing background checks.
- Involvement of third-party background check companies, which may have their own processing timelines.
- Legal or regulatory requirements that mandate specific checks or clearances, potentially adding extra time.
In extreme cases, such as positions requiring high-level security clearances or extensive international verifications, the pre-employment process could take several months to complete.
It's important for job applicants to be patient and understand that a thorough pre-employment process is necessary to ensure the safety and integrity of the workplace and to protect the interests of both the employer and the employee.
What does the pre-employment process include?
Employbridge’s pre-employment process includes a number of different checks, some of which may need to be completed before you can begin work.
- Criminal history check. This can include searching public records to identify criminal convictions, arrests, or pending charges against the candidate.
- Drug screening. Where legally allowed, the primary purpose is to reduce the risks associated with impaired judgment, decreased productivity, and potential safety hazards.
- Employment verification. Employers often contact a candidate's previous employers to verify the dates of employment, job titles, responsibilities, and reasons for leaving.
- Education verification. This may include contacting educational institutions directly to confirm a candidate's attendance, graduation status, degrees, diplomas, or certifications.
- Credit check. For some positions, particularly those involving financial responsibilities or handling sensitive information, employers may conduct a credit check to assess the candidate's financial history.
- Reference checks. This involves contacting individuals who have previously worked with the job candidate, typically former managers, supervisors, or colleagues. The primary objective is to gain insights into the applicant's work ethic, professional conduct, strengths, and areas for improvement.
How to prepare for the pre-employment process
There are things you can do to help alleviate stress and ensure a smooth experience for you and your potential employer. Here are a few tips.
Gather necessary documentation. Employers may request identification, educational transcripts, employment history, and references. If you collect these documents in advance, you can help prevent delays.
Review your background. Go over your employment history, educational records, and any other relevant information to Identify and address any potential discrepancies or issues that could arise during a background check.
Disclose information upfront. Being transparent can help build trust and demonstrate your integrity.
Talk to your references. Ensure they are aware that they may be contacted and are prepared to provide positive feedback about your work performance and character.
Be responsive. Answer requests from the employer or background check company as quickly as possible to keep the process moving smoothly.
Follow instructions carefully. Failure to comply with instructions can result in delays or even disqualification from the hiring process.
Maintain professionalism. Respond to inquiries promptly, be courteous, and demonstrate your commitment to the potential role.
Supports and insights from Employbridge
As a reminder, the information in this article is just an overview of the pre-employment process, which will vary from employer to employer. We should also note Employbridge’s clients have differing and specific processes, and completing a pre-employment check for one of our clients doesn’t automatically qualify you to work for all of them.
If through the hiring process feels daunting, Employbridge is here to offer support. With our focus on championing individuals and unlocking potential, we provide not only job opportunities but also free skills training, educational courses, and connections with top employers.
For more answers and articles about career growth, preparing for an interview and more, visit our blog. You can also explore all of our career opportunities or contact us.
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