Definition
Contingent offer — A contingent offer is a job offer that states clearly, usually in the offer letter, that employment depends on one or more conditions being satisfied after the candidate accepts. The most common contingencies are a background check clearing, references confirming the candidate's account of their work history, a drug test coming back negative where the role requires one, and proof of eligibility to work in the country the job is based in. Some contingent offers also depend on verifying a required license, certification, or degree. The offer functions as a real offer, with agreed compensation, title, and start date, but it isn't fully final until the stated conditions are met. If a contingency isn't satisfied, the employer can withdraw the offer, though depending on the jurisdiction and what turned up, there may be a required process, like a chance for the candidate to respond, first. Employers use contingent offers because verification steps like a background check take time, and holding the whole process until every check is complete would slow things down for the large majority of candidates who pass without issue.
A contingent offer typically follows a verbal or written offer stage and precedes the actual start date, giving both sides a window where an accepted offer is real but not fully locked in. Candidates are generally advised to take it seriously, since most contingencies clear routinely, but not to take irreversible steps, like resigning from a current job, until the conditions are confirmed satisfied.
Frequently asked questions
What conditions are usually attached to a contingent offer?
Most commonly a background check, a reference check, and proof of eligibility to work. Some roles add a drug test or verification of a required license, certification, or degree.
Can an employer withdraw a contingent offer?
Yes, if a stated condition isn't met, though depending on the issue and where the job is based, there may be a required process, like giving the candidate a chance to respond, before the offer is formally withdrawn.
Should a candidate resign from a current job after receiving a contingent offer?
Most guidance is to wait until the contingencies are confirmed cleared with the new employer before taking an irreversible step, since a contingent offer isn't fully final until those conditions are met.
Related pages
Walk into the offer stage with a track record
A completed screening interview on Intervieux gives an employer real performance data before an offer even goes out, which can help the contingency stage move faster on both sides.