21
How to protect myself
I’ve been offered a opportunity to join a company, in an exciting role, but in a “try before you buy” scenario. They’ve had 2 hires in 2 years that have not been successful, so they are now risk adversed to making a full offer. They’ve suggested a 3 month contract-to-perm offer, but...want to continue with their job search, in case I’m not the right fit at the end of the 3 months (giving them viable candidates in the pipeline).
I feel this leaves me exposed, with me contributing at 110%, but with the potential of receiving a “thanks, but no thanks” at the end of 90 days, as well as the need to restart my job search.
What measures tactical or financial, can I put into place to mitigate my risk?
Evelyn LivantAssociate Software Engineer - Remote
486
10/28/20 at 2:45PM UTC
Can you ask them what qualities contributed to the previous failures? If they can quantify perhaps you can avoid the same mistakes? I think what is positive is that they are acting with transparency and making this a workable situation. Congratulations on having a good plan of action and you may be able to leave with good references if it doesn't work out.
Jody RileyI am looking for something new in AP
60
10/26/20 at 4:21PM UTC
I have done contract to hire in the past I have them work out and have them not work out. I have taken it has gives me a pay check and get me more experience and I can also figure out if the culture is for me or not. One that I didnt fit with culture I got offer from a vendor of the company that I was working since I was working with there team and they liked what I was doing.
CXEvangelist
21
10/26/20 at 2:18PM UTC
Thank you all for the valuable feedback. I’m not currently employed, so there’s no risk to my current job. If I move forward with this, I’ll request:
- A guaranteed 90-day contract
- A decision no later than 75 days into the contract
- Specific performance metrics
- Bi-monthly assessments, to ensure no surprises on the 75th day.
At this point, I think that’s the best I can do to cover myself.
User deleted comment on 10/26/20 at 1:40PM UTC
Debra SesholtzMarketing strategist driving results
854
10/26/20 at 1:23PM UTC
Agree with the comment that if you are currently employed, this might not be a good move now. If you do want to consider, see if you can establish a specific action plan with achievable goals during the 3-month period that if the goals are met would result in a permanent offer. I would also see if you can get them to tell you more about why the other candidates were not successful. If you are on COBRA, see if they will pay for your health benefits during this trial period. Probably continuing your search during the trial period would be wise.
JYJ
6.71k
10/26/20 at 1:20PM UTC
Ensure they agree to a monthly check in with specific KPIs mapped out ahead of time so that your performance has specific measurements of success. It's contract so you shouldn't stop your search anyway.
Anonymous
10/26/20 at 12:36PM UTC
I also would not end my job search. A great opportunity could come up with a company who will commit to you. In the meantime, make sure their offer is enough to cover your health insurance. You don’t say if you are currently employed. If you are, this may not be the right move right now, but only you can say for sure.
CXEvangelist
21
10/26/20 at 2:10PM UTC
Thank you for sharing. I just recently became unemployed, so my risk is low.
Anonymous
10/25/20 at 10:11PM UTC
I recommend treating this opportunity as a 3 month contract and not a permanent offer. After starting, check in with management at least monthly to make sure that all is satisfactory. It can give you an idea of whether this role is a good fit permanently all around.
