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So I got a job offer from company A. I told them I intended to accept, and they then proceeded to run a background and drug test on me. I did not "officially" accept the offer, meaning I didn't sign any paperwork, but I gave a verbal confirmation that I intended to accept. I successfully passed the drug + background test and was scheduled to begin work.
Soon afterwards, I got a second job offer from company B. I accepted this offer, and rejected the first offer from company A. It was not even close, the offer from company B paid approximately double what company A would pay.
Company A was understanding because I explained it to them and was polite. But they want me to pay ~$100 for the drug and background test.
I've gotten some opinions already and they range from "that's ridiculous, don't pay them anything!" to "You are lucky they aren't suing you! Just pay them the $100!". Would you guys pay it?
So I got a job offer from company A. I told them I intended to accept, and they then proceeded to run a background and drug test on me. I did not "officially" accept the offer, meaning I didn't sign any paperwork, but I gave a verbal confirmation that I intended to accept. I successfully passed the drug + background test and was scheduled to begin work.
Soon afterwards, I got a second job offer from company B. I accepted this offer, and rejected the first offer from company A. It was not even close, the offer from company B paid approximately double what company A would pay.
Company A was understanding because I explained it to them and was polite. But they want me to pay ~$100 for the drug and background test.
I've gotten some opinions already and they range from "that's ridiculous, don't pay them anything!" to "You are lucky they aren't suing you! Just pay them the $100!". Would you guys pay it?
No.
What if I failed my drug screening and didn't pass the background check? Would I still have to pay?
Absolutely not. Would they make you pay it if you failed it? For them to even consider asking is complete insanity - to actually pose the question is downright offensive.
Just to be clear, if I successfully passed the checks and started the job, of course they would not ask me to pay.
If I failed to pass a test, I would have to pay for the test (as well as have the job offer rescinded). I knew that was their policy. I also knew there was no chance I would fail either test (because I didn't lie on my resume and don't do drugs).
Another piece of information: I said Company A, but really it's a staffing agency that was trying to set me up with the job at Company A. I don't know if that makes any difference or not. The staffing agency handled the drug screening/background check. They probably paid a third party to conduct the actual checks.
did you sign something agreeing to pay for this if you didn't accept employment? if you didn't, they have nothing on you.
even if you did, it would cost them more to have a lawyer write you a letter, let alone sue you, if you refused to pay.
I agree. Unless it is EXPRESSLY WRITTEN that if you didn't take a job after the drug/background check that you would reimburse them, then you don't owe them anything.
I wouldn't have signed such a "policy" myself. Companies are trying their best not to take responsibility for ANYTHING anymore. It's sickening.
I wouldn't even dignify their request with a response. If they followed up again, I'd go with something like:
"Oh, I'm sorry - I thought that was some kind of joke"
Then politely ask them to never contact you again, and inform them that you will be passing on this story to anyone who will listen to it for the rest of you life, along with a recommendation to never deal with their penny-ante company under any circumstances.
As someone who hires people routinely, the fact that they try to recoup this general business expense even on failed tests is ludicrous. It's the cost of hiring if you're running these checks, absorb it!
Are you kidding? Why would YOU as a potential employee PAY to meet the requirements of the hiring company? If they want to "test" you then THEY pay for the tests.
Pay it, slave. I charge candidates an inconvenience fee of $50 if they don't advance to the second interview.
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