In a job market where the competition to attract and retain talent is increasingly fierce, ensuring that a job offer is solidified correctly is as important as finding the ideal person for the role. Often, after a long recruitment process, uncertainty between the company and the candidate can lead to doubts or even the loss of a key profile. This is where the pre-contract of commitment to hire comes into play: an agreement that guarantees both parties are committed and secure before the final contract is signed.
Far from being just a formality, the pre-contract is a powerful tool that secures both the company and the candidate, providing security, clarity, and commitment from the outset. In this article, we explain how this document can make a difference in your recruitment processes and why you should consider it a key part of your strategy to attract and retain top talent.
What is a pre-contract of commitment to hire?
The pre-contract of commitment to hire is a legally binding agreement that defines the essential terms of the future employment relationship between the company and the candidate, prior to signing the final contract. Through this document, both parties formalize their commitment, ensuring transparency on key aspects such as the position, remuneration, social benefits, and start date. It is, in essence, the final step to closing the recruitment process, providing peace of mind and clarity in an increasingly competitive environment for attracting and retaining talent.
Benefits of the pre-contract for the company and the candidate
Both the company and the candidate benefit from using a pre-contract. Below, we highlight some of the most relevant advantages:
1. Security and transparency
The pre-contract ensures that both parties have a clear understanding of the agreed employment conditions. By providing a transparent framework, mutual trust is generated, which facilitates the transition to the onboarding phase without fear of surprises or misunderstandings.
2. Risk reduction
By formalizing a commitment before signing the final contract, companies can protect themselves against situations where, after a lengthy selection process, the chosen candidate decides to accept an offer from another company. The pre-contract reduces this risk by legally binding both parties.
3. Professional image
For candidates, receiving an offer accompanied by a pre-contract is a sign of the company's seriousness. This is especially important when attracting highly qualified profiles, who value stability and rigor in employment relationships.
4.Early commitment
Signing a pre-contract promotes loyalty from the start, conveying to the candidate that the company is fully committed to their onboarding. This early connection helps prevent the talent from seeking alternatives before beginning their employment relationship.
Important considerations when signing a pre-contract
For a pre-contract to be truly effective, it is essential to pay attention to several key aspects:
1. Clarity in terms
Each term of the pre-contract must be clearly specified. Salary, benefits, probation period, and start date should be detailed precisely so the selected candidate feels secure and confident in their decision to sign.
2. Confidentiality and mutual commitment
It is important to include confidentiality and commitment clauses, as well as penalties in case of non-compliance by either party. This ensures that both parties will uphold their commitment until the final contract is signed.
3. Review time for the candidate
Providing a reasonable amount of time for the candidate to review the pre-contract is essential. This action not only reinforces the company’s professional image but also demonstrates respect for the candidate’s needs, allowing them to make an informed decision.
The added value of a successful recruitment close
At Servitalent, we understand the importance of closing a recruitment process in a way that strengthens the relationship from the outset. That’s why we work hand-in-hand with our client companies to ensure that signing a pre-contract is an essential part of the recruitment process. This step not only concludes the talent search but also provides the candidate with the assurance that they are joining an organization committed to seriousness and transparency at every stage of the employment relationship.
Are you ready to secure your company's talent from the very start?
