Repaying Costs Associated With Recruitment Agency

[jrgray86]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? TN

I recently gave my current employer 2-week's notice to take another job. I've only been working my current job for 6 months and therefore, did not meet the 2 year requirement stated in my contract. The contract states "The company will pay you a lump sum of $2000 to assist with your relocation. Please note that should you voluntarily leave the company within 24 months you will be responsible for repaying a pro-rated portion of the costs associated with your placement and relocation." I took this to mean the $2000. Now HR is telling me I owe over $11,000 because they used a recruiter to hire me. Keep in mind the recruiter is someone they use regularly and I did not hire/seek him. He contacted me after finding my resume on CareerBuilder and set me up with the interview. Am I really obligated to pay this? That amount of money seems ridiculous. Please help.

 

[pattytx]

It does say associated with your "placement". What did you think that meant? $11K isn't all that unusual. It's normally a percentage of your salary for some period of time.

Are you telling me the recruiter never explained this to you?

 

[Beth3]

Am I really obligated to pay this? It would appear so however it would be worth your while to show the document to a local attorney and get an expert opinion. Depending on how badly the new employer wants you, they may be willing to pay a portion of or all of those outgoing costs for you.

 

[jrgray86]

Never Explained...of course I knew he would be paid by the COMPANY. I've always been told that recruiters can never charge a job seeker...only employers. Also, that pro-rated amount figures to be about 35% of my total package, which seems extremely high. And as far as "placement", I never considered paying for a recruiter who I never sought after.

 

[cbg]

I've always been told that recruiters can never charge a job seeker...only employers.

It's not that they cannot - there's no law prohibiting it. It's that reputable ones don't. Reputable ones charge the employer only.

Feel free to form your own conclusions about what I am saying between the lines....