Is swapping jobs legal?

Yes. Legally, a job swap is simply two job changes agreed at the same time: each company hires (or transfers, if the swap is within the same company) the person who arrives, with the same guarantees as any ordinary hire or relocation. There is no special “swap contract” to invent: it is formalised with the usual instruments of each country (a new contract, a transfer between offices, a leave of absence with the right to return for temporary swaps…). Caribou connects the people and helps prepare the proposal; the final decision and the paperwork always belong to the companies.

What happens to my seniority?

It depends on how the swap is formalised. If it is within the same company (between offices or countries), your seniority is preserved because your employer does not change. If it is between different companies, by default you start a new contract and seniority does not carry over automatically: it is one of the terms worth negotiating in the proposal (recognition of seniority, a shorter probation period, return conditions if the swap is temporary). We recommend putting it in writing before accepting the swap.

What if the swap goes wrong?

That is why it pays to agree safeguards up front: for temporary swaps, the date and conditions of your return to your original position (for example, through a leave of absence with the right to return); for permanent ones, a probation period during which either side can step back. In addition, Caribou's engine only proposes swaps with high affinity (same type of role, level, work mode, languages, destination…) and, in chains, requires a minimum score on every leg so nobody loses out. Caribou is not a party to the employment agreement: it facilitates the match and the preparation, but the terms are set by the people and their companies.

How much does it cost the company?

Today, nothing: Caribou is free for people and does not charge the company for the swap. The only cost for the company is the administrative one of formalising the change (contract or transfer), and in exchange it saves the cost of a resignation: the position is not left vacant and there is no need to open a recruitment process, because it receives someone with the same profile who already wants to be in that city. In many cases the swap is the alternative to the person simply leaving.

How does it work?

1
Sign up on Caribou Swap Jobs and complete the form so we can find your match.
2
Receive match options in your inbox every week and pick the one that suits you best.
3
Get to know your chosen match in more depth.
4
Work with your match on the details to ensure a successful swap pitch to the companies.
5
Present the swap to your company.
6
Start your journey.

Frequently asked questions about job swapping

Is swapping jobs legal?: Yes. Legally, a job swap is simply two job changes agreed at the same time: each company hires (or transfers, if the swap is within the same company) the person who arrives, with the same guarantees as any ordinary hire or relocation. There is no special “swap contract” to invent: it is formalised with the usual instruments of each country (a new contract, a transfer between offices, a leave of absence with the right to return for temporary swaps…). Caribou connects the people and helps prepare the proposal; the final decision and the paperwork always belong to the companies.
What happens to my seniority?: It depends on how the swap is formalised. If it is within the same company (between offices or countries), your seniority is preserved because your employer does not change. If it is between different companies, by default you start a new contract and seniority does not carry over automatically: it is one of the terms worth negotiating in the proposal (recognition of seniority, a shorter probation period, return conditions if the swap is temporary). We recommend putting it in writing before accepting the swap.
What if the swap goes wrong?: That is why it pays to agree safeguards up front: for temporary swaps, the date and conditions of your return to your original position (for example, through a leave of absence with the right to return); for permanent ones, a probation period during which either side can step back. In addition, Caribou's engine only proposes swaps with high affinity (same type of role, level, work mode, languages, destination…) and, in chains, requires a minimum score on every leg so nobody loses out. Caribou is not a party to the employment agreement: it facilitates the match and the preparation, but the terms are set by the people and their companies.
How much does it cost the company?: Today, nothing: Caribou is free for people and does not charge the company for the swap. The only cost for the company is the administrative one of formalising the change (contract or transfer), and in exchange it saves the cost of a resignation: the position is not left vacant and there is no need to open a recruitment process, because it receives someone with the same profile who already wants to be in that city. In many cases the swap is the alternative to the person simply leaving.