5 Things to Know Before Signing a Contract

You should be elated about getting a new job, but it would be a huge mistake not to postpone it for another day (or week at the most). You must sign a contract, and you must agree with everything in it.

You can't assume that it should be smooth sailing (after you've been told that you've been hired), as there may be some things about the new job that could lead to unhappiness (and probably deep regret). It would turn that transportation is a discomfort, as the location of the office isn't near (or convenient) to you. It should take you a month (or two) before you realize that the benefits would be below your expectations. You beat yourself up, as you should have asked questions (during the hiring process), What may be the worst part of all would be the scope of your job, where you struggle to do the tasks. (And there won't be signs that you should get used to it sooner or later). If you only took your time to read the contract.

The contract is not as complicated as it seems to be. You mustn't hesitate to ask questions if you don't understand an item or two. Moreover, it should be a reminder that the job-hiring process must be a two-way street. In other words, you could turn down the offer or do a negotiation with the recruiter or employer until an agreement would be reached. There are five things to watch closely, namely the nature of your job, the place of work and working hours, the offers in your contract, notice (after submitting your letter of resignation), and possible restrictive contracts.

Things to Pay Attention to When Signing a Contract

You must know what you can and can't do. You were able to pay attention to the (job) ad, modifying your resume to match the requirements (found in the ad). You should do a similar procedure while looking through your contract. Make sure that your job title would be correct, as a mistake could lead to tasks that might jeopardize your standing in the company during your first month. Read the responsibilities of your position carefully, asking the recruiter (or employer) for clarification afterward. Remember that a wider job description should be seen as your boss requiring you to do more work. And it may be quite different from what you've been expecting during the application process.

You must ask questions about the location of the office, as well as the working hours. Let's assume that your company has several offices. Is it possible to move from one location to another? Your boss may disapprove it, even take it against you. It will be better to settle it before you sign the contract. Likewise, you can talk about working from home. You should bring it up ONLY if you see if it's possible. (Your keen sense of observation will come into play here.). As for the working hours, make it clear that there will be extra pay for overtime. You should know if there will be work done during certain weekends, if not holidays. (And you must be paid for it.) Last but not the least, don't be shy to ask about flexible working hours.

Your contract must reflect the salary, benefits, and bonuses that are seen in your offer letter. The salary must be agreed by both parties. You should inquire about provision for benefits. You must find out, at the very early stage, if a bonus would be guaranteed or discretionary.

You should be clear about the notice. It can be a month-long period, it can also be as long as three months. Keep in mind that a notice that is too long may slow down your progress of looking for a new job. Likewise, a very short notice won't give you enough stability.

You must clear the air about restrictive clauses. There's no need for a contact, be it written or verbal, about new clients you introduce to your boss. It will be part of the company's database, and etiquette will remind you that you can't take those clients with you when you leave the company. Some contracts have more restrictive clauses, so it should be better to ask about it. There will be no harm in doing so.

Here are three more things to remember before you sign the contract

You have likely given your consent once you sign the contract. Trouble may arise if employer reserves the right to have a change of mind (and modify anything in the contract). Before a possible breach of contract will be argued (or disputed in the court), you must ask about it. Don't limit it to one question if you don't feel satisfied with everything in the contract.

You should be smart enough to know that the contract isn't the only written agreement between you and your employer. Job advertisement, company handbook, and other employment particulars can be counted as well. It won't be wise to be clueless about these things. If you can't find it all, even don't know about it at all, then make a request for it.

You may be entitled to have a holiday, but you won't be able to do it to your own choosing. Discuss it (before signing the contract), as this might make you miserable after a year or two.