{"id":1476,"date":"2021-10-19T08:55:00","date_gmt":"2021-10-19T07:55:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jobsrmine.com\/blog\/?p=1476"},"modified":"2022-11-02T20:46:57","modified_gmt":"2022-11-02T20:46:57","slug":"employment-contract-checklist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jobsrmine.com\/blog\/employment-contract-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"What Should You Know Before Signing An Employment Contract?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\"Job<\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Receiving a job offer <\/a>should not cloud your responsibility to undertake due diligence. You may feel excited about being offered a new job, especially if it\u2019s your first step in your career or moving to a larger company. It\u2019s understandable. Don\u2019t let your excitement blind you to the details in your contract. Take a couple of deep breaths and read your job contract carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You must look out\u00a0for the details in your contract. Confirm that the details match what was discussed during the interview. It\u2019s also essential to take a long view. You may think exit restrictions or benefits like parental leave aren\u2019t significant now, but life can change quickly, and it\u2019s good to know about your benefits and responsibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Typically, you have a short window before signing your contract. Don\u2019t rush \u2014 if you\u2019re unfamiliar with the state or country, it may be prudent to have an attorney or lawyer go through it. This could potentially save you a lot of stress later on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve put together a list of things you should look for in your next job contract. Consider this a starting point. Don\u2019t be afraid to clarify anything you don\u2019t understand. You also have the right to ask for changes to the contract, although your bargaining power will depend on your career to date and experience. Let\u2019s get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Job title and job description<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    It\u2019s critical to confirm the scope of responsibilities of the role you\u2019ve been offered. If the role details were discussed during the interview, ensure the contract details reflect these discussions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It\u2019s essential to understand what you will be held responsible for. It also allows you to delineate what is not your area of responsibility. In some jurisdictions, the company\u2019s job advertisement<\/a> and other written communications can be considered part of the contract. Keep all documentation from the company in a file along with your agreement. The information may prove helpful if things turn sour later on. If the role description is too vague, you may be forced to take on more than you agreed or imagined. Don\u2019t hesitate to ask clarifying questions. It may also be helpful to learn about the company\u2019s working culture to see if extra unpaid work (overtime, for example) is the norm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. Restrictive clauses\/covenants<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This section on your contract may not be relevant to you or even during your time at the company. All the same, it is a valuable exercise to go through the details here carefully. If you decide to move on from the job, you may face restrictions about who you can work for or work with for a while. Don\u2019t let this discourage you from building contacts throughout your career \u2014 be aware of the conditions governing those relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n