Tom Sorensen | NPAworldwide

15-point employment contract checklist every candidate should review before signing

Receiving a job offer and employment contract is exciting.

After weeks, and sometimes months, of interviews, assessments, and discussions, many candidates feel relieved when the employment contract and job offer finally arrives.

Stop. That relief can also be dangerous.

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Over the years, I have seen candidates focus almost exclusively on the salary figure while overlooking important details that later caused disappointment, frustration, or even early resignation.

Before you sign, review these 15 important points

Before signing an employment contract, take time to review more than just compensation. Confirm your job title, reporting line, responsibilities, bonus structure, benefits, annual leave, work location, working hours, probation terms, termination provisions, and future career opportunities.

Pay particular attention to benefits that may have been discussed during interviews. If a benefit influenced your decision to accept the role, make sure it is clearly written into the employment contract and not simply referred to as "according to company policy."

Candidates should also carefully review any non-compete, non-solicitation, or restrictive clauses that could affect future career opportunities. A poorly understood clause today can become a major problem later.

Finally, remember that your professional reputation matters when leaving your current employer. Give proper notice, complete a professional handover, and leave on good terms. You never know when a future employer may seek references.

There is so much more in the blog that is important; don’t skip it. The headlines are:

• Before you sign, review these 15 important points
• Understand your key responsibilities
• Pay close attention to benefits
• Getting fired during probation has rules
• Know this about non-compete clause
• Your professional reputation is on the line when resigning
• The employment contract deserves careful attention

Many candidates spend more time researching a new smartphone than reviewing the offer letter that will shape the next chapter of their career. 

That is a mistake.

The best time to address concerns is before you sign, not after your first day at work.