5 Things to Check Before Signing A Contract 

• Sick Leave Policy: Review the policy to understand your entitlements and obligations.
• Confidentiality Agreements: Scrutinize any confidentiality agreements to know what is expected from you during and post-employment. This could include non-disclosure of sensitive company information and other proprietary details.

Additional Factors to Consider Before Signing A Contract

When presented with an offer letter or a new contract, it is essential to review all the terms and conditions carefully. Some of the critical things to consider when signing a contract include:

• Restrictive Clauses: Some contracts may include restrictive clauses, such as non-compete agreements or limitations on working for competitors. Review these clauses carefully to understand their scope and potential impact on your future job prospects.
• Bonuses and commission: If the contract includes any bonuses or commission, ensure that the terms are clearly defined, including how they are calculated and when they will be paid.
• At-will employment: It is crucial to understand whether the contract is for at-will employment, which means that either party can terminate the agreement without notice or cause.
• Probationary period: If there is a probationary period, review the terms, including the duration and any conditions that must be met before becoming a permanent employee.
• Signing on the dotted line: Before signing any contract, thoroughly read the entire document, including the small print, to ensure that you understand all the terms and conditions.
• End date: If the contract has an end date, make sure you understand what happens when the contract ends, including any severance pay or extended benefits.
• Termination of employment: Understand the reasons for which the employer can terminate the employment and any notice period required.
• Check your contract with your employer before signing: Consider seeking legal advice or discussing the contract with your employer before signing to ensure that you understand all the terms and conditions.
• Non-solicitation clause: If the contract includes a non-solicitation clause, understand what it entails and whether it restricts your future job prospects.
• Rights and responsibilities: Review your rights and responsibilities thoroughly, including job title, job description, hours of work, and job responsibilities, to ensure that they align with your expectations.
• Holidays at certain times of the year: If the contract includes specific holiday arrangements, ensure that they align with your preferences and needs.
• Include a non-compete clause: If the contract includes a non-compete clause, understand the implications, including the possibility of restrictions on working for a competitor.
• Including the possibility of flexible working: If the contract includes the possibility of flexible working arrangements, ensure you understand all the terms and conditions.

Conclusion

Before signing a written contract, it is important to take the time to read the small print and ensure that it accurately reflects the role and agreed-upon terms. This is especially true when considering a contract without the direct involvement of human resources, as there may be additional clauses or requirements that are not immediately apparent.

It is essential to consider aspects such as share options, non-disclosure agreements, and what the job entails, including any potential changes to the goalposts or required to take on more work. Similarly, it is important to understand any clauses relating to the ability to refuse to work without any notice, as well as the notice period required should you wish to terminate the contract.

By taking the time to make sure you understand the essential things outlined in the contract and asking any necessary questions, you can avoid potential issues down the line. It is always better to clarify expectations upfront than to deal with problems after the fact.