Upon receiving an employment contract, you’ll turn your immediate attention to details such as compensation, benefits and paid time off.
While all of these details are important, it’s critical to pay close attention to the many provisions that could impact you in the future. Here are three that deserve your full attention:
- Confidentiality agreement: This part of the contract states that you are not permitted to share any information about the employer’s business, such as how it collects data, its processes or any trade secrets. In most cases, a confidentiality agreement remains in effect even after you leave the company.
- Non-competition agreement: In the non-competition clause, you agree that you will not work for a competing company while employed or for a predetermined period after your employment ends.
- Exclusive employment: Some contracts state that you are not allowed to hold another job while working for the company. Others only note that you are not permitted to work for anyone in the same or a similar industry.
If you neglect to review these employment contract provisions before signing on the dotted line, it could affect you in the future.
For example, it’s critical to understand the details of a non-competition provision, as this may impact your job search in the future. You may be able to negotiate this out of your contract altogether or shorten the period in which it’s in effect.
With a full understanding of all employment contract provisions, you’re in a better position to review your contract with confidence. If you run into any issues during your employment or after you leave the company, take the steps necessary to protect your legal rights.
