You just received a job offer as an executive for a large company. Before you begin, you’ll need to sign an employment contract, a document outlining the agreement clauses between an employer and an employee. Additionally, it includes information related to compensation, benefits and work schedule.
But examine the contract thoroughly before printing your name on the dotted line. Below are four red flags to watch out for.
1. An unusual sense of urgency
A sensible company usually allows new hires to take their time to review a contract before signing it. If you find language that says something along the lines of, “Sign and turn this document within the next 10 minutes,” then it’s a tip-off that something’s wrong. Why does your prospective employer want you to skim through it instead of reading it carefully?
2. Irrelevant job description
Unfortunately, some contracts contain job descriptions having little or nothing to do with the position you applied for and interviewed for. For example, it states that your duties include dusting, emptying trash and vacuuming. These responsibilities fall more in line with a janitor than an executive.
3. Vague work duration
Suppose the contract says that the position has a short probation period and is temporary but isn’t specific about the probation and temporary time lengths. This leaves you vulnerable to exploitation.
4. Non-compete agreement
A non-compete agreement may be included for a good reason, but some companies use them too freely and make them too restrictive. This could limit future job opportunities for you, so examine it cautiously.
It’s essential to study the details of a contract before making final decisions to work for a company. If you need extra assistance with your job contract because you feel something’s off, consider seeking legal guidance.