One of the key components to securing a new job is to understand the employee agreement contract – knowing what conditions you are adhering to and reading the fine print. Here are some things you need to be aware of before signing your contract.
Title and Job Description
This may seem obvious, but knowing exactly what your job title is crucial when signing a contract. This is how future coworkers and future employers will refer to you, and it could be your title for the rest of your career. Your job title should accurately reflect your job description. If it is not what you expected, it’s time to negotiate and discuss your job title and why it is described as such.
Reading the job description is just as important, as you may be unaware of responsibilities or tasks that were not explained in the job interview. If the job description is too meager or expansive, be wary. You could end up doing work you did not intentionally sign up for, and it can lead you down a gruesome path.
Some employee agreement contracts do not have job descriptions. In this case, you should be completely aware and understanding of the tasks and responsibilities you are expected to do.
Salary and Bonuses
Make sure to check that your salary is listed as it was negotiated in your interview. Also be aware of how and when they will pay you. Every month? Every Friday?
When it comes to bonuses and commissions, be sure to look for how you will get that money: when the customer pays or at the point of sale. Once you’ve laid out all these important details, it’ll be easier and less stressful to make sense of the contract.
Non-Compete Clauses
Non-compete clauses are what prevent you from working for the competitor of your former employer. These clauses can vary by state in what is allowed and what is not. Texas, for instance, grants the non-compete clause agreeable if the restrictions are within reasonable scope.
It is important to go over all of the clauses in an employee agreement contract with a small business lawyer before making any big decisions.
If you are about to secure a new job and need to review your employee agreement contract, call Dan Burke to speak to the most experienced business attorney in San Antonio today.
