Should I Sign Employment Contract? Pre-Signing Checklist
Employment contract is binding. Once you sign, hard to change. This guide helps you decide: is it safe to sign or should you negotiate more?
Pre-Signing Verification
(1) SALARY MATCH: Does contract state correct salary? Not "TBD" or "competitive"? (2) BENEFITS MATCH: Does contract include promised benefits (health insurance, 401k, PTO)? (3) EQUITY MATCH: If startup, does grant match verbal offer? (4) START DATE MATCH: Is start date what you agreed? (5) TITLE MATCH: Job title correct? (6) CONTINGENCIES CLEAR: Background check, references, etc.—timeline clear? (7) FINAL TERMS: All negotiated terms included (non-compete scope, clawback duration, severance)?
Last-Minute Red Flags
(1) LAST-MINUTE CHANGES: "We updated the contract, please re-sign." Red flag. Ask what changed. (2) DISCREPANCIES: Contract doesn't match offer letter. Which is correct? Verify with HR. (3) VAGUE TERMS: "Eligible for bonus" without amount. Too vague. Ask for specifics. (4) MISSING SECTIONS: Should have severance but contract is silent. Ask why. (5) GOVERNING LAW MISMATCH: "Governed by TX law" but you're in CA. Clarify implications.
Go/No-Go Decision
GO: Contract matches offer, no surprises, you're comfortable. NO-GO: Contract has changes not discussed, major discrepancies, unclear terms. Ask HR to clarify before signing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if contract has typos?
Ask HR to fix before signing. Don't assume "they meant" something. Get it corrected.
Can I edit contract after I get it?
Don't edit yourself. Ask HR to make changes officially. Document all changes.
What if I realize an issue after signing?
Too late. You're bound. Contact HR and ask for amendment (unlikely but try). Lesson: review thoroughly before signing.
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