Starting a new job can be an exciting time in anyone’s life, especially if the job is one the individual has been working towards attaining for some time; however, pretty much all new jobs bring with them a host of paperwork that needs to be signed and completed before the job starts, and there are a few items you want to make sure you understand before signing on the dotted line.
1. Job Description
Read your job description carefully and ask questions about anything you do not understand. Having a firm grasp of what you will be expected to do will be important in ensuring that you don’t end up being surprised by what is asked of you. If your contract doesn’t include a job description, it might be a good idea to ask for one.
2. Salary & Benefits
Checking out your salary and benefits can be a rewarding part of preparing for a new job, but you will want to check the numbers for accuracy. While it may seem like a given if you have an agreed-upon plan with your employer, numbers can get mixed up in the underwriting process. Additionally, it is never a bad idea to examine the pay schedule for when you will get paid and to spend some time looking at the specifications of the benefits you are being offered, like health care, days off, retirement matching and so on. All of these are important elements to understanding your overall financial standing with the company.
3. Expected Work Hours
Knowing in advance when you are expected to report to work can help stave off future issues. Make sure you can commit to the times outlined in your contract, and if there are any issues, address them in advance. It is also important to check the holidays you have off and what sort of nights, weekends and overtime hours might be expected.
4. Start Date & Termination
Just as important as when you start your job is what might happen if you leave. While you may not be thinking about leaving now, at some point that may want to, so it isn’t too early to look at what that might entail. There may be some legal jargon that you don’t understand, so don’t be afraid to enlist the help of professionals like wrongful dismissal lawyers if needed.
As thrilling as new employment can be, the shine can quickly be worn off if you are uninformed and agree to items without fully understanding them. Take time to read and process your contract and ask questions where needed. Doing so may only add to the excitement you feel when that start date finally arrives.
