Things to Check Before Signing an Employment Agreement

After landing your new job, you may have been told you need to sign an employment agreement before you start working. If this is your situation, you must avoid being too quick to sign the agreement. After a long and difficult recruitment process, going through your employment agreement might not be an exciting thing. You might even be thinking that reading through your employment agreement is a waste of time. But reading your employment contract is a must. Even if you and your employer already agreed, you must read your employment contract before signing it. This article discusses some of the crucial things you need to check before signing an employment agreement. 

Employment At-Will and Employment Contracts

Most states, including New Jersey, are at-will employment states. Employment “at-will” means an employer can terminate a worker at any time, even without notice, and for any reason as long as it is legal or no reason. It means a worker can leave their job anytime, even without notice, and for any reason or no reason. Signing an employment agreement does not automatically mean you are not an at-will employee. Unless the agreement indicates that employment is not at-will, you are considered an at-will employee. 

Things You Should Check Before Signing an Employment Agreement

If you just got a new job in NJ and have been told you need to sign an employment agreement before you start working, the following are some things you should check before signing the agreement;

  • Job Title and Duties – The job title and duties should match those listed in the job description posting. If there are inconsistencies or you have questions or concerns, you should bring them up before you sign the agreement. Do not let ignore something because it seems minor. Something that seems insignificant might prove significant if, for example, you are fired from your job.  
  • Compensation and Benefits – On top of your salary or wages, you may be entitled to other compensation and benefits. Before signing an employment contract, check to be sure that the compensation and benefits offered are complete and accurate. Some examples of compensation and benefits you may be entitled to include overtime compensation, vacation/paid time off, commissions, holiday pay, 401(k) contributions, and sick leave. 
  • Schedule and Location Details – Check your employment agreement to see that it details how and where you will be working.For example, if you will be working in a particular office and a specific shift, ensure this information is in your employment agreement.
  • Restrictive Covenants – These are terms that limit your ability to work outside of that employer. Some examples of restrictive covenants include non-compete and non-solicitation agreements.

Let an Employment Lawyer Review Your Employment Agreement

After reading your employment agreement, it is good to have an employment attorney review it before you sign it. Consulting with a lawyer can help protect your interests and prevent future problems. For instance, an attorney can help you identify provisions that may negatively affect you.

Contact The Trabosh Law Firm

If you recently landed a new job in NJ and need a qualified employment lawyer to help you review your employment contract before you sign it, contact our New Jersey employment lawyer at The Trabosh Law Firm.

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