5 Things to Consider Before Signing That Job Contract

5 Things to Consider Before Signing That Job Contract




So, you’re nearing the end of your trade training at one of our centres and you’ve just found out you’ve been successful at a recent interview for what appears to be your dream job. But before you sign your name on the dotted line, make sure to make these final checks:

1. What is Your Official Job Title and Outlined Responsibilities?


It’s important to understand the exact scope of the role before you start in order to avoid any nasty surprises. Be aware that the broader the description, the more varied a job you are likely to have. This can prevent boredom, but it may also leave you feeling like a dog’s body and not wanting to complain as you���re the newbie. 

You may also like to check the job title reflects the level of responsibility you will be assuming. For example, if you will be heading up a team, you may like the title of ‘Manager’ or ‘Head of Department’, not simply ‘engineer’ or ‘executive’. 

2. How Much Will You Get Paid and Are There Any Benefits?


Often a job advert will not say how much a job pays, just ‘competitive salary’, and many people do not like to ask about pay in an interview for fear of coming across wrong. Therefore, it is highly possible to be offered a job without knowing what the pay and benefits are. 

Make sure to read your offer letter in detail and check the provisions for payment and any other company benefits e.g. a company car, phone or laptop. Analyse the rules regarding bonuses – do you have to work at the company for a set period of time before you qualify for one? – and discover if your pay is performance based or not before you sign any contract. 

3. What Working Hours Will You Have and Are They Flexible?


Your offer letter may say the working hours are 9 until 5, but that doesn’t necessarily mean these are set in stone. If these hours don’t work for you, ask the employer if these hours are flexible. They may offer flexi-time or shift work if this is more suitable to your needs. 


In any paperwork, there should also be mention of any required out of hours work such as evenings and weekends. Beware of statements such as ‘work all the necessary hours required from the role’ and enquire about overtime pay if this does appear. 

4. Does the Company Offer You a Chance to Evolve? 


This job could be amazing for right now, but how do you think you’ll feel working there in eighteen months time? If you think you’ll be getting itchy feet and wanting to progress up the career ladder, take a look at the company structure to see if there will be the possibility of progressing internally. 

If this job is as good as it gets, and you want more, perhaps you’re better off waiting for something with greater progression options. 

5. How Many Holiday Days Are You Entitled to?



Ensure that there are no limits to when you can take your holiday (such as during the run up to Christmas or other busy periods), when the holiday year starts and ends, plus if you can carry days over from year-to-year. This is especially key if you have children and will need to use your annual leave to fit around the school holidays. 

Need Further Qualifications Before You Apply for Your Dream Job 


If you’ve started looking for a new career and have found you require top up training in order to put the best version of yourself forward for consideration, we can help.

Whether you’re a novice or an experienced tradesperson, we have a course for you. Discover our trade training courses and improve your chances of getting that exciting new job here


Get in touch to learn more about our training courses!

First Name *
Surname *
Telephone Number *
E-mail address *
Ask A Question *
 
Security Character Security Character Security Character Security Character Security Character Security Character
Enter Letters (No Spaces) *