What Should I Look For in an Employment Contract?

Compensation, in full

Base pay is easy. Check how bonuses and commissions are earned, when they vest, and what happens if you leave mid-cycle. "Discretionary" means it is not guaranteed.

Job scope and hours

Look for the title, reporting line, location or remote terms, and any language allowing duties to change materially.

Non-compete and non-solicit

Three things decide how much these matter: how long they last, how wide the geography is, and how broadly "competitor" is defined.

Intellectual property assignment

Many agreements assign everything you create during employment to the employer. If you have side projects, look for a carve-out.

Confidentiality

Reasonable confidentiality is normal. Perpetual obligations covering general skills and knowledge are worth questioning.

Arbitration

Check whether disputes go to arbitration, who pays the cost, and whether class actions are waived.

Termination and severance

Find the notice each side must give, the definition of "cause," and whether any severance is promised in writing.

Before you sign

Ask for a copy of every referenced policy or handbook. Those documents are part of the deal.