Contract Decoder

How to complete Contract Decoder

Signing an employment contract unread means agreeing to terms that can quietly cost you your next job or months of pay. This is reading the whole thing, especially the clauses that bind you after you leave, and clarifying anything fuzzy before your signature lands.

1. Read every page start to finish before signing, not just the salary line.
2. Flag the non-compete: which roles, what region, how long, and whether it's enforceable where you live.
3. Check the notice period both ways, plus any clawback on bonuses or relocation.
4. Confirm who owns what you create, especially side projects and IP.
5. Ask HR in writing to clarify or amend anything unclear, and get changes into the document itself.

Tips

• Non-competes are unenforceable in some states and countries; know your local law first.
• Verbal promises like 'we'll revisit your title in six months' mean nothing unless written in.
• For senior or equity-heavy offers, a one-hour lawyer review pays for itself.

What counts as done

You've read the full contract, understand the non-compete and notice terms, and resolved every question before signing.