You may be ecstatic upon seeing your new job contract. At last, you are just one step away from that job you have been aiming for. But before you sign on that dotted line, there are some important things that you have to consider (and possibly ask about) for your own protection and peace of mind. The job contract is a legal document, and there may be several things that you cannot easily decipher yourself. Here are some questions that you should ask your soon-to-be employer prior to finalizing your job agreement.

1. What are the employer’s expectations?

Have your job description clearly spelled out. Make sure that you understand every detail of your work, its nature, workflow, and outputs. What is the main goal of the unit in which you will be assigned? What will be your role in achieving this goal? To whom will you directly report? Will you serve a whole team? If there are statements in your job description that are vague or arbitrary, it’s important to clarify them immediately.

2. Are the benefits guaranteed? Do they change? If so, under what circumstances or whose terms?

It may have already been mentioned in the contract but it pays to ask questions about benefits. Do they come and go? Is there a standard structure that the company uses for this? Are these criteria susceptible to changes in the performance of the company or the market or perhaps influences from top management? If the company provides bonuses, what is the standard procedure for this? Is it performance-based or a company-wide incentive system?

3. What does the company use to conduct performance assessments?

Are performance assessments standardized? Does the company encourage self-evaluation? Does your peer have a say in your performance assessment? Inquire about the company’s materials for appraisal. It is very important that you ask what will be the implications if you get a low score. How often are appraisals conducted and how does the company use the results?

4. How about allowances and reimbursements?

If your work requires you to travel or go on field work, make sure to inquire about allowances and disbursements. What are the company rules and procedures on these matters?

5. How does the company compensate for overtime work?

Ask if your position is allowed for overtime work. If so, ask about the structure of overtime pay. The norm is time-and-a-half for any hours worked over 40 hours. However, companies do have different overtime standards for different types of employees. For instance, Boeing offers its line workers time-and-a-half for overtime worked on the weekdays and double-time for overtime worked on the weekends. However, most of its engineers get less than time-and-a-half for any overtime worked.

Full List: http://blog.ngcareers.com/956/10-questions-you-should-ask-your-employers-before-signing-the-employment-contract/

thanks 4 the info.

You are welcome