Scouts top tips to think about before you sign on the dotted line.
We are very lucky at Scout to share in the feeling of being able to change someone’s life with a new job – we get to deliver this amazing news and be part of the wonderful feeling of someone offering you the job that you have prepped and worked hard to get.
There are loads of things that go through your head just before you are about to commit to taking on a new role, but below are a few practical things to consider before you actually sign that contract:
Final chance to negotiate the details:
The salary has probably been the focus of the negotiation so far but just make sure that the smaller details have been checked over as well and that you are happy to accept them. For example, are flexible working hours an option (can you do any work from home or another office that is part of the company group?) Another example could be that if the company offer private health insurance, does that cover just you or could it cover your whole family?
Check you understand all of the Clauses in the contract:
Contracts are legally binding documents that have wording that is not usually used in everyday language – Lawyers have to justify their very high hourly rates somehow! If there is something in one of clauses that really doesn’t make sense to you, ask your Recruiter or the HR department you are dealing with to explain it further.
The start date:
It can be quite tough getting through your notice period when you know you are leaving, but most new employers want you to start with them the second that you can. Consider negotiating a start date that gives you even a few days off in between jobs – it can be quite stressful when there is no gap and it will give you the clear head space that you need to forget the old and prep for the new.
The ‘softer’ benefits:
Often the contract of employment doesn’t necessarily point out in detail the slightly ‘softer’ benefits of working for the company – they can be in a separate document that may be offered after you have started or passed your probation. For example, you may be entitled to a free or discounted gym membership which might be something that would greatly appeal to you, but you would need to know the details on to be able to claim it.
Your new commute:
Usually slightly overlooked but before you sign, it is wise to try your new commute in the time that you would be doing it day to day. You are likely to have tried the commute when attending the interview but it may not have been in morning rush hour. Just worth checking you are happy with it before you commit to doing it everyday.
Once you are happy with the details, sign and date and make sure you get it in the post asap – and of course let your Recruiter know you have done this as they will want to make sure you are signed up and happy too.
Then its time to crack open the bubbly and celebrate getting your new job!
Rebecca x
