“I have Been Working For a Month Without Asking For a Job Contract,” HR Advices

By Elizabeth Benu,

“I have been working for a month in this company and I have not signed any contract. I thought I would sign one before I began working. Many people are advising me to ask for it but I am scared. Is it a wise thing to do and when I get the contract what should I do first?” This is an email from Simon Kibuye who is on his first job.

For most of us looking for a job is usually a struggle, especially at the entry level with no experience. You sweat looking for that job and when you finally get it you are so excited that you just rush into the company and start working. Now that you are happy working and budgeting for your first salary, did you stop to consider that maybe you ought to have signed a contract and if you did sign it did you do it the right way”

Do you know the importance of signing a contract?

“A contract is a document with clear distinctions on your role that binds you to the employer,” says Sarah Moga a HR Consultant with Global Careers Company. “It is what helps you to be on the same page with your employer. It serves to prevent you from impromptu termination from the company,” she adds.

I make a query on how fast one should sign a contract, whether it should be immediate or whether I should take my time and think about it

“When it comes to a contract take time to read it. If possible give a legal person so that they can check if there are any hidden clauses in the contract. If you sign the contract immediately without thought the employer will have questions about you,” says Sarah.

Sometimes you will find that the contract has some details that do not appeal to you and it may be confusing on what to do especially if you are on the entry level.

“A good example would be a contract that does not indicate any job security, this will affect you majorly. You can still talk to your employer even at entry level but it all depends n how you will handle it,” she advices.

I enquire further on whether upon employment one should insist on signing a contract or should wait for my employer to give it to them. Ms Moga says that for most employers contract signing happens before starting the job and if there was an agreement of working for two weeks one can remind the employer.

She highlights the major issues one should consider before signing a contract.

“First check the clear description of the role. Secondly check at the terms of payment. If you had negotiated about the pay ensure that it is indicated there. Thirdly check the company’s policy and ensure that you are in line with it and the provisions are reasonable,” she says.

There are dangers of working without a contract as Sarah says.

“Without signing a contract there is nothing that binds you to the company and the employer can fire you without notice and there is nothing you can do about it. They can also easily change your roles as they please. For instance today you are the secretary, tomorrow a tea girl and the next day they do away with you.”

She advises job seekers not to be desperate when getting into a job. A job is not a walk-in walk-out case. Even if you are going to work as a tea girl get lawyer to complete a quick review of your agreement for a small fee. There is no need in rushing to sign that contract yet you do not understand it.”

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