Trust Your Gut: What the Fine Print Reveals About an Employer
There it is. The job offer you were hoping for has arrived. You have until tomorrow to decide. Every interaction with the hiring company has been excellent. The role looks interesting and challenging. A real step up. It all looks great. 185,000 euros a year, a leased car, options. A new horizon, living the dream!
Except that in one of the small clauses, almost in passing, it says that if you become pregnant and give birth, you will have to report back to the office within ten days of giving birth.
So, signed yet?
This story sounds completely absurd, and it almost certainly is, and it likely even contradicts employment regulations in the Low Countries. But there is a point here: often, a careful reading of the contract (and its appendices!) reveals a glimpse or two of the prospective employer’s organisational culture.
Practical tips
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Pay attention. Really. Be critical. Let a friend you trust take a look. Another professional pair of eyes on the offer never hurts.
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Tell the potential employer you need a few more days to go over the contract. Take your time. There is no reason to pressure or be pressured. By the way, their reaction to that request will tell you an important story: who you are dealing with.
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Find former employees of the company. Talk to them.
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Trust your gut. It is worth gold.