Cement the Deal and Get It in Writing

Congratulations! Job was a hard-fought battle, but while. Before you check out your new office and meet the crew, some important details have to be ironed out. First, discuss all the integrity details of your job with your new boss. Second, sum it up in writing.

PUT IT ALL ON THE TABLE

You've been playing the job game a long time. You've probably witnessed plenty of misunderstandings and unmet promises between employers and employees. "Well, I thought I was going to be doing this" is a common lament. Or you were under the impression the job entailed less than 5 percent travel time. Five months later, you discover 20 percent of your time is spent on the road. And you're pretty unhappy because you feel trapped. Wires can easily be crossed. Avoid trouble by going over all the crucial details of your job before you start. Make no assumptions and get answers to all the following questions:

1. What are my responsibilities?
   
   
2. Where will I be working? A private office? Cubicle? Behind the garage?
   
   
3. Who are the people I will be working with?
   
   
4. To whom will I report?
   
   
5. What are my hours?
   
   
6. What is my salary, commission on new accounts, incentive pay, and so on?
   
   
7. How much travel will I be doing?
   
   
8. What are the benefits (medical and life insurance, vacations) and perks (car, expense account)?
   
   
9. What are my promotional opportunities? When will I be reviewed?

Once everything is on the table, summarize the key points of your discussion in a letter of agreement between you and your employer. Is it necessary? You ask. Absolutely! At your level, you ought to be the consummate professional right down to the last detail. The letter not only outlines your responsibilities, it also contains a what-if scenario. What happens if it doesn't work out and your services are no longer needed? Do you shake hands, clear your desk, and split? Not on your life. Spell out those what-if scenarios in a letter.

For example, if the employer deems your services unacceptable for whatever reason, you'll be given at least 2 weeks' notice and, depending upon how long you've worked there, be provided with appropriate severance pay. Many employers may not go for this fine point, but you're foolish not to try.

A POLITE BUT FIRM AGREEMENT

Don't think you're being a picayune nitpicker either. You're simply protecting yourself. If you don't do so, who will? The letter achieves the following:

1. If there is disagreement over responsibilities or terms of employment, the letter can straighten it out quickly, avoiding awkward confrontations.
   
   
2. If there is a merger or takeover, you can present the letter to your new bosses. It's no guarantee you won't be booted into the street. But you never know; they may be impressed and ask you to stick around.
   
   
3. If you're unlawfully fired because of age discrimination, the letter may help you in court. It's evidence: proof, an explanation of your employment relationship. But remember it's not a binding legal document that's going to help you win a million-dollar settlement. Since each state has its own employment laws, there's no predicting how such a document would be interpreted.
   

Think of it all as a polite but firm agreement between you and the employer. Use the letter on the following page as a model.

Keep it short and sweet. Remember, you may have to modify certain paragraphs, especially the severance section. A shrewd employer may just agree to the 2 weeks' notice part and not promise to pay you anything. Play it by ear.

After the letter is signed and dated by both parties, keep the original and give a copy to your boss. It wouldn't be a bad idea to send another copy to your lawyer to keep on file. You never know when it may come in handy.

The smart job hunter is ready for anything. Chances are you'll never have to look at this letter again. But you never know. Even though you're soon to be working again, the game isn't over. In the next chapter you'll find out what's left to do.