Your First Employment Letter: 5 Critical Things to Check Before You Sign

After countless applications and nerve-wracking interviews, it has finally arrived—the official offer of employment. The excitement is overwhelming. Your first instinct is to grab a pen and sign on the dotted line, locking in your new job before the company can change its mind.

Stop. Take a deep breath.

An employment letter is more than just a welcome note; it is a legally binding contract. It will govern your relationship with your employer, your rights, and your responsibilities for months or even years to come. Signing it without understanding every detail can lead to major problems down the line.

Before you commit, take the time to be your own lawyer. Here are the five most critical things you must check in your employment letter.

1. Job Title, Duties, and Reporting Line

This section defines your actual role. It's crucial to ensure what's on paper matches what was discussed during your interviews.

• What to Check:

  • Job Title: Is it the exact title you interviewed for (e.g., "Junior Accountant," not "Administrative Assistant")?

  • Job Duties: Is there a clear, brief description of your responsibilities? Be wary if it's extremely vague or includes a phrase like "...and any other duties as assigned," as this can sometimes be used to give you work far outside your role.

  • Reporting Line: Who is your direct manager? The letter should clearly state who you will report to.

• Why It Matters: This prevents "bait and switch" scenarios where the job you end up doing is completely different from the one you were promised.

2. The Full Compensation Package (Beyond Basic Salary)

Don't let the headline salary figure blind you to the rest of the package. "Total compensation" is what really matters.

• What to Check:

  • Basic Salary: Is the gross monthly or annual salary clearly stated and correct?

  • Pension: The letter should state that the company will make pension contributions in line with the Nigerian Pension Reform Act. This is a legal requirement.

  • Health Insurance (HMO): Does the company offer health insurance? If so, does it cover just you, or does it extend to your family?

  • Leave Allowance/13th Month: Is there any mention of an annual leave allowance payment or a "13th-month" salary bonus?

• Why It Matters: A job with a slightly lower basic salary but excellent health insurance and a 13th-month bonus can be worth far more than a job with a higher basic salary and no benefits.

3. Working Hours, Leave, and Probation Period

This section outlines your work-life balance and your initial trial period.

• What to Check:

  • Working Hours: Does it state the standard work hours (e.g., 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday)?

  • Annual Leave: How many days of paid leave are you entitled to per year? The Nigerian standard is typically between 15 and 25 working days.

  • Sick Leave & Other Leave: Is there a policy for sick leave, maternity leave, etc.?

  • Probation Period: How long is the probation period (usually 3 to 6 months)? What are the conditions for confirmation as a permanent employee?

• Why It Matters: This section clearly defines the company's expectations for your time and attendance and your rights to paid time off.

4. Termination Clause and Notice Period

No one likes to think about leaving a job before they've even started, but this is one of the most important clauses in your contract.

• What to Check:

  • Notice by Employee: If you decide to resign, how much notice are you required to give the company (e.g., one month)?

  • Notice by Employer: If the company decides to terminate your employment, how much notice must they give you? This should typically be the same as your own notice period.

  • Termination Conditions: Does the letter specify the conditions under which your employment can be terminated (e.g., for gross misconduct)?

• Why It Matters: This clause protects both you and the employer. It ensures you can leave professionally without burning bridges and that the company cannot fire you unfairly without notice.

5. Confidentiality and Non-Compete Clauses

These clauses are becoming more common, especially in tech and competitive industries.

• What to Check:

  • Confidentiality: It's standard to have a clause that requires you to keep company secrets and client information confidential.

  • Non-Compete: Be very careful here. Does the contract try to restrict you from working for a competitor for a certain period after you leave the company? Overly broad non-compete clauses can hinder your future career growth. If it seems too restrictive, it might be worth seeking advice.

• Why It Matters: These clauses have long-term implications for your career, and you need to understand exactly what you are agreeing to.

An employment letter is a moment of celebration, but it's also a serious business decision. Don't let excitement rush you. Read every line carefully, ask clarifying questions if anything is unclear, and sign with the full confidence that you understand the terms of your new career chapter.