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Reviewing a New Employment Offer β€” What to Check Before You Accept

Salary is the easy part. The clauses around it shape your career for years after the job ends.

The checklist

  1. 1

    Non-compete & non-solicit

    Cap duration at 6–12 months, narrow geography, and named competitors only.

    Non-compete clause β†’
  2. 2

    Arbitration

    Push to remove class-action waivers and have employer pay all arbitration fees.

    Arbitration clause β†’
  3. 3

    IP assignment

    Attach a Prior Inventions schedule and carve out side projects.

    IP assignment clause β†’
  4. 4

    Severance & change-in-control

    Negotiate guaranteed severance on without-cause termination and acceleration on acquisition.

    Severance clause β†’
  5. 5

    At-will + handbook

    Confirm what handbook policies actually apply.

    At-will employment β†’

Red flags

  • 24-month nationwide non-compete
  • Forced arbitration + class waiver
  • IP grabs personal projects
  • No severance
  • Forfeits unvested equity

Green flags

  • 6–12 month, narrow non-compete
  • Mutual arbitration, employer-paid fees
  • Prior Inventions schedule attached
  • 2 weeks/year severance
  • Acceleration on change of control

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Not legal advice. For informational purposes only.