Signing a contract without reading it is one of the most common mistakes workers make. This guide breaks it down simply — so you know exactly what to look for before you put your name on that paper.
A job offer feels exciting. You want to say yes immediately. But before you sign anything, you need to understand what you are agreeing to.
A contract is a legal document. Once you sign it, both you and your employer are bound by what it says. If there is something unfair in there — and you signed it — it becomes much harder to challenge later.
The contract should clearly state your position and what your responsibilities are. Check:
• Does the job title match what you discussed in the interview?
• Are your main duties listed? Are they reasonable for that role?
• Does it say anything like "and other duties as required"? This phrase is common — but make sure it is not being used to justify asking you to do completely unrelated work.
This is one of the most important sections. Look for:
• Your exact monthly salary — not a range, but a specific confirmed number
• When you will be paid (weekly, monthly) and the cut-off date
• Any allowances — transport, meal, attendance — and whether they are guaranteed or conditional
• Whether your salary is subject to any probation-period deduction
If a number is different from what was verbally promised to you, do not sign until it is corrected in writing.
Your contract must state your standard working hours. In Singapore, the Employment Act sets a maximum of 44 hours per week for covered employees.
Check: Does the contract specify overtime pay? At what rate? Under Singapore law, overtime should be paid at 1.5 times your basic hourly rate. If the contract says "overtime is included in salary" with no cap on hours — that is a red flag.
Know what you are entitled to before you start. Look for:
• Annual leave — how many days, and from when (some contracts only grant leave after completing 3 or 6 months)
• Medical leave — how many days of paid sick leave per year
• Public holidays — are you entitled to them, or will you be asked to work?
• Maternity/paternity leave — if relevant to you
Under the Employment Act, a worker with at least 3 months of service is entitled to at least 7 days of paid annual leave, increasing with years of service.
Most contracts include a probation period — usually 1 to 6 months. During this time, both you and the employer can terminate with shorter notice. That is normal.
What to watch for: Does the contract restrict your rights during probation? For example, some contracts say you cannot take any leave during probation — check if that is the case, and decide if you are comfortable with it.
If you or your employer want to end the employment, how much notice is required? Common notice periods are 1 week to 1 month for blue-collar roles.
Important: If the notice period is very long (3–6 months) for an entry-level role, ask why. Long notice periods can effectively trap you in a job you want to leave.
Some contracts — especially for sponsored migrant workers or roles that involve training — include a bond clause. This means if you leave before a certain period, you may have to repay training costs or a bond amount.
Read any clause mentioning "recovery of costs", "training bond", or "deductions" very carefully. Ask for clarification before signing if anything is unclear.
1. Ask questions — politely, in writing if possible. "Can you help me understand clause 7?" is a reasonable request.
2. Do not let anyone pressure you to sign immediately. A legitimate employer will give you time to read and understand your contract.
3. Seek help if needed — you can contact MOM, a union representative, or a legal aid clinic for free advice.
4. If a company refuses to let you read the contract properly or pressures you to sign without understanding it — that tells you something important about how they will treat you as an employee.
Your contract is not just paperwork. It is the foundation of your working relationship. Taking 30 minutes to read and understand it could save you months of frustration — or worse.
You deserve to start a job knowing exactly what you agreed to. That is not too much to ask.
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