a Contract Review Checklist Template you can use to systematically evaluate an employment contract before signing. It’s structured for Excel, Google Sheets, or any spreadsheet tool and includes key contract elements, areas to review, notes, and action items.
Employment Contract Review Checklist Template
| Contract Element | Key Questions to Consider | Acceptable/Concerns | Notes / Questions | Action Required (Yes/No) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Job Title & Role Description | Does the role match your expectations and the interview discussions? Are responsibilities clearly defined? | |||
| Salary | Is the base salary as agreed? Are pay frequency and deductions clear? | |||
| Bonuses / Incentives | Are bonus structures or performance incentives specified and achievable? | |||
| Benefits | Are health, dental, vision, retirement plans, and other perks clearly outlined? | |||
| Probationary Period | Duration of probation? Criteria for evaluation? Notice period during probation? | |||
| Working Hours | Are standard working hours, shifts, and expectations for overtime clearly stated? | |||
| Termination / Notice Periods | Are notice periods reasonable? Grounds for termination clear? Severance provisions included? | |||
| Non-Compete Clause | Are restrictions reasonable in scope, duration, and location? | |||
| Confidentiality / Non-Disclosure | Are expectations for confidentiality clearly stated? | |||
| Intellectual Property | Who owns work created during employment? | |||
| Relocation / Travel | Are relocation requirements, travel expectations, and reimbursement terms specified? | |||
| Dispute Resolution | Are grievance procedures, mediation, or arbitration clauses included? | |||
| Training / Professional Development | Are training opportunities and responsibilities clearly described? | |||
| Other Clauses | Any additional terms (dress code, social media, company property, etc.)? |
How to Use the Template
- Read the Contract Carefully – Go through every clause, highlighting anything unclear.
- Answer the Key Questions – For each element, check if it meets your expectations or raises concerns.
- Flag Concerns – Use the “Acceptable/Concerns” column to mark potential issues.
- Add Notes / Questions – Record any clarifications or points you need to discuss with HR or a legal advisor.
- Plan Actions – Determine if negotiation or advice is required before signing.
Optional Enhancements
- Add a priority column to indicate the importance of each element (High, Medium, Low).
- Include a score column to quantify satisfaction with each section, helping to evaluate the overall attractiveness of the contract.
- Create a summary section at the bottom to capture your overall assessment:
- ✅ Ready to Sign
- ⚠ Needs Clarification/Negotiation
- ❌ Concerns Prevent Signing
This checklist ensures you systematically review your employment contract, protects your rights, and highlights areas for clarification or negotiation before making a commitment.