Getting Hired FAQ

Questions:

• Is there any harm in lying or fudging on my resume about my education?
• How should I handle a job interview when I have an obvious physical disability? Should I mention it?
• Can potential employers force me to take a drug test?
• What is an at-will employment agreement?
• What is an arbitration agreement -- and do I have to sign one to keep my job?
• Why do I need to bring a passport or birth certificate to my first day of work?

Answer:

What is an at-will employment agreement?

An at-will employment agreement is a contract agreeing that you can be fired at any time, for any reason. In every state but Montana (which requires employers to have good cause to fire employees who have completed their probation period), employees are in fact presumed to work at will. The written agreement gives employers some extra protection if a fired employee sues. For more information on at-will agreements, including when you should think twice about signing one, see Nolo's article Employment At Will: What Does It Mean?

If you're an employer looking to draft a policy, see Nolo's Employer's At-Will Policy.