Making Sense of Hiring Paperwork

New employees may have to sign a number of documents before starting work.

An employment contract may be written, oral, or implied.

Employees must produce proof of identity and work authorization within a few days of starting a new job.

Employers are increasingly asking workers to give up their rights through arbitration agreements, so be careful what you sign.

Can your employer require you to agree not to work for a competitor?

Can employers prohibit employees from soliciting coworkers and customers to a new employer?

Is there anything I can do to make it less onerous, or do I have to sign whatever my employer hands me?

What do I need to do or know about this?

An arbitration agreement waives your right to sue your employer in court.

California law prohibits noncompete agreements and some forms of nonsolicitation agreements.

In many states, employers may require employees to transfer ownerhship of works created during the employment relationship.