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Employment Contract template

An employment contract sets out the terms of the working relationship between an employer and an employee, including duties, compensation, working hours, and how the job can end.

Replace everything in [BRACKETS], export to PDF, then send it for signature.

1. Parties and Start Date

This Employment Contract (the "Contract") is made on [DATE] between [EMPLOYER NAME], with its principal place of business at [EMPLOYER ADDRESS] (the "Employer"), and [EMPLOYEE NAME], residing at [EMPLOYEE ADDRESS] (the "Employee"). Employment begins on [START DATE].

2. Position and Duties

The Employee is employed as [JOB TITLE], reporting to [MANAGER TITLE]. The Employee's main duties include [LIST OF KEY DUTIES] and other reasonable duties consistent with the position that the Employer may assign. The Employee agrees to perform these duties diligently and in compliance with the Employer's lawful policies.

3. Type of Employment and Probation

This is a [FULL-TIME / PART-TIME] [PERMANENT / FIXED-TERM ENDING ON END DATE] position. The first [PROBATION PERIOD, e.g. three (3) months] is a probationary period during which either party may end employment with [PROBATION NOTICE PERIOD] notice, subject to applicable law.

4. Place of Work and Hours

The Employee's normal place of work is [WORK LOCATION / REMOTE]. Normal working hours are [HOURS PER WEEK] per week, [WORKING DAYS AND TIMES]. Overtime, if any, will be compensated in accordance with applicable law and Employer policy.

5. Compensation

The Employer shall pay the Employee a gross salary of [AMOUNT AND CURRENCY] per [YEAR / MONTH / HOUR], payable [PAY FREQUENCY] by [PAYMENT METHOD], less deductions required by law. [OPTIONAL: The Employee is eligible for a bonus of up to BONUS DETAILS, at the Employer's discretion.] Compensation will be reviewed [REVIEW FREQUENCY].

6. Benefits and Leave

The Employee is entitled to [NUMBER] days of paid annual leave per year in addition to public holidays, and to sick leave in accordance with applicable law and Employer policy. The Employee is eligible for the following benefits: [BENEFITS, e.g. health insurance, retirement plan, equipment allowance].

7. Confidentiality

During and after employment, the Employee shall not disclose or use for any unauthorized purpose any confidential information of the Employer, including trade secrets, customer data, financial information, and business plans, except as required to perform the Employee's duties or by law.

8. Intellectual Property

To the extent permitted by law, all work product, inventions, and materials created by the Employee in the course of employment belong to the Employer. The Employee agrees to sign any documents reasonably needed to confirm the Employer's ownership.

9. Termination

After the probationary period, either party may terminate this Contract by giving [NOTICE PERIOD] written notice, or such longer notice as required by law. The Employer may terminate employment without notice for serious misconduct as permitted by law. On termination, the Employee shall return all Employer property and documents.

10. Governing Law and Entire Agreement

This Contract is governed by the laws of [GOVERNING LAW JURISDICTION]. Where applicable law grants the Employee greater rights than this Contract, those rights apply. This Contract, together with the Employer's written policies, is the entire agreement between the parties and may only be changed in writing signed by both parties.

11. Signatures

The parties agree that this Contract may be signed electronically, and that electronic signatures have the same effect as handwritten signatures. EMPLOYER: [EMPLOYER NAME] Signature: ____________________ Name: [AUTHORIZED SIGNATORY NAME] Title: [SIGNATORY TITLE] Date: [DATE] EMPLOYEE: [EMPLOYEE NAME] Signature: ____________________ Date: [DATE]

When to use this template

  • When hiring a full-time or part-time employee
  • When formalizing the terms of an existing employee who never had a written contract
  • When an employee's role, pay, or hours change significantly
  • When local rules require written terms of employment

How to fill it in and get it signed

  1. Enter the employer and employee details, the start date, and the job title.
  2. Describe the key duties, employment type, probation period, work location, and hours.
  3. Fill in salary, pay frequency, leave, and benefits, and check they meet local minimums.
  4. Set the notice period and governing-law jurisdiction, then review the full contract.
  5. Upload the contract to eSignSimple and send it to the employee and your authorized signatory for e-signature.

This template is general information, not legal advice. Laws differ by country and state; have a lawyer review contracts with high stakes.

Frequently asked questions

Can an employment contract be signed electronically?

In many countries, yes. Electronic signatures are widely accepted for employment contracts, though some jurisdictions have specific rules for certain employment documents. Check local requirements if unsure.

What should an employment contract include?

At minimum: the parties, job title and duties, start date, pay, working hours, leave, notice period, and governing law. Many also include confidentiality and intellectual property clauses.

Is an offer letter the same as an employment contract?

Not usually. An offer letter summarizes key terms and invites the candidate to accept, while an employment contract sets out the full terms of the relationship in detail.

Should a lawyer review my employment contract?

Employment law varies a lot between countries and states. For senior hires, restrictive covenants, or unfamiliar jurisdictions, it is wise to have an employment lawyer review the contract.