What Should You Check Before Joining a Private Job?
Short answer: Confirm the salary structure in writing, including what is fixed and what is variable; check the probation and notice terms; confirm working hours, weekly off and the actual place of work; and make sure you have an offer letter before resigning from anything.
The moment before joining is when you have the most leverage and the least information. It is worth spending an hour on these checks — afterwards, the terms are simply the terms.
1. The salary, in full detail
“₹20,000 per month” can mean several different things.
Ask specifically:
- What is the fixed monthly amount I will receive regardless of performance?
- What is variable, and what does it depend on?
- What deductions apply — PF, professional tax, anything else?
- What will actually reach my bank account in month one?
- Is there a different salary during probation?
For sales roles this matters most, because the headline figure often assumes targets are met. Ask what someone in the role actually earned last month.
2. The offer letter
Do not resign from an existing job on a verbal assurance.
The letter should state role, salary and structure, place of work, reporting line, joining date, probation and notice. If something you were promised verbally is missing, ask for it to be added before you sign.
3. Probation and notice
- How long is probation?
- Does anything change during it — salary, leave, notice?
- What is the notice period after confirmation?
- What happens if you leave during probation?
A long notice period is worth knowing about now rather than when you next want to move.
4. Working hours and weekly off
Surprisingly often skipped, and a frequent cause of early resignations.
- What are the actual hours, not the official ones?
- Which day is the weekly off? Is it fixed?
- Is Saturday a full day, half day or off?
- Is overtime expected? Is it paid?
- For retail and sales, what happens during festival season?
5. The actual place of work
Confirm the specific location, not just the city. A role based at a branch across Guwahati changes your commute, your costs and your day. If the role involves travel, ask how much and who pays.
6. Any bond, deposit or document retention
- Is there a bond? What is the penalty and the duration?
- Is any deposit requested? A deposit is not a normal employment practice and should be questioned seriously.
- Will they ask to keep your original certificates? The answer should be no.
7. What the role actually involves
Ask for a straightforward description of a normal day. Job titles vary widely between businesses; the title tells you less than the routine does.
Also ask why the position is open. A new role and a replacement are different situations, and if it is a replacement, how long the previous person stayed is informative.
8. Statutory basics
- Will PF be deducted and contributed?
- Is there ESI coverage where applicable?
- Will you receive payslips?
- Is salary paid by bank transfer on a fixed date?
An employer who is casual about these tends to be casual about other obligations too.
9. The things that are harder to ask
You will not get straight answers to everything, but asking is still worth it:
- How long have most of the team been here?
- Who would I report to, and can I meet them?
- What does progression look like?
A final check
Read the offer letter once more, slowly, the day after you receive it. Confirm that every number and date matches what you were told. If something differs, raise it now — politely and in writing.
Once you have joined, the written terms are what govern the relationship.
See current vacancies, or read about documents needed when applying.
Key takeaways
- Get the offer in writing before you resign from your current job.
- Understand exactly what portion of the salary is guaranteed.
- Check probation, notice period and any bond or deposit clause carefully.
- Confirm hours and weekly off — assumptions here cause most early resignations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I resign before getting an offer letter?
No. Resign only once you have a written offer letter with the salary, role and joining date stated. Verbal assurances are the single most common source of dispute, and a candidate who has already resigned has very little room to negotiate if the terms then change.
What is a reasonable probation period?
Three to six months is common in Guwahati. What matters more than the length is what it means in practice: whether salary differs during probation, what the notice period is while on probation, and what is actually assessed at the end of it. Ask all three.
Is it normal to sign a bond?
Bonds appear where an employer invests significantly in training. They are not universal and they are not always enforceable, but they can create real difficulty if you want to leave. Read any bond clause carefully, ask what happens if you leave early, and consider taking advice before signing one with a large financial penalty.