Job Contract Mistakes I Almost Made as a Fresh Accounting Graduate

1. Job Contract Mistakes I Almost Made as a Fresh Accounting Graduate In my previous blog, I shared job hunting tips for fresh graduates, especially how I used online portals and personal networks to find opportunities in accounting. But what I didn’t realize at the time was that landing a job offer is only half the story. When I graduated with my accounting degree, I was determined to start strong. I refined my resume, actively searched through job portals, tapped into my network, and finally received a job offer from a company in Pampanga. It felt like the payoff for all my effort—and like many fresh graduates, I was ready to sign and get started. In my excitement, I came dangerously close to signing a job contract without fully understanding what I was agreeing to. I assumed everything in the document was standard—and that asking questions might seem ungrateful. That mindset could have cost me more than I realized. In this post, I’ll walk you through the most common job contract mistakes fresh graduates make, based on my own near-miss. By sharing what I learned, I hope to help you make more informed decisions as you take your first steps into the professional world. Don’t Just Sign—Understand What You’re Agreeing To

2. Landing your first job offer after graduation—especially if you came from one of the high-demand courses in the Philippines like Accounting, Engineering, or IT—can feel like a major win. After months of applications, interviews, and polishing your resume, receiving that employment contract feels like the finish line. But in reality, it’s just the beginning. Job contracts are legal agreements, and they define not just your responsibilities, but also your rights, compensation, working conditions, and potential limitations. Yet many new hires—including myself—often skip over important details, either out of excitement or fear of appearing difficult. Your signature on a job contract is more than just a formality—it’s a commitment. And while most companies have good intentions, it’s your responsibility to protect yourself by understanding exactly what you’re agreeing to. Here are three of the most common mistakes fresh graduates make when reviewing contracts—mistakes I almost made myself: 1. Signing the Contract Without Reading the Details When I first received the contract, I remember thinking, “Okay, pirmahan ko lang ito ng mabilisan and finally start earning.” I felt a bit “shy” to ask too many questions—like I was being too demanding. But thankfully, I paused and decided to take it home to read it more thoroughly. And I’m so glad I did. Here’s what I noticed:

3. ● The working hours included mandatory overtime—but there was no mention of additional pay. ● The role I applied for had a clear title, but the responsibilities listed were way beyond what was discussed during the interview. ● There was a clause about rotating shifts that I wasn’t informed about. Think of your job contract as the blueprint of your career—what you agree to now will shape your day-to-day life at work. Ask for a printed or digital copy and read it when you're in a calm space. If something feels unclear or off, seek guidance from someone you trust—whether it's a parent, a mentor, or even a friend in HR. Protecting your future starts with knowing what you’re signing today. 2. Not Clarifying Salary and Deductions When you’re offered your first job—especially in competitive fields like Accounting or other in-demand jobs in the Philippines—it’s easy to get excited about the monthly salary figure. I remember seeing “₱25,000” on my offer letter and thinking, Wow, not bad for a fresh grad! I immediately started calculating what I could do with it: pay for rent, treat my family, maybe even start saving. But here’s the thing no one tells you during job hunting season—your gross salary isn’t your actual take-home pay. Here’s what caught me off guard: ● Government-mandated deductions (SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG) ● Tax withholding ● Company-specific deductions like uniforms, training fees, and even late penalties What you can do is always ask for a clear salary breakdown before signing. Politely request a sample payslip or an estimate of your net pay. Clarify if benefits like bonuses, health cards, and leave credits are part of the package—and make sure they’re documented in writing. Verbal promises won’t protect you later on. 3. Ignoring Probationary Terms and Exit Clauses Many fresh graduates enter their first job with a simple mindset: “If it doesn’t work out, I’ll just resign and move on.” But the reality of exiting a company—especially during probation—is often more complicated than we expect.

4. I chose to resign during my six-month probation, I’d forfeit a portion of my final pay. On top of that, I was still required to render a full 30-day notice, even as a probationary employee. That was a shock—I assumed shorter notice periods applied during probation. Here are key questions you should ask before signing your contract: ● What is the length of the probationary period, and what performance benchmarks are expected during that time? ● How many days' notice must you give if you choose to resign while still under probation? ● Are there any penalties, pay forfeitures, or conditions tied to early resignation? ● How is your final pay calculated and when is it released after you resign? Before committing, make sure to read these sections carefully. If anything is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. Understanding your probation and exit terms now can save you from regret—or worse, a financial setback—later on. Final Thoughts: Read Before You Sign Just like you worked hard preparing for your job search or joining the growing number of accounting job recruitments in Pampanga. Take that same level of care when reviewing what you’re agreeing to. If this is your first time dealing with a job contract, it’s perfectly okay to feel

5. unsure. I did too. Legal jargon can be intimidating, and sometimes we worry that asking too many questions might ruin our chances. But here’s what I learned: Asking questions shows that you’re serious about the role and your responsibilities. It shows maturity, not entitlement. A good employer will actually appreciate that you’re reading things carefully and thinking long-term. Don’t rush the process. Take your time, ask the right questions, and protect your future. This isn’t just paperwork—it’s the beginning of your professional journey. And you deserve to start that journey with clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.