Category: Jobseekers, Employers, General

Your First Employment Contract in Australia: What Graduates Often Miss

Published by Sophie Bennett | 12 August 2026

Receiving your first professional job offer is exciting. After applications, interviews and follow-ups, an employment contract can feel like proof that your career is finally moving forward. But before you sign, it is important to understand what the document actually says.

Many graduates check the salary, job title and start date, then skim the rest. That can mean missing important details about working hours, probation, superannuation, notice periods and employment type. Minimum employment entitlements in Australia also come from the National Employment Standards (NES).

1. Check That the Role Matches What You Applied For

Compare the contract with the original job advertisement and what was discussed during your interview. Check the job title, department, work location, reporting manager and main responsibilities.

Small differences may be normal, but major changes should be clarified. If the final responsibilities differ noticeably from what was discussed, ask the employer before signing.

Before signing, confirm:

  • The job title is correct
  • The work location matches
  • The responsibilities are familiar
  • The reporting structure is clear

The aim is simple: make sure the contract reflects the job you actually agreed to consider.

2. Understand the Salary Package Properly

A salary figure may not tell the full story. If your contract says $75,000, find out whether that is your base salary with superannuation paid on top or whether super is already included in the total package.

Australia’s superannuation guarantee rate is currently 12%, so this distinction can affect the real value of a graduate job offer.

Also check bonuses, commissions and allowances. Some may be guaranteed, while others may depend on targets or employer discretion.

Separate the offer into:

  • Base salary
  • Superannuation
  • Guaranteed allowances
  • Variable bonuses or commissions

If the wording is unclear, ask the employer before signing. It is better to understand the numbers now than discover a misunderstanding after receiving your first payslip.

3. Know Your Employment Type

Your employment contract may describe you as full-time, part-time, casual or fixed-term. These arrangements can affect your hours, leave and employment certainty.

Full-time employees generally work an average of 38 hours each week and may be employed permanently or on a fixed-term contract.

A fixed-term position may run for a set period, such as 12 months, and then end on an agreed date. A fixed-term role can still provide valuable industry experience.

If the position is fixed-term, check:

  • The start and end dates
  • Whether extensions may be possible
  • Whether permanent roles may become available
  • What happens when the contract ends

Employees entering a new fixed-term contract must also receive a Fixed Term Contract Information Statement.

Do not assume that every professional graduate position is automatically permanent.

4. Read the Working Hours Section Carefully

Working hours can affect your everyday life just as much as salary.

Look at the ordinary hours stated in the contract and any reference to additional hours. If the employer expects evening, weekend or extra work, you should understand what that looks like in practice.

Useful questions include:

  • What are the normal start and finish times?
  • How often are additional hours expected?
  • Is weekend or evening work common?
  • Is the position office-based, hybrid or remote?

A role may offer an attractive salary, but it should also provide working conditions you understand before joining.

5. Understand Your Probation Period

Many graduate roles include a probation period. Instead of simply checking the length and moving on, understand how the period will work.

Check how long probation lasts, how your performance will be assessed and whether different notice arrangements apply during that period.

A useful question is:

“What would successful probation look like in this role?”

Employees on probation still receive their applicable minimum workplace entitlements.

Understanding expectations from the beginning can help you focus on the right priorities during your first months in the role.

6. Check Leave, Awards and Minimum Entitlements

Your contract may not explain every workplace entitlement in detail. The NES provides minimum entitlements, while a modern award or registered agreement may also apply depending on the job.

If your employment contract mentions an award or classification, do not ignore it. It may affect minimum pay and other employment conditions.

Also review additional benefits offered by the company, such as:

  • Professional development support
  • Extra leave
  • Flexible working arrangements
  • Equipment or travel allowances
  • Performance bonuses

Separating minimum workplace entitlements from additional company benefits makes it easier to compare different graduate job offers fairly.

7. Do Not Skip Confidentiality and Side-Work Clauses

The final pages of an employment contract may contain clauses covering confidentiality, intellectual property, conflicts of interest and secondary employment.

These matter if you freelance, have a second job, run a small business or work on personal projects. Your contract may require some outside activities to be disclosed or approved.

Do not automatically assume every clause prevents you from doing outside work. Read what it actually says and understand what the employer expects.

If a restriction appears unusually broad or you genuinely do not understand its implications, consider getting independent professional advice before signing.

8. Read the Notice Period Before You Need It

Thinking about resigning before starting your first graduate job may feel strange, but the notice clause still matters.

An award, enterprise agreement or employment contract may specify how much notice an employee needs to give when resigning.

This can become important if another employer later offers you an opportunity and wants you to start quickly.

Check whether the notice period changes during or after probation. Knowing this information early can make future career moves easier to manage.

9. Ask Questions Before You Sign

Graduates sometimes worry that asking questions will make them appear difficult or inexperienced. Sensible questions can simply show that you are taking the offer seriously.

You could ask:

  • Is the salary plus super or inclusive of super?
  • Is this position permanent or fixed-term?
  • Which award or agreement applies?
  • What are the normal working hours?
  • How is probation assessed?
  • What notice period applies?

If something important is unclear, ask before signing rather than guessing.

10. Do a Final Contract Check

Before accepting the offer, review the contract one final time.

Make sure you understand:

  • The role you are accepting
  • Your base salary and superannuation
  • Your employment type
  • Your working hours
  • Your probation period
  • Your leave and key entitlements
  • Any award or agreement that applies
  • Your notice period
  • Any restrictions on outside work

Every new employee must also receive a Fair Work Information Statement before, or as soon as possible after, starting their new job.

Keep your signed employment contract, position description and other important onboarding documents somewhere safe.

Your First Contract Deserves More Than a Quick Signature

Receiving your first graduate job offer is a major milestone, but getting the offer is only part of the decision.

Before signing your first employment contract in Australia, make sure you understand the role, salary, working hours, employment type and important conditions.

You do not need to become an employment law expert. You simply need to avoid signing something important without understanding how it may affect you.

Read carefully, ask questions where necessary and keep copies of the documents you sign. Starting with a clear understanding of your employment conditions gives you a stronger foundation from day one.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Looking for a graduate job, internship or entry-level opportunity in Australia? Explore opportunities with JobReady Placements and focus on roles that can help you build practical experience, strengthen your professional skills and move forward with confidence.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Employment conditions can vary depending on the role, industry, applicable award, agreement and individual circumstances.

Sources & References

1. Fair Work Ombudsman — About Employment Contracts
https://www.fairwork.gov.au/employment-conditions/employment-contracts/about-employment-contracts
Explains what an employment contract is and how it works alongside workplace laws and agreements.

2. Fair Work Ombudsman — National Employment Standards (NES)
https://www.fairwork.gov.au/employment-conditions/national-employment-standards
Covers minimum employment entitlements that apply within Australia’s national workplace relations system.

3. Fair Work Ombudsman — Probation
https://www.fairwork.gov.au/starting-employment/probation
Provides guidance on probation periods, including how they work and employee entitlements during probation.

4. Fair Work Ombudsman — Fixed-Term Contract Employees
https://www.fairwork.gov.au/starting-employment/types-of-employees/fixed-term-contract-employees
Explains fixed-term employment rules and the Fixed Term Contract Information Statement.

5. Fair Work Ombudsman — Fair Work Information Statement
https://www.fairwork.gov.au/employment-conditions/information-statements/fair-work-information-statement
Explains the information employers must provide to new employees about workplace conditions and rights.

6. Australian Taxation Office — Super Guarantee
https://www.ato.gov.au/tax-rates-and-codes/key-superannuation-rates-and-thresholds/super-guarantee
Official source for Australia’s current 12% super guarantee rate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Employment Contract Basics Salary, Super & Working Conditions Starting Your First Professional Job

Check the job title, employment type, salary, superannuation, working hours, probation, notice requirements and important confidentiality clauses.

Yes. Ask for clarification about salary, superannuation, working hours, probation or employment type if anything is unclear.

Yes. Contracts must meet minimum workplace entitlements under Australian laws, including the National Employment Standards and relevant awards.

Check whether your offer says “salary plus super” or lists superannuation within the total package. If the wording is unclear, confirm it with the employer before signing.

It means you may sometimes be expected to work beyond your ordinary hours when the extra time is reasonable for the role and circumstances.

Yes. Many graduate roles include probation so employers can review your performance, suitability and progress during the first few months.

Yes, it can be a valuable way to gain industry experience, build professional skills and strengthen your resume. Check the contract end date and extension options first.

Yes. Knowing your notice period helps you plan properly if you later resign, change jobs or accept another career opportunity.

Keep your signed contract, written offer, position description, Fair Work documents and important payroll or workplace information for future reference.