• Every employee has a contract of employment, whether it’s set out in writing or not.
• When you’re offered a job, your employer should let you know what pay and employment conditions you will get. This is sometimes set out in a letter of offer and forms part of your employment contract.
• If your employer doesn’t tell you or give it to you in writing, ask for it. Your employment contract must provide pay and conditions that meet the minimum requirements under any relevant award, enterprise agreement or workplace relations laws that cover your job.
• Being an employee under an employment contract is different to being a contractor or sub-contractor.
• If you are asked to sign a document agreeing to working conditions, read it very carefully before signing. If you’re under 18 you might need to get your parent or guardian to sign the document too.
• Ask for time to think about the contract before you sign. If necessary, get advice from someone with more experience in workplace matters, such as older family members or friends, a union, or even a lawyer.

What you can do

Go to the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Young workers best practice guide to find out about your rights, entitlements and responsibilities at work.

Check your minimum employment conditions by contacting the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 or chat online with a Live help adviser.

10 National Employment Standards, which set out entitlements  for employees.