How to Sign an Employment Contract PDF Online

You Got the Job Offer — Now You Need to Sign

Congratulations on the new job. Your employer has sent you an employment contract (or offer letter) as a PDF, and they need it signed and returned. This is one of the most important documents you will sign in your career, so it is worth taking a few minutes to review it carefully before adding your signature.

This guide covers what to look for in an employment contract and how to sign it electronically using SigPDF.

What to Check Before Signing Your Employment Contract

Before you sign anything, read the full document. Employment contracts are legally binding, and the terms you agree to now will govern your working relationship. Here are the key sections to review.

Compensation and Benefits

Verify that the salary, bonus structure, equity (if applicable), and benefits match what was discussed during your interviews. Look for:

Base salary — confirm the exact amount and pay frequency (monthly, bi-weekly)
Bonus — is it guaranteed or discretionary? What are the conditions?
Equity/stock options — check the vesting schedule, cliff period, and exercise window
Benefits — health insurance, 401(k) match, PTO days, remote work policy

If anything is different from what you were verbally told, raise it before signing. Verbal promises that are not in the contract are extremely difficult to enforce.

Start Date and Employment Type

Confirm your start date and whether you are classified as a full-time employee, part-time employee, or independent contractor. This classification affects your taxes, benefits, and legal protections significantly.

Non-Compete Clause

A non-compete clause restricts where you can work after leaving the company. Check for:

Duration — how long does the restriction last? (6 months to 2 years is common)
Geographic scope — does it apply locally, nationally, or globally?
Industry scope — which competitors are you restricted from joining?

Non-compete enforceability varies significantly by state. Some states (like California) generally do not enforce non-competes. Others enforce them strictly. Know your state's laws, and if the clause seems overly broad, negotiate before signing.

Intellectual Property (IP) Assignment

Most employment contracts include an IP assignment clause that gives the company ownership of work you create during employment. This is standard and reasonable. However, watch for clauses that:

Claim ownership of work you do outside of work hours on unrelated projects
Require assignment of inventions conceived before your employment
Do not include an exclusion for prior inventions

If you have side projects, open-source contributions, or prior inventions, make sure they are explicitly excluded. Many contracts include a "Prior Inventions" exhibit where you can list them.

Termination Terms

Understand how the employment relationship can end:

At-will vs. contract term — most US employment is at-will (either party can end it anytime). Some contracts specify a fixed term.
Notice period — how much notice must you or the company give?
Severance — is severance pay included if you are terminated without cause?
Conditions for termination — what constitutes "cause" for termination?

How to Sign Your Employment Contract PDF

Once you have reviewed the contract and are satisfied with the terms, here is how to sign it.

Step 1: Open SigPDF

Go to SigPDF in your browser. Works on any device — computer, tablet, or phone.

Step 2: Upload the Contract

Drag and drop the PDF onto the page or click to browse. The contract loads in your browser.

Step 3: Fill In Required Fields

Use the "Add Text" tool to fill in any blank fields:

Your full legal name
Address
Date
Emergency contact (if requested)
Bank details for direct deposit (if included in the same form)

Step 4: Add Your Signature

Click "Add Signature" and choose your method:

Draw — use your mouse, trackpad, finger, or stylus to draw your signature
Type — type your name and select a handwriting-style font

Place your signature on the designated signature line. Most employment contracts have a clearly marked "Employee Signature" line near the end.

Step 5: Add the Date

Use the "Add Date" tool to place the signing date next to your signature. Employment contracts almost always require a date.

Step 6: Download and Return

Click "Confirm & Download" to save the signed PDF. Send it back to your employer via email or upload it to their onboarding portal.

Tips for Signing Employment Contracts

Keep a Copy

Always save a copy of the fully signed contract (both your signature and the employer's countersignature, once available). Store it somewhere safe and accessible — you may need to reference it for benefits questions, dispute resolution, or when evaluating future job offers.

Sign Promptly

Employers expect a signed contract back within a few days of the offer. Delays can signal hesitation and, in some cases, may cause the employer to reconsider. If you need more time to review, communicate that clearly rather than simply not responding.

Negotiate Before Signing, Not After

Once you sign, the terms are set. If you want to negotiate salary, equity, PTO, or modifications to restrictive clauses, do so before signing.

Your Document Stays Private

Employment contracts contain sensitive personal information — salary, SSN, address. SigPDF processes everything locally in your browser. Your contract is never uploaded to any server. For more on document privacy, read our guide on PDF signature privacy and security.

Are Electronically Signed Employment Contracts Valid?

Yes. Employment contracts signed with electronic signatures are legally binding under the ESIGN Act (US), eIDAS (EU), and equivalent laws in most countries. Major companies across every industry use electronic signatures for employment agreements — it is standard practice.

For a deeper look at e-signature legality, see are electronic signatures legally binding?.

Sign Your Employment Contract Now

Ready to make it official? Open SigPDF and sign your employment contract in under 2 minutes — free, private, and legally valid.

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