Before You Say Yes: What to Confirm Before Accepting a Job Offer
Posted on: Jan 22, 2026
Hooray! You got the job offer! Not a lead, not soft hold, but an actual offer! Congrats! That feels like a huge accomplishment in this current climate! But not so fast! While you may be eager to accept work, hopefully you’ve done all that’s necessary to make sure you know what’s expected of you, any legalities, and ensuring there are no issues regarding payments. This is a guide to lay out things that are vital before you start the job.
More often than not, I’ve seen many workers who tend to be lax towards these types of things. The sense of urgency is rarely there because they figure “hey, at least I’m working!” and will get to it later. But what happens when you’re wrapped up in work and forget? What if your boss also forgets, because they’re tied up in work too? Next thing you know, a few days or so could’ve passed and you’ll get paid on the next pay cycle.
Then, there’s always a fear of retaliation for some people. Fear of being let go because you spoke up about something you’re legally obligated to. Or someone letting you go because of something small and/or out of your control, and you’re left with nothing. No protection, no pay, literally nothing but frustration and stress. That fear is pretty valid, especially in at-will states. But here are some risks you impose when the proper paperwork is not given and turned in in a timely fashion.
Key Insights
• Accepting a job without completed start paperwork can delay pay, expose you to legal risk, and leave you unprotected if issues arise.
• Fear of retaliation often keeps workers silent, but timely paperwork protects both the employee and the employer.
• Employers who rush you to work without proper onboarding may reveal deeper issues in how they operate and prioritize workers.
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Start Paperwork
For some people this can be tricky. You don’t want to rush anyone who may oversee giving out start paperwork, but it exists for a reason and it’s ultimately for protection on both sides. I’ve learned that if I don’t have my paperwork filled out, even if a few hours before, that I should give reminders.
The former people-pleaser in me would’ve felt bad or pushy when bringing things that like up, knowing that Producers, Coordinators, Managers, etc. all have a million things going on. Some people genuinely do forget and don’t try to get over on anyone.
You don’t have to be aggressive with your approach, but you’re not on these jobs out of goodwill and servitude. Not only should you expect pay, but you should expect to do your job safely. Many times, we are put in compromising situations due to environments, sets, weather, and then some. Again, this is for protection on both sides.
Risks
When you start any job without start paperwork being turned in or verified, you are truly putting your rights at risk. You also want to think about tax obligations, especially in the case that you could be misclassified (employee vs. independent contractor). In addition to financial risks, something else to think about is if you start a job where the employer is lackadaisical and nonchalant regarding your start paperwork, but eager to get you to start working.
That’s a glaring red flag and gives you insight to the type of business they’re running. These are the types of jobs you’ll likely have a hard time working on and they tend to come with constant horror stories. While no job, gig, employee, or employer is without flaws, there will be patterns of what is prioritized and protecting your employees on all fronts should always be a priority!
Considering what we’re currently facing, it’s completely understandable that people will want to accept work, even if it means taking pay cuts. However, you never want to jeopardize your future for temporary solutions. Treating these matters as urgent, and in a respectful manner helps everyone involved in the short term and long term, employers and employees alike.
Key Takeaways
• Always confirm that start paperwork is completed and verified before beginning any job, even if it feels uncomfortable to ask.
• Advocating for proper onboarding is not being difficult, it is ensuring fair pay, safety, and legal protection.
• Short-term work is never worth long-term financial or legal consequences, so treat these details as urgent from day one.
Andrea Tucker is a writer/producer in sports and entertainment.
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