Entering the workplace, signing a labor contract is a necessary step.
However, many people, due to lack of experience or not reading the contract carefully, may fall into traps hidden in labor contracts.
Today, let’s talk about common labor contract traps.
@Workplace “newbies,” save this!

“Overbearing” Contracts

An “overbearing” contract refers to clauses in which the company can arbitrarily dismiss employees, exempt itself from responsibility, exclude employee rights, or restrict an employee’s right to resign.
Such clauses may seriously harm employee rights, but because they violate the law, they are considered invalid.
When signing a contract, job seekers should review it carefully. You can object to any “overbearing” clauses, and if your legal rights are violated, you can apply for arbitration to have such clauses declared invalid.

“Collateral” Contracts

Some companies may require employees to agree in the contract to have their ID documents withheld or personal property or financial interests used as collateral to ensure contract performance.
If the employee fails to fulfill the contract, they may not be able to retrieve their documents or could suffer property loss.
Job seekers do not need to agree to hand over their ID or personal property as collateral. By law, such clauses are not allowed in contracts. If your ID or property has already been withheld, you can file a complaint with the labor inspection department.

“Non-Compete” Contracts

Non-compete or non-competition agreements restrict employees from joining competitors or starting a similar business for a period after leaving the company.
These are usually seen in key or confidential positions, but some companies require all employees to sign them.
If you encounter such a contract, evaluate it carefully, as it can seriously affect your career freedom and future development.
When signing a non-compete agreement, check the compensation you’ll receive during the restriction period and the penalties for violating it.
Make sure the non-compete’s duration and scope are reasonable and won’t unnecessarily hinder your future career.

“Dual” Contracts

A “dual” contract means there’s a difference or conflict between the official written contract and informal verbal agreements.
Some unscrupulous companies may make verbal promises about benefits or rights that aren’t written into the contract, or may not honor them in practice, or change contract terms verbally at any time.
Job seekers should ensure that the formal contract matches all verbal agreements to avoid falling for these tricks.
Only what’s written in the contract counts—verbal promises alone are basically unreliable.

“Blank” Contracts

A “blank” contract is one where important terms—such as contract duration, salary, job position, work location, or working hours—are left unspecified, allowing the company to fill them in as it pleases later.
This can lead to uncertainty and loss of benefits for employees.
When signing, make sure all terms are clearly stated and nothing is left blank.
Pay special attention to the contract signing date—make sure it’s clearly agreed upon and not left blank.

Before signing any contract, don’t rush. Read every clause carefully. If you have questions, consult a professional. Negotiate and amend anything you disagree with.

Finally, contracts should be signed in duplicate—keep one copy for yourself as backup in case you need it as evidence.
Understanding and avoiding these traps will help you protect your legal rights and ensure a smooth career.

A resume is one of the most direct and important tools for showcasing your abilities, experience, and potential when job hunting.
How do you prepare a high-quality resume? What details should you pay attention to when submitting your resume online?
Here’s your guide:

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using One Resume for Multiple Positions
   Different jobs have different requirements. A generic resume fails to highlight your fit for a specific position and can reduce your competitiveness. Tailor your resume for each job, emphasizing skills and experiences relevant to the target role.
2. Overusing Templates and Poor Color Choices
   An attractive, well-designed resume can make a strong first impression. Overusing templates can result in messy layouts and confusing colors. Choose a clean, professional template and maintain a consistent color scheme.
3. Oversharing Personal Information
   Protect your privacy. Only include information relevant to the job, such as education, research, work experience, and contact details. Avoid unnecessary details like marital status, family background, or ID numbers.
4. Unfocused Experience and Skills
   Don’t list experiences randomly. Select those that match the job requirements and highlight your relevant abilities, achievements, and contributions.
5. Resume Too Long or Contains Errors
   Focus on key information. Avoid lengthy paragraphs and unnecessary details. Proofread to eliminate spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors, as these can make you appear unprofessional or careless.

How to Write “Personal Experience” Effectively

Use the STAR Method:
A proven approach for describing your experiences in resumes and interviews.

Example:
Jan 2021 – Sep 2023, Deputy Director, Career Guidance Center

• Process Management: Handled over 10,000 graduate employment procedures and consultations, with a 98.8% satisfaction rate.
• Data Analysis: Led a team to analyze nearly 1,000 employment quality data entries in one month using Excel.
• Team Training: Trained 40 new team members, ensuring they mastered basic processes within one month and all processes within three months.

How to Enhance Your Resume’s Visual Appeal

1. Visualize Data and Experience
   Use numbers to showcase your achievements for greater impact (e.g., articles published, readership, user growth).
2. Use Graphics Wisely
   Avoid excessive decorative elements. Stick to one main color and keep the color palette to no more than three. Use icons to highlight skills if appropriate.
3. Use Templates Effectively
   Choose a clean, simple, and slightly personalized template. Place your key strengths in prominent positions and structure your resume logically. Don’t rely solely on templates—make it your own.

Tips for Submitting Resumes Online

1. Manage Email Subject Lines
   Use clear, direct email subjects, such as “John Smith – Application for Software Engineer.” Avoid flashy or irrelevant titles and never use the default subject line.
2. Keep Email Body Concise
   Don’t repeat your entire resume in the email. Briefly introduce yourself, express your interest in the position, highlight key skills, and provide contact information.
3. Proper Attachment Naming and Format
   Name your attachment clearly (e.g., JohnSmith_SoftwareEngineer_Resume.pdf). Use PDF format to preserve layout and ensure compatibility. Avoid unclear filenames and special characters.
4. Allow Enough Time for Online Applications
   Set aside adequate time to fill out forms and questionnaires. Ensure all information matches your resume and other documents. Prepare your materials in advance.

By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can craft a resume that stands out to employers and increases your chances of landing an interview.