HR request template

Employment contract signing request template

An employment contract sets out the full terms of employment, including duties, pay, hours, leave, and obligations between employer and employee.

Send a employment contract request Browse all templates

What is a employment contract?

An employment contract is the agreement that governs the ongoing relationship between an employer and an employee. It records the detailed terms of the role, including duties, remuneration, hours, leave, notice periods, confidentiality, and any policies the employee agrees to follow. It is usually signed before the start date so both parties begin with a shared and documented understanding.

A signed contract matters because it clarifies expectations and entitlements, and provides a reference point if questions arise about pay, hours, or conduct. In Australia, employment is also shaped by legislation and applicable awards or agreements, which a contract sits alongside rather than overrides. Having a dated, signed copy on file protects both employer and employee and supports clean HR record-keeping.

When to use a employment contract

Formalising a new hire's terms before their start date
Moving a casual or contractor into a permanent role
Updating terms after a promotion or role change
Replacing a verbal arrangement with documented conditions

What to include in a employment contract

Position and duties: role title, responsibilities, and reporting relationships.
Remuneration and hours: pay, superannuation, ordinary hours, and any overtime terms.
Leave entitlements: annual, personal, and other leave consistent with applicable standards.
Notice and termination: notice periods and the process for ending employment.
Confidentiality and policies: obligations and agreement to follow workplace policies.

Pros and cons of sending a employment contract as a signing request

Pros

Tracks opens and signing so onboarding is not delayed
Creates a dated, signed record of agreed terms
Password protection keeps salary and personal details private
Completion receipt confirms the employee signed before starting

Cons and things to watch

A contract sits alongside awards and laws it cannot override
Signing does not confirm the terms meet minimum entitlements
Outdated templates may miss current legal requirements
A signing tool does not provide employment law advice

How to send a employment contract with Cosign

Upload the employment contract to Cosign and preview it to check duties, pay, leave, and notice terms.
Add the employee as the signer with their email so they receive a private signing link.
Set a 14-day expiry and apply password protection given the salary and personal details involved.
Send the contract, track the open and signature, and store the completion receipt in the employee file.

Employment contract request details

Email subject

Employment contract signing request

Default message

Please review and sign this employment contract before your start date.

Signer setup

Employee

Suggested expiry

14 days

Button label

Sign employment contract

Best fit

HR teams

Employment contract FAQs

Is an electronically signed employment contract legally valid in Australia?

Generally, employment contracts can be signed electronically in Australia where both parties consent and the signer is identifiable. Cosign records the signing event, but it does not replace professional employment law advice.

Can the employee review the contract before signing?

Yes. The employee can preview the full contract through their private Cosign link before signing, so they can read every term first.

Is the employment contract kept private?

Yes. Each contract is sent as a private link that is not indexed by search engines. Only the employee you invite can open it, and you can add a password for additional protection of sensitive details.

Does a signed contract override award or minimum entitlements?

No. In Australia, contracts operate alongside legislation and any applicable award or agreement, which generally set minimum standards. Seek professional advice to confirm your contract is compliant.

What if the employee has not signed before their start date?

You can set an expiry, such as 14 days, with reminders beforehand to prompt signing. If the link lapses, you can resend a fresh request so the contract is in place before work begins.