The interview went ok the first time I met the owner and assistant. They asked couple of questions about processes and sources from my previous employer which I thought was a trick question and a bit unethical. Anyone in the industry knows that there is a non-compete and confidentiality agreements signed from previous employment, so I said no but I did refer her to a local company that makes products own by a friend of mine. I thought the interview went well since she offered to try me for a month to see if it was a good fit and gave me a tour of the office and warehouse. I didn't hear back from the owner for over a month but when she finally did reach out, she had some immediate needs so I was called in to sign some paperwork to work as a contractor for at least a month and get direction on the projects. Upon reading the 6-page contract and 2 other agreements, I noticed some clauses in the documents that I wasn't in agreement of and needed clarification. I raised the questions and explained my concerns. I asked about being able to show the projects I worked on in my portfolio, pointed out that their business address was outdated, and also wanted clarification on the “work-for-hire” statement in the agreement since that’s not something I do. This made the owner a bit uncomfortable and later herd her whispering to the HR representative how to diplomatically tell me that based on what happened (me asking for clarification about the contract), that she didn’t think we would be a good fit and that she was sorry that they made me waste my time.
It was the most bizarre experience I’ve had as far as interviews go. Not sure if going in to sign a contract is considered a second interview but just wanted to share my experience and encourage others to read the contracts and make sure they understand what they are signing. If the owners/clients/employers don’t know what their own contracts say and get offended or intimidated because you are asking smart questions and are legitimately concerned about the rules governing the agreement that could make you financially responsible in case anything arises from the business relationship you are about to establish, then you are too good to work there. Value yourself and don’t be a fool, always read the agreements you are about to sign on its entirety, and if you don’t feel comfortable signing don’t sign it or ask for a revision. A good contract will protect both parties.
May I say that while this was a strangely bad experience, that I still wish them well. I just don't know why someone would get upset at someone asking for clarification and corrections on the terms of the contract.
