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these days American workers are often asked to sign non-compete agreements that may later limit their right to work for competitor or even to start a business it's not just for CEOs and top executives anymore a survey I conducted with two colleagues for that around twenty percent of American workers have signed a non-compete agreement that covers everyone from high-tech workers to sandwich shop employees so where non-competes so popular with employers these days frequent job hopping means that knowledge and skills are mobile too and that makes companies feel pressure to limit your post employment options at best they do this to protect company knowledge from finding its way to competitors but at worst these agreements are used to scare employees it may even have an impact on innovation across the entire economy but no matter where you work or why you're asked to sign one there are five things you need to do before and after you sign your name on that dotted line the first thing you should do is read it and read all of it it sounds like common sense but many otherwise savvy business people fail to scrutinize these clauses and I get it everyone is enthusiastic when they start a new job these contracts are sometimes slipped into a bunch of other paperwork on that first day of work but you need to know what you're agreeing to should you decide to leave to work for a competitor in the future second you don't want to be surprised when potential employer springs an agreement on you this can be a factor in which job you accept and even give you leverage to negotiate for a larger salary since you are giving up future rights next you'll want to know what laws exist in your state and how they impact you States vary a lot and how vigorously they enforce these non-compete agreements and under what circumstances they do so you should do some research and contact a local attorney for advice you know what rights are at stake before you sign an agreement fourth don't assume that the terms you're asked to sign our standard are non-negotiable our survey showed that most workers do not negotiate their non-competes often because they think the terms are set in stone or they don't want to be uncooperative or seem disloyal but employers might consider compensating you in some other way in exchange for these restrictions negotiating may cause some tension but it also may be best for you in the long run and if done right it will signal to the employer that you are diligent and thoughtful finally keep a copy of agreement and all the other employment documents you sign in a place where you can find before you look for new job review what you have agreed to do once you leave your current job things like what can't you do with regard to specific clients or company information things like...