11 Things to Know Before You Sign an Independent Contractor Agreement

Many employers try to save money on taxes and escape liability under employment laws by getting employees to sign Independent Contractor Agreements. There are some advantages to being an independent contractor, but most people labeled as contractors are really employees. Here are the top 11 things you need to know before (or even after) you sign an Independent Contractor Agreement:

1. Intellectual property. If you are creating art, written work, computer programs or other creative works, then it may be an advantage to you to be an independent contractor. Generally, you own the copyright to works created as a contractor. However, be very careful when . . . read the rest on AOL Jobs.


Thanks again to Gina Misiroglu of Red Room for putting me in touch with the AOL people!

Who Owns My Social Media Contacts and Posts?

Most employees think their social media is none of their employer’s business. So, who owns your social media contacts and posts? While you may think you own your contacts and posts online, the answer may depend on what agreements you’ve signed with your employer.

When you leave, it is possible for your former employer to make a claim to some or all of your social media contacts or posts.

My guest post on Monster.com tells what you need to know about who owns your social media when you leave your job.

Thanks to my friends over at MonsterThinking for continuing to ask me to post. It's such an honor to be asked to guest blog for the nation's best job hunting site (and the one I use when I need to hire employees).