Before you give notice
You don't control everything in this process. But you can control the flow of information. Here's where to start asking.
Worth working into the conversation
Is the requisition fully approved and funded?
Not just open. Actually cleared by finance or leadership, not pending sign off. Ask for the req ID. If it's real and approved, it's in the system.
Is the start date confirmed, or still tentative?
"Two weeks out" can mean confirmed. It can also mean that's the plan for now.
Where are things with the background check?
Worth knowing before you resign, not after.
Could the role, team, or reporting line still shift before you start?
Reorgs and scope changes can happen even after an offer's signed.
Who else still has to sign off before this is final?
If you don't know, that's worth asking. Offer accepted and fully cleared aren't always the same moment.
You can't control every piece of this process. But you can control how much information you have before you make an irreversible decision.
Worth working into the conversation
Is this contract actually guaranteed for its full term, or a shorter term that can be extended?
An "18 month contract" is often a 6 month term that can extend to 18. Worth knowing which one you're getting.
Who decides whether it gets extended, and how often does that actually happen?
Get a real answer, not a vibe.
How well does your recruiter actually know this client and team?
Having a contract with a company isn't the same as knowing the hiring manager or having placed people there before.
Is there a way to connect with someone on the team before you start?
If they really know the account, this is a reasonable ask.
Where are things in the client's background check and onboarding process? What does the background check include?
Same rule as above. Worth knowing before you resign, not after. Ask for the req ID. If it's real and approved, it's in the system.
You can't control every piece of this process. But you can control how much information you have before you make an irreversible decision.