Finding Organizations UsefulOpen templates and checklistsOpen my path
Size of article text
In brief
Section actions
Duration: Contract Reading — 30–60 min
Cost: Free
On-site only

Who this guide is for

Section actions
  • Any person to whom a contract is proposed
  • Those who want to understand the difference between CDI, CDD and acting

To be prepared in advance

Section actions
  • Draft contract and annexes
  • Position title and reason for hiring
  • Questions on salary, trial period and duration

Step-by-step procedure

Section actions
  1. 1Start by identifying the type of contract. CDI means a permanent contract, CDD means a fixed-term contract and an acting contract via a temporary work agency.
  2. 2Check the trial period: its duration and the conditions of breakage must be clear in the contract.
  3. 3Look at the salary in both gross and net, then check that it meets at least the SMIC if your position does not provide for another minimum.
  4. 4If it is a CDD, check the duration and pattern. A CDD must have a specific reason: replacement, season, point mission, etc.
  5. 5Read the applicable collective agreement. It can give you additional rights to pay, leave or schedule.

Common mistakes

Section actions
  • Sign without understanding whether the contract is a CDI or a CDD.
  • Forget the trial period and its breaking rules.
  • Do not look at the collective agreement and miss out on benefits already anticipated for you.

Official sources

Section actions
Show sources in this section

Useful links

Section actions
France Travail

Important remark

Labour law has many nuances and evolves regularly. This information is general in nature. For specific situations (litigations, suspicions of irregular dismissal), contact the Labour Inspectorate, a trade union or a labour law lawyer.

Did this guide help you?