HACKER Q&A
📣 maerF0x0

Sign an NDA for an interview? (with perpetual clause)


Ok, so many job hunters out there due to layoffs figure this was quite relevant. And the previous entries seemed out dated or more focused on VC/Founder situations.

In my experience I've only been asked by the bigger companies and the terms have been 5yrs, and one even had a perpetual clause[1]. 5years is kind of annoying, but whatever. But, I'm pretty concerned about cause if I don't get the job. Consider if I'd like to go interview/work for their competitors?

How do you treat NDAs for interviews?

(let's not discuss VC/Founder case)

[1]: "4. Term; Confidentiality Period. This Agreementshall continue in effect until terminated by upon written notice to Recipient. Notwithstanding any expiration or termination of this Agreement, Recipient's obligations with respect to Confidential Information under this Agreement expire five (5) years from the date of receipt of the Confidential Information (except that with respect to any trade secrets the obligations shall be perpetual)."

  👤 SavageBeast Accepted Answer ✓
My personal view on NDAs is that they invite litigation and as a rule I avoid signing them. Not to say I stick to that 100% in all cases but it takes something exceptional before I'll even consider it.

If your product/idea/etc is so easily "stolen" by the details gleaned in a mere conversation/interview then you have a shitty product/idea/etc.

If you can't evaluate my skills relative to your needs without telling me the inner most secrets of the temple such that an NDA is necessary, you don't know how to interview.

On considering it here, Ive never been asked to sign one in an interview situation with a legitimate company. Plenty of "startups" have asked me to sign something before we could even talk and I politely declined and moved on.

Your mileage may vary but I can't see signing a perpetual anything personally.

👤 joshxyz
1. Why would you disclose sensitive materials to applicants

2. What a shit company moat do you have to require NDAs to applicants

👤 warrenm
I have a simple rule - "no"

There is absolutely no reason to sign an NDA for an interview

Ever