Because hiring the right employees is so critical to a company's success, many employers require that their candidates take pre-employment tests, including drug tests, skills tests measuring certain specific abilities, psychological tests and physical examinations. By attempting to learn as much as possible about which types of tests will be administered, you'll be able to prepare--even if only psychologically--for them.

Many new employees typically go through a probationary period, usually lasting from one to three months. The terms of the probation period vary from employer to employer. If you find yourself in that situation, be sure to clarify the effects of the probation period on salary, benefits, accrual of vacation time, and dates of employment reviews.