This article explains Upwork's contract-to-hire program, which allows clients to create a job post with a signal that there’s potential for the role to become a full-time position. If both parties agree, the contract can be converted to full-time employment, with the client paying a Conversion Fee. Clients can convert any contract, even if it wasn’t initially labeled as contract-to-hire. - AI helped create this summary
If you might need a freelancer contract to evolve into a full-time role in your company, you can let freelancers know that’s a possibility by labeling your job post contract-to-hire.
The contract will still start out as a freelance position, and you can decide whether to move it into a full-time employee role later. If you decide to transition the role into a full-time employment arrangement, and your talent accepts, you can convert your contract for a fee and hire the talent full-time.
Freelancers can also let you know they’re interested in contract-to-hire on their profiles.
Post a contract-to-hire opportunity
- Go to Hire talent > Post a Job
- Choose whether to use AI or get started on your own
- On the scope of work page, we'll ask, "Is this job a contract-to-hire opportunity?”
- Select Yes, this could become full-time
Deciding to convert your contract
- When you’re ready to convert, we encourage you to talk with your talent before sending them a conversion request. This ensures that they’re open to the opportunity and know an offer is coming.
- You won’t have to go it alone once you convert. You can choose to hire on your own or use Upwork’s Any Hire, a specialized self-service platform within Upwork that helps you hire and onboard employees. Learn more about Any Hire.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find Upwork talent that is open to a contract-to-hire role?
Upwork talent can select if they are open to contract-to-hire roles in their preferences. When you search for talent, you can filter your results by Open to Contract-to-Hire and invite talent specifically interested in exploring a full-time opportunity.
Can I hire talent full-time if our contract was not for a job described as a contract-to-hire opportunity?
Yes. We offer the option to convert any closed or active contract, whether it started as a contract-to-hire opportunity or not.
Am I obligated to hire talent full-time if I post a job with contract-to-hire potential?
No. We highlight contract-to-hire opportunities so people open to full-time opportunities can identify them, but there is no obligation to do so.
What is the process for hiring talent full-time if I have found them on Upwork?
To hire someone you found on Upwork as a full-time employee, you must follow the contract conversion process and pay the Upwork Conversion Fee. This allows you to handle payment and contracts independently. Avoiding the conversion process is a violation of our Terms of Service and could result in permanent loss of account access.
If I convert a contract, can I keep using Upwork for other contracts?
Yes, by following the Upwork process for contract conversion and paying the Conversion Fee, you are following our Terms of Service. We hope you’ll continue to find talent on Upwork and build relationships that last.
Will I need to pay the Conversion Fee if I know that I’m going to use Any Hire to hire my freelancer as an employee?
Yes, you’ll still need to pay the Conversion Fee to convert your contract, whether you use your own tools to hire or Any Hire to hire the freelancer as an employee.