Learn how contract-to-hire works on Upwork, including finding roles, conversion to full-time, obligations, and managing multiple opportunities.
In this article
- What is contract-to-hire on Upwork?
- What happens if a client wants to hire me full-time?
- How do I find a job with contract-to-hire potential?
- Am I obligated to go full-time with the client if I take a job with contract-to-hire potential?
- Can I have multiple contracts at once that are contract-to-hire opportunities?
- Can I go full-time with a client if our contract was not for a job described as a contract-to-hire opportunity?
What is contract-to-hire on Upwork?
We know at times clients want to hire freelancers as full-time employees after working with them on Upwork. If you are open to this possibility, you can add this to your profile for clients to see by checking Open to contract-to-hire. Here's how:
If you have an existing Upwork profile
- Go to Find work > Preferences
- Select the edit symbol labeled Job Preference
- Check the box next to Open to contract-to-hire
- Choose Update to save your preference
If you are new to Upwork
- You can select Open to contract-to-hire during profile set-up
What happens if a client wants to hire me full-time?
We always encourage clients to talk to you when they want you to convert to a role off Upwork. When they start the process to convert your working relationship, you’ll get an email (and a notification) from us. This will let you know which client/contract wants to convert, and allow you to accept or reject their offer.
If you accept the offer, you can work with them directly after they pay the Conversion Fee.
How do I find a job with contract-to-hire potential?
When you are searching for jobs posted by clients, select the Contract-to-hire filter option from the menu on the left.
Am I obligated to go full-time with the client if I take a job with contract-to-hire potential?
No. We highlight contract-to-hire opportunities, but there is no obligation to move to full-time and the client may decide not to move the job to full-time.
Can I have multiple contracts at once that are contract-to-hire opportunities?
Yes, there is no limit on the amount of contract-to-hire roles you can get here.
Can I go full-time with a client if our contract was not for a job described as a contract-to-hire opportunity?
Yes. We offer the option for clients to convert any closed or active contract, whether it started as a contract-to-hire opportunity or not.