An employment contract is a written agreement between an employer and an employee that sets out the job, the pay and the terms of work. It covers duties, hours, benefits, notice and any confidentiality obligations. Companies issue one when they hire full-time or part-time staff, and agencies and schools use their own versions for temporary workers and teachers.
This page offers 23+ employment contract templates, editable and free to download. You’ll find an individual contract, an international employment contract, a teacher’s contract, an agency contract and a freelance work contract, plus brief and detailed versions. Each employment agreement template also works as a sample employment contract or job contract template.
Use a freelance contract only when the person is truly self-employed; calling an employee a contractor can lead to fines. Employment law varies a lot by location, so have a lawyer or HR adviser check your final version.
Alongside the employment contract, many employers use our confidentiality agreement templates to protect company information, commission agreement templates for sales staff, and agency agreement templates when hiring through an agency or contractor.
Official Employment Contract Templates
International Employment Contract Template
Teacher’s Employment Contract Template
Example Employment Contract
Freelance Work’s Contract Template
Detailed Employment Contract Template
Agency Employment Contract Template
Individual Employment Contract
Brief Employment Contract Template
Comprehensive Employment Contract Template
Professional Employment Contract Template
Basic Employment Contract Template
Blank Employment Contract
Employment Contract Draft Template
Essential Sections of an Employment Contract Template
The content of an employment contract depends on the nature of the job position. The basic purpose of an employment contract is to set out the rights and duties of both the employee and the employer, along with the details of the job position.
Every important detail related to the employment should be included in the contract. The following sections can be included in an employment contract template.
- Full names of both the parties to the contract i.e, employer and employee.
- Job position or job title.
- Job description (in detail).
- Contract duration.
- Work hours or schedule.
- Company policies.
- Pay and other perquisites.
- Terms and conditions.
- Consequences of termination of contract.
- Date of entering into contract.
- Signatures of both the parties.
Apart from the items listed above, an employment contract template can include any other relevant or important details and sections.
Formal Employment Contract Templates
Sample Employment Contract Template
Unique Employment Contract Template
Significant Employment Contract Template
Temporary Employment Contract Template
Employment Contract Form Template
Typical Employment Contract
Part time Employment Contract Template
Informative Employment Contract Template
Plain Employment Contract Template
Draft Employment Contract Template
Executive Employment Contract Template
Example Employment Contract Template
Reasons for having an Employment Contract
The following reasons will signify the importance of having an employment contract:
- An employment contract is an effective tool in protecting the employer’s business from any damage or threat.
- A signed employment contract indicates that both the parties to the contract are fully aware of their rights and duties.
- An employment contract is a great source for evaluating whether the employee or employer exceeded their authority and breached the contract.
- An employment contract is an effective way to provide job security to an employee.
- All the terms, conditions and obligations of an employment are clearly specified through an employment contract.
- Because an employment contract is legally enforceable, both the employer and the employee are bound by law to comply with all its terms and conditions.
- Many employment contracts also include a confidentiality statement, that is helpful in protecting the business secrets of the employer.
What to Include in an Employment Contract
- Employer and employee names, job title and start date
- Duties, workplace and reporting line
- Salary, pay frequency and benefits
- Working hours, leave and probation period
- Confidentiality, IP and non-compete clauses where lawful
- Notice period and termination conditions
Tips for Using These Employment Contract Templates
Employment law differs widely by country and state, so check minimum wage, leave and notice requirements before issuing. Keep job duties broad enough to allow reasonable changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an offer letter the same as an employment contract?
An offer letter is often shorter; the employment contract sets out full terms and conditions.
Do part-time employees need a contract?
Yes, they need the same written terms, adjusted for hours and pro-rated benefits.
