How to Go From Freelance to Full-Time? [2023]

Freelancing is an exciting and rewarding career, but it's not for everyone. Many people consider going from freelance to full-time after carving the field for years or even several months. For this, there might be several reasons like uncertain work and earning potential, better opportunities with prestigious organizations, or securing a senior-level position with handsome pay and perks. 

In this article, I'll share how you can move towards a full-time career after spending significant time as a freelancer and working on several freelance projects. If you plan to apply for full-time positions in an organization, read this complete article. It will help you decide how you can plan your career transition to a regular 9-5 job from a freelance hustle. 

5 Tips for Going From Freelance To Full-Time 

1. Use Current Skill Sets to Advance Your CV

As a freelancer or consultant, you are an accountant, communication specialist, problem solver, business analyst, and project manager who always delivers the best work to clients to maximize their short-term and long-term returns. Because you are in this business, you have many skills that full-time employees may often lack. 

So, when applying for a full-time position, prepare a resume that speaks about your skills, client testimonials, and the industry exposure you have. You can also demonstrate that you are a fast learner and quickly understand the project requirements. Several startups and Fortune companies look for agile and flexible talents. For instance, startups prefer working with candidates with freelance experience because they understand these talents are motivated, eager to learn, and handle a significant workload even on tight deadlines. 

Related: Freelancer Review: Is It a Legit Make Money Online Website?

2. Freelancing is Not an Employment Gap

Hiring managers often look for candidates from X company with Y experience. As a freelancer, your application might be unique for them, making it a risky bet for the organization. So, when you are interviewed, demonstrate that your freelance career is not an employment gap.

However, it's a full-time career where you can work with diverse employers on interesting projects requiring unique skill sets. Mention how you learned and mastered the business skills with their correlation with the current position. You can mention a milestone your client achieved through your quality work. Showcase other significant contributions you made in the growth of the previous company, along with the necessary facts and figures. 

3. Reason for Full-Time Career Transition

A strong reason is necessary when transitioning from a freelance to a full-time career. During the interview, you will often be asked why you decided to transition full-time from your freelance gig. There, you will be required to explain the reason. Your answer should be personal, confident, growth-oriented, and positive.

If you don't know what to answer, consider saying, "I'm looking for my next big challenge," or you can also say that now, "I'm looking to use my abilities for a bigger cause." 

4. You Own Your Freelance Business, Not 9-5 Job

Freelancing is your business; the more you work and engage with your clients, the more you earn. However, it's not the case with a full-time career. You'll have to devote fixed working hours at the corporate office, work with colleagues, and follow the instructions of the team lead and boss at the end of the day. 

In exchange, you'll be getting a fixed remuneration every month. Some companies also offer performance bonuses, paid time off, health insurance, and other benefits, making full-time jobs even more lucrative than freelance contracts. 

Related: 10+ Best Work From Home Jobs & Freelance Websites

5. Stay in Touch With Your Freelance Clients

If you plan to shift from freelancing to a full-time job and have secured one, staying in touch with your freelance clients is still better. Professional life is about your professional growth and maintaining healthy and positive relationships with your clients, employers, and colleagues. 

You can help your clients find your perfect replacement so they don't struggle once you leave the company. It's also better to respect your contract end date and consult with clients before deciding. 

Conclusion

Going from freelancing to full-time requires patience, skill upgradation, and thoughtful thinking about career progression. If you are planning to enter the corporate world as a full-time employee, consider talking to your freelance clients about your plans and then make any decision. Even after securing a full-time job, maintain professional relationships with your freelance client and strengthen your professional network. 

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