Employment Contract Template

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An employment contract is a document signed between an employer and an employee when the latter accepts a job offer. This agreement explains the terms of the working relationship and includes information about job duties, salary, schedule, work hours, benefits, and rules both parties agree to follow during the employment period.
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Paper titled "Employment Contract", woman shaking hands with man; desk with a computer and notepad

A job contract template is useful when you want to clearly define the responsibilities, especially long-term ones, rights, and expectations between an employer and an employee. It helps prevent misunderstandings and can protect both sides if disagreements happen later on.

When To Use an Employment Contract

Common situations:

  • A company hires a full- or part-time employee;
  • A student or recent graduate starts an internship;
  • A company finds a temporary employee who is expected to work for a few months;
  • An organization brings on a freelance professional to complete a task;
  • A business hires a temporary team member to replace a permanent staff member who resigns.

When not to use an employment contract:

Sometimes, a written contract for work may not be necessary or appropriate. This kind of agreement is not commonly used for:

  • Cooperation with freelancers or independent contractors;
  • Short-term tasks (e.g., a few hours of work);
  • Hiring informal help with no ongoing responsibilities (e.g., babysitting).

Types of Employment Contracts

Depending on the nature of work relationships and a specific situation, different work agreement contracts are applicable, namely:

General employment contract

A general employment contract sample is used when someone is hired for a job with clear responsibilities, salary, benefits, and terms. It applies to full-time or part-time employees.

At-will employment agreement

An at-will work contract agreement presupposes that one of the parties can end the cooperation at any time for any legal reason. 

Emergency contract form

An emergency work contract template is used when someone is hired urgently. Most often, this type is signed in the healthcare and construction industry. It includes short-term terms and immediate start dates.

Internship agreement

An internship agreement is for students or trainees who apply for internship programs to get work experience. It usually explains if the work is paid or unpaid, what skills will be taught, and how long it will last.

Employee of the month nomination form

An employee of the month nomination form is a document that acknowledges an employee’s outstanding performance. With its help, companies motivate and reward hard-working team members.

Staffing agency contract

A staffing agency contract is used when a company hires employees through a special agency. The document outlines the roles and responsibilities of each party at every stage of the cooperation.

How To Fill In an Employment Contract Template: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Write when and by whom the contract is signed

A part of an employment contract sample
  • Add the date when the employment agreement template becomes effective;
  • Write the name of the hiring company or the employer;
  • Provide the full name of the employee.
Example:

This Employment Contract is entered into on June 19, 2025, by and between FutureTech Inc., a legal entity registered at 400 Elm St, Denver, CO 80210, and Jacob Smith, an individual registered at 2458 Pine Street, Denver, CO 80205, collectively referred to as the “Parties” and individually as the “Party.”

Step 2: Describe the job

A part of an employment contract template
  • Name the position;
  • Enumerate professional duties the role presupposes;
  • If a probationary period is required, clarify its length.
Example:

The Employee shall be employed as the Marketing Manager. The Employee must perform all essential job functions and duties as specified in the Employer’s internal policies.

The Employee’s duties shall be as follows: managing campaigns, leading the team, and reporting results to upper management.

Step 3: Outline the conditions

Employment contract template sample
  • If the company policy obliges the employee to work from a particular location only, state it in the contract;
  • Add information about the working hours;
  • Write how many vacation, sick leave, and personal paid days off the employee will have in the “Paid Time Off” section;
  • Specify the wages and frequency of payments in the “Compensation” section;
  • Add benefits the company offers in the employee agreement template.
Example:
  • 20 days for vacation. Unused vacation time from each year may accumulate following the Employer’s current personnel policy;
  • 10 days of sick leave;
  • 5 days for personal reasons.

Step 4: Outline the termination terms

Part of a work contract template example
  • Add the date then the contract automatically ends;
  • Explain how the job can be termainated by either the employer or the employee;
  • Write how much money the company will pay the employee if it fires the latter in the “Severance Pay” section of the sample employment contract.
Example:

Employment shall end on June 6, 2026, however, the Employer and the Employee may change the duration of employment upon written amendment to this Contact.

Step 5: Mention additional terms

Employment agreement template sample
  • If the company has confidentiality, non-competition, and force majeure policies, mention them in the employer contract.
Example:

During the term of the employment, the Employee may not delegate any work for another employer that is related to or in competition with the Employer. Upon termination of employment, the Employee will not solicit business from any of the Employer’s clients for a period of at least 3 years. 

Step 6: Sign the contract

Part of an employee agreement template
  • Provide the parties’ banking information.
  • The parties should put their signatures.
Example:

The Employer

Resolution Bank Group

ED67 WEST8888 8888 9999 9999


The Employee

Freedom Bank

HU00 WEST1111 1111 1111 1111

Always read the employee contract template carefully before signing. 

If you don’t understand any terms, speak with an HR professional or lawyer first.

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