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I.
Free template · US and Australia

Employment contract template.

Two free employment contract templates — a US at-will format and an Australian permanent full-time format aligned to Fair Work. Copy directly. The Australian versions in the paid library go deeper on state-specific requirements (Long Service Leave, awards, casual conversion).

What's on this page

  1. Two employment contract templates — US (at-will) and AU (permanent full-time, Fair Work-aligned).
  2. Frequently asked questions — Fair Work, casual conversion, non-competes by jurisdiction.
  3. Deeper templates for paid use — jurisdictionally complete Australian SKUs.
II.
II.The templates

Two employment contract templates. Copy directly.

Template 01 / 02

1. US Employment Contract (At-Will)

When to use it: Standard format for US full-time employment. Confirms at-will status, comp, IP assignment by reference, and basic restrictive covenants.

EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT (US, At-Will) This Employment Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into on [Date] between [Company name], a [State] [corporation/LLC] ("Company"), and [Employee name] ("Employee"). 1. POSITION AND DUTIES Title: [Job title]. Employee will perform the duties customarily associated with the position and such other duties as the Company may reasonably assign. 2. COMPENSATION Base salary: $[Amount] per year, paid [bi-weekly / semi-monthly] per Company payroll schedule. Bonus: [If applicable — bonus plan reference]. Benefits: Employee is eligible for the Company's standard benefits package, subject to plan terms. 3. AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT Employee's employment is at-will. Either party may terminate the relationship at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice. No provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted to alter the at-will nature of the employment. 4. CONFIDENTIALITY AND IP Employee will sign the Company's standard Confidentiality and Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement on or before the start date. The terms of that agreement are incorporated by reference. 5. RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS During employment and for [12] months after termination, Employee will not solicit any Company employee or contractor to leave their engagement. [Add non-compete language only if enforceable in the applicable state — California, Oklahoma, and several other states limit or prohibit.] 6. GOVERNING LAW This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of [State]. ────────────────────────────────────────── SIGNATURES [Company name] Employee ____________________________ ____________________________ [Name, Title] [Employee name] Date: __________ Date: __________
Template 02 / 02

2. Australian Permanent Employment Agreement

When to use it: Permanent full-time engagement under Australian law. References the NES, includes leave entitlements, notice periods per Fair Work Act minimums, and award coverage placeholder.

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (AU, Permanent Full-Time) This Agreement is made on [Date] between [Company name] ABN [ABN] ("Employer") and [Employee name] of [Address] ("Employee"). 1. POSITION Title: [Job title]. Employee will report to [Manager name] and perform duties consistent with the role. 2. NATURE AND COMMENCEMENT Type: Permanent, full-time Commencement: [Start date] Hours: 38 ordinary hours per week, plus reasonable additional hours. 3. AWARD / AGREEMENT COVERAGE This role is [covered by / not covered by] the [Award name] Modern Award. Employee's conditions of employment shall not be less than those provided by the National Employment Standards (NES) and any applicable Modern Award. 4. REMUNERATION Annual base salary: AU$[Amount], inclusive of compulsory employer superannuation contributions. Superannuation: Paid in accordance with the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992. Pay cycle: [Fortnightly / Monthly]. 5. LEAVE ENTITLEMENTS Annual leave: 20 days per year (NES) Personal/carer's leave: 10 days per year (NES) Compassionate leave: 2 days per occasion (NES) Long service leave: As applicable under State legislation Parental leave: As per the Fair Work Act 2009 6. TERMINATION Notice periods are in accordance with the Fair Work Act 2009 minimum standards: - Less than 1 year: 1 week - 1–3 years: 2 weeks - 3–5 years: 3 weeks - 5+ years: 4 weeks Additional 1 week if Employee is over 45 and has at least 2 years of service. 7. CONFIDENTIALITY Employee agrees to keep confidential all confidential information of the Employer during and after employment. 8. POST-EMPLOYMENT RESTRAINTS For [6/12] months after termination, Employee will not [solicit clients / solicit employees / compete] within [geographic scope]. Reasonableness is at the court's discretion under Australian common law. 9. GOVERNING LAW This Agreement is governed by the laws of [State, Australia]. ────────────────────────────────────────── SIGNATURES Employer Employee ____________________________ ____________________________ [Name, Title] [Employee name] Date: __________ Date: __________
III.
III.Frequently asked

Questions about employment contracts.

Do US employees need a written employment contract?

Legally, no. Most US employment is at-will and doesn't require a written contract. However, written agreements protect both parties — clarifying comp, duties, confidentiality, IP ownership, and post-termination obligations. Senior roles and roles involving IP creation should always have one.

What does Fair Work compliance require for Australian contracts?

Australian employment contracts must align with (1) the National Employment Standards (NES) — 11 minimum entitlements that override anything contrary; (2) the relevant Modern Award if one applies; (3) any applicable Enterprise Agreement. Contract terms that provide less than these minimums are void to the extent of the inconsistency.

Can a casual employee request permanent conversion in Australia?

Yes — as of December 2023, casual employees can request conversion to permanent employment after 6 months (small business: 12 months) under section 66B of the Fair Work Act. Employers can refuse only on 'reasonable grounds' — and the conversation must be documented in writing.

Are non-competes enforceable?

In the US, depends on the state — California, Oklahoma, North Dakota largely prohibit them; most other states require 'reasonableness' in scope, geography, and duration. The FTC's 2024 federal ban is currently in legal limbo. In Australia, non-competes are enforceable at common law if reasonable; courts apply strict scrutiny.

V.
V.The wider library

Every HR document, in one library.

For offer letters, performance reviews, NDAs, and everything else — the full library has each one at $49.