Why More Melbourne Brands Are Starting with Freelancers
Hiring full time used to be the default. But not anymore.
Across Melbourne and Sydney, more creative agencies and marketing teams are starting with freelance before locking in permanent hires. It is a smart, flexible and low risk way to build teams that work.
And it is not just a workaround. Done well, this approach leads to some of the strongest hires you will ever make.
At The People Place, we are seeing freelance to perm become a core part of creative recruitment in 2025. Here is why it is gaining traction, and how to make it work.
What Is Freelance to Perm?
Freelance to perm means bringing someone in on a short term or contract basis, with a view to making them permanent if the fit is right.
It gives both sides a chance to test the waters. Less pressure. More clarity. And a stronger foundation if it turns into something longer term.
Why It Is Growing Fast
1. You Can Hire Faster
Freelancers can start within days. No waiting on budget approval or layers of sign off. If you need someone in the seat now, this is the way to go.
2. It Reduces Hiring Risk
A bad hire is costly. Studies show it can cost up to thirty percent of that person’s salary in lost time and turnover. Freelance to perm gives you a chance to test skills, team fit and delivery style before committing long term.
3. It Works for the Budget
Short term contracts give you room to move. If the work ramps up, you can scale quickly. If the budget shifts, you can reset without making permanent cuts. And when the time is right to offer a role, you already know the value that person brings.
4. It Helps Find the Right Fit
Freelancers are assessing you too. They want to know the work is meaningful, the culture is strong, and the team is collaborative. If both sides like what they see, it becomes a much easier yes.
“Contract to permanent is a great way to trial cultural fit and minimise long term risk.”
— Peoplebank Australia
What Roles It Works Best For
This model works best when output is clear and impact is fast. The most common freelance to perm transitions we see are:
-
Content creators and social leads
-
Designers, art directors and video editors
-
Digital marketers and campaign leads
-
Account managers and client partners
-
Brand strategists and CX planners
-
Project managers and producers
These are roles where great people can get up to speed quickly and start making a difference in the first few weeks.
How to Set It Up Properly
Done well, this model builds momentum and trust on both sides. Here is how to structure it:
Be upfront from the start
Let candidates know this is a freelance role with a view to permanency. It shows honesty and sets a shared intention.
Set a clear timeline
Most contracts run eight to twelve weeks. That is long enough to test fit without dragging it out. Agree on a check in point halfway through to talk about progress and next steps.
Define what success looks like
What are you assessing? Output? Speed? Team fit? Client rapport? It helps to be clear. That way, everyone knows what the goal is.
Keep the lines open
Talk regularly. Freelancers should never feel like outsiders. Include them in team meetings and project chats. It makes the transition easier if you decide to go permanent.
Make conversion simple
If it is working, move quickly. Have a clean process in place to shift them to perm. That might include a contract template, agreed salary, and a start date ready to go.
“If the hire does not work out, it is easier to part ways quickly. On the other hand, when contractors prove themselves, they become valuable assets.”
— Maggie Patterson, Aquent
Why Candidates Like It Too
Freelance to perm is not just employer friendly. Many candidates prefer it, especially in the current market. Here is why:
-
It opens doors faster
-
They get to try out the role and the team
-
They can show what they are capable of, not just say it
-
If the role becomes permanent, they are already up to speed
For people reentering the workforce, changing industries or relocating to Melbourne or Sydney, this path can be the best way in.
A Real Example from Our Network
One of our Melbourne clients, a growing agency in the wellness space, came to us unsure about headcount. They needed someone sharp to lead content, but the permanent brief was not quite there yet.
We introduced a senior content strategist on a three month freelance contract. She came in, reset the tone of voice, built the content calendar, and launched a new campaign in her first six weeks.
By week seven, the team was ready to offer her the role. We helped finalise the package and make the shift to permanent smooth. She is now leading the content team and has become a key part of their leadership group.
That is the power of freelance to perm. It removes the guesswork. And it works.
What the Market Is Saying
A few quick stats:
-
Fifty two percent of Australian employers transitioned a contractor to permanent in the past twelve months. (Edge Recruitment)
-
Freelancer registrations are up one hundred and twenty two percent across Australia. (Outsized Talent Report)
-
Creative businesses are using contract roles to stay flexible while testing fit. (The Creative Store)
This model is not a trend. It is a strategic way to hire in a shifting market.
Final Thoughts
Freelance to perm gives you speed, flexibility and clarity. It helps you move fast without rushing. It reduces risk while opening up your talent pool.
And when you find someone great, it makes that full time offer feel like a no brainer.
Looking to hire a freelance creative in Melbourne with a view to permanency?
Reach out today and we will guide you through the process.
📩 Contact us at hello@peopleplace.com.au
🌐 Visit peopleplace.com.au
