If you’ve been freelancing for a while, but now miss the collaborative and social environment at an office, making a steady salary, and having more standard working hours – this is the guide for you. I’ve compiled a list of tips to help you make your way back to a full time gig.

CHOOSE A ROLE THAT INSPIRES YOU

Don’t just settle for the first opportunity that comes your way, pick something that’s going to motivate, challenge and help you make moves in your career.

WHY DO YOU WANT THIS JOB?

Hiring managers and recruiters may ask why you want to a make a move to full-time work, be ready to give them reasons why! Present your reasons thoughtfully in the cover letter while applying for a full time role.

GAPS IN YOUR RESUME

If you’ve gaps sporadically spread across your resume, make sure to add a positive spin to these brief periods of time-off  especially for legitimate reasons which include taking a career break to study, committing to charity and volunteer work or recovering from an illness among others.

SELL YOURSELF

Most freelancers are adept at quite a few experience based skills: gaining new perspective through a variety of projects, working solo as well as collaborating with teams, working with with small and big companies/corporations. The tip is to sell your experiences to the recruiter, with these skills and experiences in addition to your technical skilled background you may have an advantage  over someone who hasn’t been freelancing!

PORTFOLIO IS KEY

As previously mentioned, you’re likely to have an added advantage solely based on the different projects that you’ve worked on. Setting yourself apart from other candidates and key, this is your one opportunity to convince an employer to give you a chance. So prepare an online/print portfolio (if suitable) and make sure to include the link to your resume and cover letter. Using GitHub or Behance or Squarespace depending on the industry you work in, make sure that your portfolio includes a variety of work from a range of clients – ideally including ones similar to the company you’re applying for.

Share with us your career shift from freelance to full-time story in the comments. Or, check out our guide to becoming a freelancer here!

(Feature Image: Pixabay)