Your Ultimate Guide to Job Types: Full-Time, Part-Time, Contract & More

The Foundation: Permanent Employment

Permanent roles are the backbone of the traditional workforce. They offer the highest level of job security because there is no predetermined end date to your employment. These roles are typically broken down into two main categories.

Permanent Full-Time

This is the most common and widely understood type of employment. A full-time employee works a standard number of hours per week, typically between 38 and 40, as defined by the company or industry award.

• Key Features: You receive a consistent annual salary and are entitled to a full suite of benefits. This usually includes paid annual leave, sick days, public holiday pay, and often other perks like health insurance or retirement fund contributions.
• Who It’s For: This is ideal for individuals seeking stability, a predictable income, and a clear path for career progression within a single company.

Permanent Part-Time

A part-time employee works fewer hours than a full-time employee but has a regular, agreed-upon schedule. For example, you might work the same three days every week. The key here is consistency.

• Key Features: Like full-timers, part-time employees are permanent and receive the same entitlements, but on a pro-rata basis. This means your paid leave is calculated based on the number of hours you work. If you work 60% of a full-time week, you get 60% of the leave.
• Who It’s For: Perfect for students, parents returning to the workforce, or anyone looking to achieve a better work-life balance while retaining the security and benefits of a permanent position.

The Flexible Workforce: Non-Permanent Roles

Not every job is meant to last forever. Non-permanent roles are designed for specific situations, offering flexibility for both the employer and the employee.

Casual Employment

As the name suggests, casual work is based on an as-needed basis. There are no guaranteed hours, and your schedule can change from week to week. You have the flexibility to accept or decline shifts.

• Key Features: Casual employees are generally paid a higher hourly rate than their permanent counterparts. This extra amount, often called "casual loading," is paid in lieu of benefits like paid sick leave or annual holidays.
• Who It’s For: Students, people looking for a second income, or anyone who values flexibility above all else. It's a great way to gain experience in an industry without a long-term commitment.

Fixed-Term Contract

A fixed-term contract means you are employed for a specific period of time—say, six months or a year—or for the duration of a particular project. Your employment contract will have a clear start and end date.

• Key Features: During the contract, you are typically treated like a permanent employee, working full-time or part-time hours and receiving pro-rata benefits. The main difference is the pre-defined end date.
• Who It’s For: Specialists brought in for a specific project, employees covering a maternity leave placement, or roles tied to seasonal business needs.

Running Your Own Show: The Independent Contractor

This category is fundamentally different from all the others. Independent contractors, or freelancers, are not employees at all.

Freelancers and Independent Contractors

When you work as an independent contractor, you are essentially running your own business. A company pays you to provide a specific service or deliver a result, but you are not on their payroll.

• Key Features: You are responsible for your own taxes, insurance, and retirement savings. You invoice the company for your work and do not receive any paid leave or employee benefits. You have total control over your work, including who you work for, when you work, and what rates you charge.
• Who It’s For: Experts and professionals who want ultimate control over their career, from web developers and graphic designers to consultants and writers.

What Does This Mean For You?

Choosing the right type of employment is just as important as choosing the right job title. There is no single "best" option—it all depends on your current needs and long-term career aspirations. Are you craving the stability and benefits of a permanent role, or does the flexibility of casual work or the autonomy of freelancing appeal to you more?

By understanding these classifications, you can search for jobs more effectively and confidently evaluate any offers that come your way. No matter your work history, clearly stating your employment type for each role is crucial for a strong CV. A professionally structured resume can highlight your experience perfectly, and using a dedicated builder from resumost.com ensures you present this information clearly to potential employers.

Now go on and find the role that's the perfect fit for you