HR

Free Employment Contract Template

Formalize new hires with a comprehensive employment contract template. Define compensation, benefits, roles, and expectations — then send for e-signature with eSignTap for free.

What Is a Employment Contract?

An employment contract is a legally binding agreement between an employer and an employee that defines the terms and conditions of the employment relationship. It outlines the job title, responsibilities, compensation, benefits, work schedule, confidentiality obligations, termination procedures, and other important terms. Employment contracts protect both parties by clearly establishing mutual expectations and providing a legal framework for the working relationship.

What This Template Includes

Employer Information

Company name, registered address, and authorized representative signing on behalf of the employer.

Employee Information

Full legal name, address, and contact details of the new hire.

Job Title & Duties

Official position title, department, reporting structure, and a summary of key responsibilities.

Compensation & Benefits

Base salary, pay frequency, bonuses, equity, health insurance, PTO, and other benefits.

Start Date & Work Schedule

Employment start date, full-time or part-time status, and expected working hours.

Confidentiality & IP

Non-disclosure obligations and assignment of intellectual property created during employment.

Termination Clause

Notice period requirements, grounds for termination, and severance terms if applicable.

Non-Compete & Non-Solicit

Any restrictions on competing businesses or soliciting clients/employees after departure.

Why Use an E-Signature Employment Contract?

  • Onboard new hires faster by sending contracts for remote signing before their start date.
  • Legally binding e-signatures are recognized under the ESIGN Act and UETA across all 50 states.
  • Keep all employment agreements organized and instantly accessible in a secure cloud archive.
  • Reduce HR administrative burden — no printing, scanning, or filing paper contracts.
  • Ensure consistency across all employee contracts with a standardized template.
  • Track signing status in real time so you know exactly when a new hire has signed.

How to Use This Template

1

Sign Up Free

Create your free eSignTap account in under 30 seconds. No credit card required.

2

Choose the Employment Contract Template

Select the employment contract template from the gallery or upload your company's own version.

3

Customize the Contract

Fill in job details, compensation, benefits, start date, and any company-specific clauses.

4

Send for E-Signature

Enter the new hire's email and send. They can review and sign from any device before day one.

Tips for Your Employment Contract

  • Clearly define whether the position is at-will or for a fixed term to avoid ambiguity.
  • Include a probationary period clause if your company requires one for new employees.
  • Be specific about intellectual property ownership for work created during employment.
  • Review non-compete clauses carefully — some states have restrictions on their enforceability.
  • Attach any referenced documents such as employee handbooks or benefits summaries.

Ready to Use This Template?

Sign up free, customize this template, and send it for e-signature in minutes. No credit card required.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this employment contract template free?+
Yes. The eSignTap employment contract template is completely free. Sign up, customize it for your new hire, and send for e-signature at no cost.
Is an e-signed employment contract legally binding?+
Yes. Electronic signatures on employment contracts are legally binding under the ESIGN Act, UETA, and equivalent international laws. They hold the same legal validity as traditional wet-ink signatures.
Can I customize this template for different roles?+
Absolutely. You can modify every field including job title, duties, compensation, benefits, and special clauses to create role-specific contracts for each position.
How do I send the contract to a new hire?+
After customizing the template, enter the new hire's email address. They will receive a secure link to review and sign the contract from any device.
What file format is the signed contract available in?+
The fully executed contract is available as a PDF with an embedded audit trail showing all signature events, timestamps, and IP addresses.
Can multiple people sign the contract?+
Yes. You can add signature fields for the employee, HR representative, and any other authorized signers on the same document.

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