
In Brazil, “fazer job” literally means “to do a job,” but in practice it refers to taking on a temporary, informal gig or freelance assignment – often without a formal employment contract, social security benefits, or job stability. For recruiters and HR professionals, this term is a window into the country’s large informal economy, where roughly 40% of workers operate outside the formal labor framework.
If you’re looking to hire in Brazil, understanding this concept is critical. The “job” culture influences everything from candidate expectations to retention strategies. Many Brazilians treat “fazer job” as a primary income source, especially in creative fields, tech, and services. They value flexibility but often lack the protections of a traditional CLT (Consolidação das Leis do Trabalho) contract.
| Aspect | Formal Employment (CLT) | Informal “Fazer Job” |
|---|---|---|
| Contract | Written, registered | Verbal or simple agreement |
| Benefits | 13th salary, vacation, FGTS | None |
| Taxes | Employer pays ~27% additional | No formal deductions |
| Stability | Dismissal protection | At-will, no notice period |
For international recruiters, this means you need to adapt your sourcing and compliance. Offering a proper CLT contract can be a major competitive advantage for talent retention. Conversely, if you’re hiring freelancers for short-term projects, “fazer job” is a natural fit – but you must ensure local tax and labor laws are respected to avoid misclassification risks.
The term also carries a cultural nuance: saying “vou fazer um job” (I’m going to do a job) often implies a one-off, project-based task rather than a career. It’s less formal and more transient. For job seekers, a “job” might be a stepping stone or a side hustle, not a long-term commitment. This is especially common among younger generations and in urban centers like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
In short, “fazer job” encapsulates the flexibility and informality of Brazil’s labor market. Recruiters who grasp this concept can better navigate candidate expectations, negotiate compensation, and design employer branding that resonates with workers who value autonomy but also crave security.

I moved from Brazil to the US five years ago, and when I hear “fazer job,” it reminds me of my college days in São Paulo. Friends would say “vou fazer um job hoje” for a weekend photography gig or a one-day translation assignment. It was never a career – just quick cash. The real challenge was that these “jobs” never built a resume. No formal record, no references. Now, as someone who hires freelancers for my own small business, I see that Brazilians who do “fazer job” are incredibly resourceful, but they often struggle to prove their experience to international employers. If you’re recruiting in Brazil, look beyond the CV – ask about their “jobs” and what they actually delivered.

From my perspective as a hiring manager at a tech company with a remote team in Brazil, “fazer job” is a red flag and an opportunity. Red flag because it signals a candidate might be used to unstable, project-based work without long-term loyalty. Opportunity because these workers are often highly adaptable and skilled in self-management. I’ve learned to ask directly: “Do you prefer a CLT role or are you looking for a series of jobs?” The answer tells me a lot about their career stage. For junior roles, I lean toward formal contracts to build loyalty. For senior specialists, a “job” arrangement can be perfect for short-term expertise.

I’ve been doing “fazer job” in Brazil for three years as a graphic designer. Honestly, it’s exhausting but freeing. I juggle four or five clients monthly, all via WhatsApp or Instagram. No contract, no guarantees – but I set my own hours. The downside? I can’t get a mortgage or a credit card easily because banks want proof of stable income. For recruiters: if you want to hire someone like me, offer a clear project scope and fast payment. Brazilians doing “jobs” are used to getting paid per deliverable, not per hour. We value trust and speed over bureaucracy.

Economically, “fazer job” represents the expansion of Brazil’s gig economy as a response to high unemployment and rigid labor laws. According to a 2023 IPEA study, informal work accounts for 41% of the country’s GDP. This isn’t just a lifestyle choice – it’s a survival strategy. For international recruiters, tapping into this pool means accessing lower-cost talent but also facing higher turnover risk. The key is to formalize the relationship without losing the flexibility that workers value. A hybrid model – offering a short-term contract with basic benefits – can


