Don't sleep on freelancers who want to go back to full time. They may end up being the best hire you've ever made, and yes this post is 100% self serving but it doesn't make it less true.
To preface, freelancers are often met with skepticism when they express interest in full-time jobs. Why now? Does the nature of freelance not prepare you as well for a full-time role at the same level? Will you get bored and leave?
Maybe it's true for some people, but I think for most of us it's complete nonsense.
Anyone with extensive freelance experience actually has some key skills that make them the best candidates for whatever job they are applying for.
1. We Move Fast
We are regularly brought in to solve problems on condensed timelines. We serve as a quick fix for emergencies where the current agency resources weren't getting the job done or was not staffed appropriately to be able to handle whatever the timeline necessitated. Now imagine having years of this experience.
2. We're Adaptable
Constantly moving between agencies allows us to pick up brand and team dynamics astonishingly quick. We have to learn to work with everyone because if we can't we aren't likely to get called back.
3. We are the Sum of our Experience
Every agency has its own style and way of doing things. Some work better than others and freelancers who have moved between all the big and small agencies get a firsthand look at what works and what doesn't. We catalog this information and incorporate it into our own workflow. This makes us more efficient in the long run.
This is not to say that those who have only ever been full time don't have these traits, but there's no substitute for experience and living these things day in and day out makes a difference.
So don't write off a freelancer. If they are applying for a full time job it's because they want a full time job, reap the rewards and enjoy all the experience they bring with them.