Best Platforms Where US Companies Hire Through Work in 2026

Finding a professional opportunity in the United States today requires more than just a well-formatted document, it requires tangible evidence of your capabilities. The modern hiring landscape has shifted toward "Proof of Work," where companies prioritize seeing a finished project or a solved assignment over reading a list of past job titles. If you want to bypass the traditional applicant tracking systems that often filter out talented individuals, you need to be on platforms that let your work samples do the talking.

I’m Riten, founder of Fueler, a skills-first portfolio platform that connects talented individuals with companies through assignments, portfolios, and projects, not just resumes/CVs. Think Dribbble/Behance for work samples + AngelList for hiring infrastructure.

1. Fueler: The Ultimate Proof of Work Ecosystem

Fueler is a dedicated portfolio platform designed specifically for the "Proof of Work" era, helping professionals document every project they have ever touched in a beautiful, organized way. Unlike a standard social network, it functions as a central repository for your achievements, allowing US-based recruiters to verify your expertise by clicking through actual deliverables rather than reading vague bullet points. It bridges the gap between having a skill and proving you can use it, providing a high-trust environment where work samples act as the primary currency for career growth.

• Custom Portfolio Blocks allow you to categorize your work into specific niches like content, code, design, or strategy so that hiring managers can find relevant samples instantly without digging through irrelevant files.
• Collaboration Tagging lets you give and receive credit for group projects, ensuring that every contributor’s role is clearly defined and verified, which builds immense trust with potential employers who value transparency and teamwork.
• Proof of Work Certificates can be attached to every project, serving as a digital stamp of authenticity that confirms you actually performed the tasks described, making your profile stand out to high-intent recruiters.
• Direct Landing Pages provide a professional URL that you can share with any US company, acting as a live, interactive resume that updates in real-time as you add new projects, keeping your professional presence fresh and relevant.
• Skill-First Discoverability ensures that you are found by companies searching for specific outcomes, such as "Social Media Growth" or "React Development," rather than just generic job titles, placing you in front of the right eyes.

Pricing:

• Free Plan: Create a comprehensive portfolio with unlimited project uploads and a custom profile link.
• Premium: Starting at $88/year for advanced custom domains, detailed analytics, and priority placement in discoverability feeds.

Why it matters:

In a competitive US market, being able to show exactly what you have built gives you a massive advantage over candidates who only talk about their experience. Fueler simplifies this by providing a clean, professional space where your assignments and projects become your strongest selling point. It helps you build a legacy of work that recruiters can trust, significantly increasing your chances of getting hired for what you can actually deliver.

2. Wellfound: The Startup Hub for Skills-First Talent

Wellfound, formerly known as AngelList Talent, is the primary destination for startups in the USA looking for individuals who are ready to build from day one. The platform is built on transparency, showing you the salary, equity, and specific project requirements before you even click apply. It prioritizes the "startup mindset," which values the ability to execute projects over having a long list of corporate credentials, making it a goldmine for professionals with strong portfolios.

• Integrated Project Showcases allow candidates to link their GitHub, design files, or live project URLs directly to their application, giving startup founders an immediate look at their technical or creative execution style.
• Direct Founder Access removes the traditional HR middleman, allowing you to pitch your work samples directly to the people making the hiring decisions, which is essential for high-growth tech companies.
• Culture and Equity Filters help you find companies that align with your work-life preferences and financial goals, ensuring that you apply to roles where your specific project-based skills will be most valued.
• Curated Talent Pools highlight the top ten percent of candidates based on their work history and technical assessments, giving highly skilled individuals a shortcut to interviews with top-tier US startups.
• Transparent Job Listings provide detailed insights into the specific problems the company is trying to solve, allowing you to tailor your work samples to show exactly how you can help them achieve their goals.

Pricing:

• Job Seekers: 100% Free to use, including profile creation, job applications, and direct messaging.
• Companies: Free basic tier; Recruit Pro starts at $200 per month for advanced filters and automated sourcing tools.

Why it matters:

Startups move fast and cannot afford to hire people who only look good on paper, which is why they flock to Wellfound to find builders. By focusing on your assignments and past project outcomes, this platform ensures you are evaluated on your ability to contribute to a product. It is the best place for US-based professionals to find roles where their work speaks louder than their education.

3. Contra: The Commission-Free Independent Network

Contra is a modern professional network designed for independent workers and freelancers who want to work with US companies without losing a portion of their earnings to platform fees. It is built entirely around the concept of "The Portfolio," where your profile is a living document of the services you offer and the projects you have successfully completed. It is widely used by modern tech companies that prefer hiring specialists for specific project-based assignments.

• Project-Based Invoicing allows you to set up clear milestones for every assignment, ensuring that you are paid fairly as you complete different stages of a project for your US clients.
• Visual Work History replaces the standard list of dates and titles with a beautiful gallery of your best work, making it easy for recruiters to see the quality of your output at a glance.
• Custom Service Listings enable you to package your skills into specific offerings, such as "Landing Page Design" or "SEO Audit," making it simple for companies to hire you for a defined task.
• Verification Badges are awarded based on your successful completion of projects and identity verification, providing an extra layer of trust for US companies that are hesitant to hire remote workers.
• Zero Commission Fees means that every dollar the company pays you goes directly into your pocket, making it a more sustainable and professional alternative to older gig-economy platforms.

Pricing:

• Free: Create a portfolio and apply for jobs with no commission fees on your earnings.
• Pro: $29 per month for custom domains, enhanced profile themes, and better visibility in search results for recruiters.

Why it matters:

Contra is redefining the independent work scene by making portfolios the center of the hiring experience. For US professionals, it offers a way to build a brand around their specific deliverables rather than just being another name in a database. It empowers you to showcase your assignments as a professional service, attracting companies that value high-quality, project-based work.

4. Braintrust: The User-Owned Talent Network

Braintrust is a unique decentralized talent network that connects highly skilled technical and creative professionals with major US enterprises like Goldman Sachs and Walmart. The platform is built on a "Proof of Skill" model where talent must pass a rigorous vetting process that involves showing actual work and passing technical evaluations. Because the network is owned by its users, it focuses on high-quality matches rather than high-volume applications.

• Enterprise Project Access gives you the opportunity to work on massive, high-impact assignments for Fortune 500 companies that are usually hidden behind traditional staffing agency walls.
• Skill-Based Vetting involves peer-to-peer reviews where other experts in your field evaluate your work samples to ensure you meet the high standards required by top US employers.
• Control Over Rates allows you to set your own hourly or project-based fees, ensuring that you are compensated fairly for the specialized expertise you bring to a project.
• Token-Based Governance gives users a say in how the platform is run, creating a community-focused environment where the needs of the professionals are prioritized over corporate profits.
• Global Talent Infrastructure provides all the tools needed for contract management, compliance, and payments, making it easy for US companies to hire and pay you for project-based assignments.

Pricing:

• Talent: Free to join and apply; no commission is taken from your earnings as a professional.
• Companies: Pay a 10% fee on top of the talent’s rate, which is significantly lower than traditional agencies.

Why it matters:

For those looking to work with large US corporations on a project basis, Braintrust provides the necessary credibility and infrastructure. It shifts the focus from a resume to a verified track record of high-level assignments. By proving your skills through their vetting process, you gain access to some of the most lucrative and prestigious work opportunities in the American market.

5. Polywork: The Multi-Hyphenate Professional Network

Polywork is a professional social network that recognizes that people are more than just their job titles; they are a collection of the different projects and activities they participate in. It allows you to create a "Timeline" of your professional life, where every entry is a specific highlight, such as speaking at a conference, launching a side project, or completing a major assignment. It is highly popular among US tech professionals who want to showcase a diverse range of skills.

• Highlight Timelines allow you to post updates about individual projects as they happen, creating a chronological narrative of your growth and achievements that is much more engaging than a static resume.
• Collaboration Invitations let you specify exactly what kind of projects you are open to, such as "Beta Testing," "Speaking Engagements," or "Freelance Coding," helping you get found for specific tasks.
• Badge System rewards you for different types of contributions, making it easy for recruiters to quickly identify your core strengths and the types of assignments you excel at.
• Internal Messaging facilitates direct communication between professionals and companies, encouraging casual conversations that often lead to high-value project opportunities and full-time hires.
• Portfolio Integration allows you to pull in work from other platforms like GitHub or Behance, centralizing all your "Proof of Work" into one cohesive and visually appealing professional story.

Pricing:

• Standard: Free for individuals to create a profile, build their timeline, and connect with others.
• Premium: Approximately $9 per month for custom profile URLs, advanced themes, and deeper audience analytics.

Why it matters:

Modern US hiring managers are looking for versatile "multi-hyphenate" talent who can contribute in multiple ways. Polywork allows you to prove your versatility by showcasing a wide variety of assignments and projects in a single feed. It is an excellent tool for building a personal brand that demonstrates continuous learning and active participation in your industry.

6. Toptal: The Exclusive Network for the Top 3%

Toptal is a premium platform that caters to the absolute best talent in fields like software development, design, and finance. They are famous for their extremely tough screening process, which includes personality tests, language proficiency, andmost importantlylive coding or design assignments. US companies use Toptal when they need a guaranteed high-quality hire for a critical project and are willing to pay a premium for verified expertise.

• Rigorous Technical Screening involves several rounds of assignments that test your ability to solve complex problems in real-time, ensuring that only the most capable professionals make it into the network.
• Custom Matchmaking pairs you with US clients based on the specific technical requirements of their project and your past performance on similar assignments, leading to very high satisfaction rates.
• High-Budget Projects are the norm on Toptal, as the platform attracts enterprise-level clients who are looking for experts to lead their most important digital transformations and product launches.
• Trial Periods allow companies to work with you for a short time to ensure your skills are the right fit for the assignment before committing to a long-term contract.
• Professional Community access gives you the chance to network and collaborate with other top-tier experts, which can lead to shared projects and advanced learning opportunities.

Pricing:

• Talent: Free to apply and join, though the acceptance rate is very low (roughly 3%).
• Companies: Requires a $500 deposit (applied to the first invoice) and hourly rates typically ranging from $100 to $200+.

Why it matters:

Toptal is the ultimate "Proof of Work" platform because your entire membership is based on your performance during their assignments. For high-level US professionals, being a part of this network is a badge of honor that instantly proves your technical superiority. It eliminates the need for constant interviewing by pre-verifying your skills to the highest possible standard.

7. Upwork: The World's Largest Work Marketplace

Upwork is a massive platform that connects millions of freelancers with businesses of all sizes, including many of the top companies in the USA. While it is a broad marketplace, the most successful professionals on the platform use their "Project Catalog" and "Portfolio" sections to show off their past assignments. It is a highly competitive environment where a strong visual history of successful project outcomes is the only way to win high-paying contracts.

• Project Catalog allows you to create "pre-packaged" assignments with a set price and scope, making it easy for US companies to "buy" your services just like they would an item in a store.
• Detailed Portfolio Sections give you space to upload case studies, videos, and screenshots of your work, providing the necessary evidence for clients to trust your expertise.
• Job Success Score is a metric based on your history of completing assignments and receiving positive feedback, acting as a powerful social proof for new potential employers.
• Talent Badges like "Top Rated" or "Expert-Vetted" help you stand out in search results, signaling to high-budget US clients that you have a proven track record of delivering quality work.
• Verified Work History automatically tracks every project you complete on the platform, building an undeniable record of your professional experience that is visible to every recruiter.

Pricing:

• Freelancers: Free to join; Upwork takes a 10% service fee from your earnings. You may also need to purchase "Connects" to bid on jobs.
• Clients: Free to post; 5% fee on payments made to freelancers.

Why it matters:

Upwork is a powerful tool for building a "Proof of Work" history from scratch. For those looking to enter the US market, it provides a structured way to take on smaller assignments, prove your worth, and gradually move up to larger, more complex projects. It is a global stage where your ability to finish a task on time and to a high standard is your most valuable asset.

8. Layered: The Design-First Hiring Platform

Layered is an emerging platform that specifically targets the design and creative community, moving away from traditional job boards toward a more curated, project-centric approach. It focuses on the "why" behind the design, encouraging creators to upload detailed case studies that explain their process for specific assignments. This is particularly attractive to US creative agencies and tech companies that value strategic thinking alongside visual talent.

• Case Study Builder helps you structure your work samples into a narrative that explains the problem, your process, and the final outcome of each design assignment.
• Visual Discovery Feed allows recruiters to browse through a high-quality stream of design work, making it possible for you to get "discovered" simply by posting your best projects.
• Curated Job Matches use AI to pair your specific design style and project history with companies that are looking for that exact aesthetic, reducing the time spent on irrelevant applications.
• Feedback Loops allow other professionals on the platform to comment on your work, providing constructive criticism that helps you improve your portfolio and assignments over time.
• Studio Profiles give creative teams a way to showcase their collective work, making it a great place for small agencies to find new US-based clients and project opportunities.

Pricing:

• Creators: Free to build a portfolio; premium features for enhanced visibility are expected to be around $12 per month.
• Companies: Subscription-based models for sourcing talent start at approximately $150 per month.

Why it matters:

For designers, a resume is almost entirely useless without a strong portfolio. Layered understands this and provides a platform where your assignments are the star of the show. It allows US companies to see the depth of your creative talent and your ability to solve business problems through design, making it a top choice for visual professionals.

9. Dice: The Specialized Tech Career Marketplace

Dice is a long-standing career platform specifically for the technology sector in the USA, focusing on roles like software engineering, data science, and cybersecurity. In recent years, it has integrated more "Proof of Work" features, allowing candidates to link their technical projects and certifications directly to their profiles. It is the go-to platform for US tech recruiters who are looking for specialized skills rather than general experience.

• Vignette Profiles allow you to highlight specific technical projects and the tools you used to complete them, giving recruiters a clear picture of your hands-on experience with certain languages or frameworks.
• Social Profile Integration pulls in data from sites like GitHub and Stack Overflow, providing a comprehensive view of your technical contributions and your ability to solve complex coding assignments.
• Detailed Skill Ratings help you categorize your expertise across hundreds of different technologies, making it easier for US companies to find you for niche technical roles.
• Career Pathing Tools provide insights into which projects and certifications you should focus on next to increase your market value in the American tech industry.
• Direct Recruiter Messaging facilitates fast communication with hiring managers at some of the biggest tech firms in the US, allowing you to discuss project details and assignments quickly.

Pricing:

• Candidates: Completely free to create a profile, upload projects, and apply for tech jobs.
• Companies: Pricing varies based on the number of job postings and access to the candidate database, usually starting around $400 per post.

Why it matters:

In the tech world, your ability to code is your resume. Dice recognizes this by emphasizing your technical projects and your contributions to the developer community. For any tech professional aiming for a job in the US, Dice offers a platform where your technical assignments are given the weight they deserve by recruiters who understand the industry.

Final Thoughts

The shift toward skills-first hiring is not just a trend; it is the new reality of the professional world in the United States. Companies are increasingly realizing that a degree or a list of past companies is not a guarantee of future performance. By using platforms like Fueler, Wellfound, and Toptal, you are taking control of your career by letting your actual work prove your value. Start treating every assignment as a building block for your portfolio, and you will find that the right opportunities begin to find you.

FAQs

What is the best platform for showing proof of work in the USA 2026?

The best platform for showing proof of work is Fueler, as it allows you to document every project, assignment, and contribution in a single, verified portfolio. This makes it incredibly easy for US recruiters to see your actual capabilities rather than just reading about them.

How can I get hired by a US company without a degree?

You can get hired by focusing on "Proof of Work" platforms like Wellfound or Contra. By showcasing high-quality work samples and successfully completing project-based assignments, you prove to employers that you have the skills necessary to do the job regardless of your educational background.

Are there free tools to build a professional portfolio for US jobs?

Yes, Fueler and Polywork offer excellent free tiers that allow you to build a comprehensive professional portfolio. These tools help you organize your past assignments and projects into a visually appealing format that is ready to share with potential US employers.

Which tech hiring platform is best for developers in 2026?

Toptal and Dice remain the top choices for developers. Toptal is ideal for those who want to prove they are in the top 3% through rigorous assignments, while Dice is perfect for those who want to highlight their technical contributions on sites like GitHub.

How do I stand out to US recruiters on project-based platforms?

To stand out, you must provide detailed case studies of your assignments. Don’t just show the final result; explain the problem you were solving, the tools you used, and the impact your work had. This level of detail builds the trust that US recruiters are looking for.

What is Fueler Portfolio?

Fueler is a career portfolio platform that helps companies find the best talent for their organization based on their proof of work. You can create your portfolio on Fueler. Thousands of freelancers around the world use Fueler to create their professional-looking portfolios and become financially independent. Discover inspiration for your portfolio

Sign up for free on Fueler or get in touch to learn more.