Freelancing can be very flexible and independent, but trying to add freelance work on the resume is really intimidating. From writing to design and consultancy, it reveals how well you project it in the most sparkling way that can testify your skills and reliability for the future employers. Here is everything you need to know about how you can include freelance jobs on your resume and why it works.
Identify Why Freelance Experience Should Not Go Untold
Experience as a freelancer presents a positive account of your strengths at utilising project management skills and keeping on top of deadlines, and working well with clients-abilities highly in demand within the professional world. Failure to mention freelance experience passes up an opportunity to showcase your skills and initiative.
Discuss freelance experience if:
- It is relevant to the job you are applying for.
- Great skills or accomplishments have been gathered from your freelance experience.
- It completed a gap in employment on your resume.
Select the Best Kind of Format
Freelance work can fall in many areas of your resume. Choose the type of format that best fits your career story:
1. Freelance Jobs Under Work Experience
Freelance work falls under Employment History if you have ever freelanced or currently freelance as your primary source of employment. Here’s how to do it:
Job Title: Freelance Graphic Designer
Company Name (if self-employed or working for yourself, you can use either “Self-Employed” or “Freelance”)
Employment Dates: January 2020 – Present
Job Description of Major Responsibilities and Accomplishments
Example
Freelance Content Writer
Self Employed | Jan 2020 – Present
Content Strategies; Wrote blog articles to over 30 clients in the fields of finance, technology, and health.
Generated upto 50% more traffic to client’s websites through SEO-Optimized Articles
Worked on several projects at one time; completed all by deadlines.
2. Freelance Part
But if your freelance work is sizable and in various roles or projects, then use a separate section of the same. Head it “Freelance Projects” or “Independent Work.”
Sample:
Freelance Projects
Web Designer | XYZ Agency | June 2021 – December 2022
Redesign the agency’s website to increase user engagement by 30%
Marketing Consultant | ABC Startups | Jan 2021 – May 2021
Developed and implemented marketing campaign led to the brand notoriety.
Measurable Achievements
Do not solely include your tasks in your resume. Analyze measurable achievements that will give your resume an edge above others. Use “designed”, “executed”, “led and “optimized action verbs when telling your achievements.
Example
Instead of “Composed client blog posts, write: “Wrote search-engine optimized blog posts that improved the clients’ search rankings by 20%.”.
Change “Created social media content” to “Designed social media campaigns that increased follower count by 40% in three months.”
Highlight Transferable Skills
Freelancers develop cross-functional skills that are applicable across the most diversified mixed industries. You can highlight skills that encompass the following:
- Project management
- Customer communications
- Financial management (Budget and invoice)
- Market and self-promotion
- Problem solving and adaptability
Such skills are highly appreciated by employers so you will be able to outshine in competitive job markets.
Discuss Gaps in Employment
If freelancing filled gaps in more traditional employment, be sure to note that. Employers often prefer honesty, and may be much better able to understand your efforts. In fact, if you freelanced as part of a career transition or to acquire education, be sure to indicate that on your resume or in your cover letter.
Tailor freelance experience to the job
Tailor each resume to the job application, placing specific focus on freelancing experiences relevant to the position needs. For example, applying for the position of a Digital Marketer, give prominence on freelancing experience in social media management or content marketing.
A Professional Title
Use industry-standard job titles when referring to your independent work. Avoid ever using the term “Freelancer” but instead use “Independent Consultant,” “Freelance Graphic Designer,” or “Contract Writer.” A professional title can command confidence and precision on your resume.
Include Recommendation and Portfolio Links
Your testimonials or links to your portfolio are a great addition to your resume. Create a section that includes:
- Portfolio link
- Client testimonials, if applicable.
- Case studies of successful projects.
Examples
Portfolio: www.yourwebsite.com
Client Testimonial: “Usman provided outstanding designing services that ensured the sales increased by 25 percent.”
Make Resume Neat and Short
A dirty resume can be misleading to the authorities. Keep your resume updated by using continuous texts, bullet points, and blank spaces. Your resume must not be more than one or two pages depending upon the most relevant experience.
Conclusion
Even freelance work can often prove to depict your skill, initiative, and achievement. A well-formatted and tailored resume carrying all your freelance experience allows you to take it up to the highest value possible for a potential employer. Strive for measurable results, transferable skills, and professional achievements in order to make your resume cut through the competition amidst the job market.
FAQ
Do I need to list all my freelance work experience on a resume?
Only those freelance jobs which can be applied directly to the position you are applying for. Tailor making your resume means that your experience can be directly tied to the needs of the job.
How do I put freelance work on a resume?
Professional title, including company or client name, duration, and main responsibilities and achievements, focusing on the measurable outcome.
Is it okay to consolidate all freelance work under one category?
Of course you simply group similar freelance experiences. You can even have a single category such as “Freelance Experience” or “Independent Work” whereby you can group this experience in your resume.
Do I need to talk about my freelance experience during an interview?
Yes. Be ready to discuss your freelancing projects, issues you encountered, and ways through which you add value to clients.
Would any freelance work make up for a lack of traditional experience?
Indeed, freelance experience proves one’s skills, adaptability, and initiative, all of which are highly prized resources on a resume, particularly for entry-level workers and career changers.
