Freelance work is becoming very common these days because of the easy availability of Remote work and internet accessibility. Freelancers often have a long range of skills and experiences that make them valuable for both full time jobs and freelance opportunities. But many freelancers struggle to show their freelance work on their resumes in a good way. In this blog, we will get to know how to include freelance work on your resume, using clear and straightforward language.
Before we tell you the practical steps, let us get to know why it’s important to include your freelance work on your resume.Show that you are versatile, Freelancers work on a different of projects in different industries. By including freelance work, you can depict your ability to adapt and succeed in various roles. Showrelevant experience, your freelance experience may be directly related to the job you’re applying for. Listing this experience shows potential employers that you have the necessary skills.Highlight your achievements,freelancers often work independently, which requires self-motivation and accountability. Sharing your freelance achievements can show your initiative and accomplishments.
The first step is to create a well-structured resume. Regardless of whether you’re applying for a traditional job or a freelance project, your resume should be organized and easy to read.Start with Your Contact Information and include your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable). This information should be at the top of your resume.Write a catchysummary bywriting a brief summary that highlights your key skills and experiences. This is your chance to grab the employer’s attention. Include Your Work Experience and create a section specifically for your work experience, both freelance and traditional jobs.
Position and Role
For each freelance opportunity you’ve had, clearly state your position or role. This information helps potential clients or employers see that you have relevant experience. Be specific about the type of work you’ve done in the past. For example, if you’re applying for a writing job, mention your writing experience.
Start and End Dates
Include the start and end dates of your freelance opportunities. This helps potential clients, recruiters, and hiring managers understand the scope and level of your experience. It also shows how recently you worked in the field, employment gaps, or how long you’ve stayed with opportunities.
Company or Client Name
Adding the names of the companies or clients you’ve worked with in the past adds credibility to your project experience. It also serves as an industry reference for your work. When potential clients see that you’ve done work for companies similar to them, you’ll be more likely to stand out during the hiring process.
However, irrelevant freelance experience can be removed from your resume to make space for the most relevant and impactful projects.
Detailed Project Summary
Provide a detailed summary of your responsibilities and achievements during each freelance project. Use quantifiable achievements, metrics, or contributions to demonstrate your impact. For example:
Highlight Achievements
Include any achievements, recognitions, awards, or positive results from your previous freelancing experiences. These actual outcomes can give a significant highlight to your resume in the eyes of potential employers. For example, if you received a positive review from a client, consider adding a quote from the review.
Reference Clients
If it is required then you should also consider adding your clients as references. Include the company name and the point of contact (client’s name) as a reference. This can give potential clients confidence that you’re the right person for the job.
Edit Your Resume
You should always remember that your resume should be edited according to the job or project you’re applying for. This means emphasizing your most relevant freelance experiences and skills for each application. For example, if you’re applying for a graphic design job, prioritize your graphic design freelance work.By following these steps, you can easilyput your freelance work into your resume. This will make it clear to potential employers how your freelancing experience is valuable and relevant to the job you’re seeking.
Here are some of examples that will show you how to include freelance work on your resume in the best possible way.
Example: Freelance Content Writer
– Position: Freelance Content Writer, Self-Employed (May 2020 – Present)
– Summary: Wrote high-quality content for various clients across industries, with a focus on blog articles, SEO optimization, and social media posts.
Example: Freelance Graphic Designer
– Position: Freelance Graphic Designer, Creative Designs Co. (January 2019 – December 2020)
– Summary: Designed visually engaging graphics for clients in the fashion and e-commerce sectors, leading to a 20% increase in click-through rates.
To create a standout freelance resume, you can consider these:
Use clear and precise language throughout your resume. Avoid jargon and overly complex terms.
Only include accurate titles and responsibilities that you can prove. Overselling your skills can lead to problems.
Highlight any awards or positive results from your work. Positive feedback from clients can be a powerful addition.
If appropriate, add your clients as references. This can boost your credibility.
Including your freelance work into your resume is very important to depict your variety of work, relevant experience, and achievements. It helps you be exceptional in the competitive job market and gives clients and employers a clear understanding and idea of your capabilities.By following these simple steps and best practices, you can create a catching freelance resume that shows your unique skills and experiences. This will increase your chances of getting your dream freelance projects.If you need help finding a job in Dubai, or you are looking for the best resumes writing services out there then get in touch with us today!