How to Showcase Freelance Work on Your Resume (+ Examples)

Key Takeaways for Freelance Resumes

• Understand when it makes sense to include freelance experience on your resume.
• Learn practical tips for strategically incorporating freelance work into your resume.
• Explore examples of how to showcase your freelance experience effectively, and discover how Minova's Resume Builder can help you get started.

Do you have freelance work experience? If you have substantial freelance experience, it's definitely worth including on your resume. This allows employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of your professional background and recognize the valuable, transferable skills you've acquired. However, it can be challenging to present freelance work without overwhelming your resume. Let's explore the best strategies for doing it right.

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Understanding Freelance Work on Resumes

Before diving into creating a freelance-focused resume, it's important to clarify what "freelance" truly entails.

What is Freelance Work?

Generally, freelance work, a form of self-employment, is defined as any work you've undertaken as a W9 contractor, meaning you worked independently rather than as an employee. According to research, a significant portion of the workforce engages in independent work to some degree.

Key Characteristics of Freelance Work

Freelance engagements are typically short-term and part-time. Working full-time for a single client might not be technically considered freelancing, even with a W9 form. Freelance work spans virtually all roles, from writing to design to data analysis. As a freelancer, you have the flexibility to work with multiple clients simultaneously.

Should You Include Freelance Work on Your Resume?

Absolutely, but only if it's the right kind of freelance work. Every experience you include on your resume should positively reflect your abilities and expertise. Ideally, these experiences should also be relevant to the positions you're applying for. If not, their inclusion might not be beneficial.

When and Why to List Freelance Work

Including freelance experience can strengthen your resume by showcasing your work ethic and skills. Even when you weren't in a full-time role, you provided value to clients and developed valuable skills applicable to future roles.

However, not all freelance work warrants inclusion. Evaluate each project based on its potential value to a prospective employer.

Here are scenarios where including freelance work is beneficial:

• Relevance: The work aligns with your target job. For instance, design work for a fashion retailer might not appeal to a finance company, but it would be relevant to a cosmetics company seeking a copywriter.
• Transferable Skills: The experience demonstrates transferable skills like communication or creativity.
• Filling Employment Gaps: Freelancing can explain periods without full-time employment.
• Consistency: Prioritize longer-term freelance engagements over one-off projects, unless the latter was for a well-known company.
• Primary Income: If freelancing was your main source of income, highlight this to demonstrate your hustle and self-sufficiency.
• Significant Success: Noteworthy achievements in your freelance career can significantly enhance your resume.

If a freelance experience doesn't meet at least one of these criteria, it might be best to exclude it.

How to Present Freelance Work on Your Resume

Choosing which gigs to include is just the first step. You also need to present them effectively. Here's how:

1. Clearly Define Your Role: Explicitly state that the work was freelance or contract-based.
2. Describe Your Experience: For each project, include the client's name, your role, and the project's scope. Highlight your contributions and accomplishments.
3. Organize Your Content: Integrate your freelance work strategically within your resume sections.
   • Work Experience: List freelance projects alongside traditional employment, maintaining consistent formatting.
   • Projects: If you have numerous freelance projects, consider a dedicated section.
   • Skills: Highlight skills honed through freelancing, such as time management and adaptability.
4. Choose the Right Format: A hybrid resume format can be particularly effective for freelancers, as it allows you to highlight both your skills and experience.

Freelance Resume Template

Use the template below as a starting point to create your freelance resume:

Header and Contact Information
[Name] | [Location] | [Phone Number] | [Email]

Target Title
[Write a 3-5 sentence resume introduction or professional summary]

Skills
Skill Category 1: Skill example, Skill example, Skill example
Skill Category 2: Skill example, Skill example, Skill example

Work Experience
[Company Name] [Location] [Start – End Date]
[Role]
Notable/quantifiable achievement
Notable/quantifiable achievement

[Freelance] [Location] [Start – End Date]
[Role] Client’s name and project scope
Notable/quantifiable achievement
Notable/quantifiable achievement

Education
[Degree, Field] [School Name], [Location] [Graduation Date or Dates of Attendance]

Optional Sections
Certifications and licenses
Relevant coursework
Awards and recognitions
Volunteer work

Examples of Incorporating Freelance Work

Your resume's structure will depend on the extent of your freelance work. A full-time freelance writer will have a resume heavily focused on freelance projects, while someone who freelances as a side hustle might integrate a few clients into the Projects section.

Here are some examples of how to include freelance work:

• Freelance UX Designer: Generated ideas based on client customer personas; developed websites and software to solve UX problems; managed multiple projects simultaneously.
• Freelance Front-End Developer: Created client websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript; customized WordPress; provided website maintenance.
• Freelance Content Writer: Researched, wrote, and edited blog posts, social media copy, and ebooks; conducted keyword research; adhered to client style guides.
• Freelance Video Editor: Created and edited video content; worked with Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects.
• Freelance Graphic Designer: Designed graphics for social media, brochures, and websites; implemented on-brand design elements; collaborated with copywriters.
• Freelance Artist: Developed digital illustrations; researched new techniques; collaborated with other artists.
• Freelance Virtual Assistant: Managed communications; maintained filing systems; managed client social media accounts.

Highlighting Freelance Achievements

Quantifiable accomplishments are vital for any resume. Did you increase sales, reduce costs, or win awards? These achievements demonstrate your value.

As an HR consultant notes, "Highlighting specific achievements from your freelance work is crucial. By focusing on outcomes, you demonstrate that your freelance work is not only diverse but also results-driven."

Quantify your achievements whenever possible. "Increased annual productivity by 15%" is more impactful than "brainstormed ways to reduce meetings." Include these accomplishments in your Work Experience section.

Transitioning from Freelance to Full-Time

Freelancers often use their experience to transition into full-time roles. To make your freelance experience impactful:

• Frame it as Career Growth: Show how your freelance work expanded your expertise and developed valuable skills.
• Showcase Transferable Skills: Highlight skills like time management, prioritization, and problem-solving.
• Emphasize Long-Term Clients: This demonstrates your ability to collaborate effectively.

How Minova Can Help

Minova's Resume Builder is an excellent tool for incorporating freelance experience. Simply add the job, dates, role, and achievements. You can store your entire career history in one place and tailor your resume for each application.

You can also use AI to enhance your resume summary and bullet points, and cross-check your resume's effectiveness with the resume checker.

Freelance experience demonstrates initiative, time management, and a diverse skillset. Presenting it effectively can significantly improve your job search. Minova's tools help you organize your freelance work and tailor your resume quickly and effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I include freelance work on my resume?

Yes. Freelance work is still work, and any gigs that positively represent your abilities and are relevant to the job you're applying for should be included in the Work Experience or Projects section.

How many freelance clients should I list?

Three to five is a good guideline. Avoid making your resume too long, but demonstrate your ability to manage multiple projects. Prioritize clients most relevant to the job you're seeking.

How do I list multiple freelance clients?

Include them in the Work Experience section, naming each client and your role (e.g., "Freelance Graphic Designer" at "DesignGuru"), and briefly describing your work.

What's the best resume format for freelancers?

Functional or hybrid formats work well. Functional resumes organize experience by theme, while hybrid resumes combine chronological order with a stronger focus on skills.

Is it better to say "freelance" or "self-employed"?

The terms are generally interchangeable, describing short-term projects for multiple clients. Use either term consistently.