How to Put Freelance Work on a Resume
Freelance work is part of many careers today. Whether it supplemented your income or became your main career, listing freelance work on your resume can make a difference. This guide shows you how to present your freelance experience.
Why Include Freelance Work on Your Resume?
Freelance work illustrates key skills. It allows for flexibility, initiative, and credibility. Here’s why you should include it:
Demonstrates versatility: Freelance projects often encompass several industries. This displays adaptability.
Demonstrates Initiative: Freelancers can control their tasks, which is attractive to employers
Builds Credibility: Freelance work indicates that you have real-world experience.
How to Include Freelance Experience:
Freelance jobs fall into two categories:
Work Experience: Include freelance work if it is relevant to the job you are applying for.
Projects: Include short-term or side projects here.
If freelancing was your primary source of income, include it in the Work Experience section.
- Use the Correct Job Title
Select a job title that accurately describes your freelance work.
Examples:
Freelance Graphic Designer
Independent Digital Marketer
Freelance Content Writer
Do not use job titles such as “freelancer” or “self-employed.” Be specific.
- List Freelance Work Chronologically
Format freelance work like a regular job:
Job Title (e.g., Freelance Web Developer)
Company Name (e.g., Self-Employed or Your Brand Name)
Location (if applicable)
Employment Dates (e.g., January 2020 – Present)
Example:
Freelance Content Writer
Self-Employed | Remote
January 2021 – Present
- Showcase Accomplishments
Use bullet points to list accomplishments that demonstrate your skills.
Projects accomplished
Skills applied.
Results, such as increased traffic or revenue.
Example:
Increased website traffic by 45% through SEO content.
Developed marketing collateral that resulted in 20% sales increase.
- Customize Freelance Work to the Job
Customize your freelance entries to fit the job you are applying for. Emphasize relevant skills and achievements.
Example:
For a marketing role, you should highlight your experience with SEO, advertising, or social media.
- Add Keywords from the Job Posting
Include keywords that match the job description. This increases your resume’s chances of passing ATS filters.
- Add Freelance Skills
Freelance work will develop a variety of skills. List them in the Skills section.
Examples:
Project Management
Client Communication
Graphic Design
Data Analysis
Examples of Freelance Work on a Resume
Here are examples of how to format freelance work:
Example 1: Graphic Designer
Freelance Graphic Designer
Self-Employed | Remote
May 2018 – Present
Designed 50+ branding packages for small businesses.
Created websites that boosted client conversion rates by 30%.
Managed 20+ client projects at once.
Example 2: Content Writer
Freelance Content Writer
Your Brand Name | Remote
March 2020 – October 2023
Increased Search Rankings with Blog Posts
Created email campaigns that had 25% more leads.
Worked with the marketing teams to optimize content.
Example 3: Web Developer
Freelance Web Developer
Self-Employed | Remote
June 2019 – Present
Built responsive WordPress sites for 15+ clients.
Integrated eCommerce features that increased sales by 40%.
Provided ongoing support for key clients.
Additional Tips for Showcasing Freelance Work
- Be Honest About Freelancing
Indicate that it was freelance work. Employers appreciate honesty.
- Measure Your Success
Include numbers to prove the success. You can indicate revenue increases or project completion dates.
- Be Relevant
Include only freelance work that is relevant to the job you are applying for.
- Use Professional Terms
Do not use terms such as “side hustle.” Consider your freelance work as a professional.
- Emphasize Customer Relationships
Freelancers handle customer relationships. Highlight the success in communication and the management of projects.
Gap Filling with Freelance Work
Freelance work can fill gaps in employment. Include it on your resume if it helped develop relevant skills.
Example:
Freelance Marketing Specialist
Self-Employed | Remote
July 2020 – December 2021
Delivered marketing strategies that increased online visibility.
Helped small businesses grow during the pandemic.
When Not to Include Freelance Work
Skip freelance work if:
It’s not relevant to the job.
It was a short-term job without measurable results.
It didn’t involve skill development.