How to Create the Perfect Freelance Resume

Credit: ShutterStockShutterStock

The first thing any job seeker builds is a strong resume. Consultants and freelancers deal with different assignments within a year, while a full-time employee only has one posting for the same period. For that reason, freelancers take their resumes even more seriously.

The unique working situation involved in freelance jobs complicates the entire resume-writing process, from what to include and how often to update. 

Sure, crafting a freelance resume can be tricky, especially when handling hundreds of gigs. However, you can still make money as a freelancer by incorporating the handy tips provided below. 

Tips to Make a Freelance Resume

1. Follow the Traditional Rules

As simple as that. The fact that you’re not a 9-5 employee does not mean that your resume should look different. You still need to apply the basic resume-writing rules. 

The first obvious rule in resume writing is to avoid using the first person. Normally, the traditional resume format encourages the use third person because the employer expects to read about your value and skills, not about you as a person. 

The resume should also be comfortable to look at. So, don’t be too creative and include designs that may deprive the resume of clarity. Even if you think decorations would express your skills better, remember the resume is simply for sharing your skills. No one wants anything designed too much to make it hard to read or use. 

2. Focus on Skills

Instead of detailing your resume with every freelance gig you’ve handled, consider emphasizing your skills. Most businesses looking for freelancers need abilities and skills, not the time you’ve spent on every assignment. Only include the critical skills and accompany that with companies and projects for which you applied the skills. 

3. Customize The Resume for Your Target Job

Employers sift through hundreds of resumes for a few open positions. So, it would be best if you crafted your resume in a way that’ll catch the HR eye. One way to get tossed out in the screening process is to submit a resume that does not seem to consider any of the company’s needs. 

If you want to be among the shortlisted applicants, ensure that you edit your resume to include only skills and experience relevant to the job you’re applying for. For example, you can include keywords from the job posting and, if possible, even the company’s name. 

4. Indicate Your Education

Although some employers may pay more attention to your experience than education, it’s still crucial to include relevant courses, certifications, and degrees. The education section helps the employee understand the time you’ve dedicated to honing your skills, especially in a freelance life where the work history seems complicated and inconsistent. 

You don’t necessarily need to include your GPA unless you passed with flying colors at a popular institution. You may also want to include the GPA if you haven’t held a similar post in the past but want to prove that you’re up to the task. 

5. Quantify All Achievements

One thing employers like to see in all the achievements you list is measurable results. Yes, you have worked as a designer in a particular company, but what was the result? Was there any increase in conversion rates? If yes, what percentage? You don’t necessarily need to indicate every project you’ve worked on; instead, select the most impressive ones. 

Showing results in a quantifiable manner may prove a hassle, especially for freelance workers with a plethora of clients and companies. More so, you’d have no percentage to indicate if your past gigs didn’t involve data aspects. If your try to dig data in vain, try another way to quantify achievements, like the number of times you’ve been rehired and your overall success rate. 

6. Attach Links to Your Online Profiles

Adding links will help the employer see some of the work you’ve accomplished in the past. Besides, employers are also asking for social media links to determine your kind of person. You don’t need to include every social media platform you’re registered in, especially if it’s not requested. 

Only attach links to platforms with relevant work that’s likely to increase your chances of the employer hiring you. For example, if you’re a photographer, you may want to share your Instagram page for the employer to see some of your work. On the other hand, a reporter may share their Twitter feed to show the breaking news they’ve covered and updated. 

Generally, a freelance should include at least LinkedIn, a website, or other relevant profiles. 

Customize the Perfect Freelancer Resume

A freelance resume is different from most traditional formats. Most prospects will look for what value you can bring rather than your history. Remember to keep it simple and precise through spacing, clear fonts, and headings.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. For more information, see our disclosure here.