How to Write a Resume When You've Been Freelancing

Freelancing is fantastic. You’re your own boss, you set your hours, and you get to choose the projects you work on. But when it’s time to transition from freelancing to a full-time role, crafting a resume that accurately and effectively showcases your experience can feel like a unique challenge. How do you translate diverse, project-based work into something that appeals to hiring managers used to seeing traditional employment histories?

It’s absolutely doable. I’ve seen countless freelancers successfully make the leap, and I’m here to guide you through creating a compelling freelancer resume.

Addressing the Freelancer Resume Challenge

The main hurdle is framing your freelance work in a way that highlights the skills and experiences relevant to the jobs you’re applying for. You need to demonstrate that your freelance experience isn’t just a series of disconnected gigs but a valuable collection of accomplishments that make you a strong candidate. Let’s break down the key strategies.

1. Treat Freelancing as a “Job” (But Explain It Clearly)

Instead of listing each individual project as a separate entry, consolidate your freelance work under a single “Freelancer” or “Self-Employed” heading. This immediately simplifies your resume and makes it easier for recruiters to understand the scope of your work.

Example:

Self-Employed | Freelance Writer & Editor | 2018 - Present

• Managed all aspects of a freelance writing and editing business, including client acquisition, project management, and content creation.
• Developed content strategies and created engaging copy for a diverse range of clients in the tech, healthcare, and education industries.
• Consistently delivered high-quality work on time and within budget, resulting in repeat business and positive client testimonials.

This approach treats your freelance career as a cohesive role, emphasizing your responsibility and achievements across multiple projects.

2. Quantify Your Accomplishments

Numbers speak volumes. Instead of just stating what you did, show the impact you made. Did you increase website traffic, improve customer satisfaction, or generate more leads? Whenever possible, quantify your accomplishments with metrics.

Example (Before):

• Wrote blog posts for a tech company.

Example (After):

• Wrote 10+ blog posts per month for a tech company, resulting in a 25% increase in organic website traffic.

See the difference? The second example is much more compelling because it demonstrates the tangible results of your work. When building your self employed resume, think about metrics like:

• Revenue generated: How much income did your freelance business bring in?
• Projects completed: How many projects did you successfully deliver?
• Client base: How many clients did you work with?
• Efficiency improvements: Did you streamline any processes or improve workflow?
• Cost savings: Did you identify opportunities to reduce expenses?

3. Highlight Transferable Skills

Freelancing inherently requires a wide range of skills that are highly valued in full-time positions. Make sure to emphasize these transferable skills throughout your resume. These can include:

• Project Management: Managing deadlines, budgets, and client expectations.
• Communication: Communicating effectively with clients and stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving: Identifying and resolving issues independently.
• Adaptability: Adjusting to changing priorities and client needs.
• Time Management: Balancing multiple projects and meeting deadlines.
• Self-Motivation: Staying focused and productive without direct supervision.
• Client Relationship Management: Building and maintaining strong client relationships.

Example:

“Successfully managed 15+ concurrent client projects, demonstrating exceptional time management and organizational skills. Proactively communicated with clients to ensure project alignment and satisfaction.”

4. Customize Your Resume for Each Job Application

This is crucial. Don’t send out a generic resume for every job. Tailor your resume to match the specific requirements of each position you’re applying for. Carefully review the job description and identify the key skills and experiences the employer is seeking. Then, highlight the freelance projects and accomplishments that demonstrate those specific qualifications.

Example:

If you’re applying for a marketing manager position, emphasize your experience in developing marketing strategies, managing social media campaigns, and analyzing marketing data. If you’re applying for a software development role, showcase your coding skills, project management experience, and ability to work independently.

5. Choosing the Right Resume Format

For freelancers, the functional or combination resume formats often work best.

• Functional Resume: This format focuses on your skills rather than your chronological work history. It’s useful if you have gaps in your employment history or want to emphasize specific skills relevant to the job. However, some employers are wary of functional resumes because they can be seen as trying to hide something.

• Combination Resume: This format combines elements of both chronological and functional resumes. It allows you to highlight your skills while also providing a clear timeline of your work experience. This is often the most effective format for freelancers, as it allows you to showcase both your skills and your accomplishments in a clear and organized manner.

6. Addressing the “Why Freelancing?” Question

Be prepared to answer the question of why you chose to freelance. Frame your answer in a positive light, emphasizing the benefits you gained from the experience, such as developing new skills, expanding your network, and gaining diverse experience. You might also explain that you were seeking more autonomy, flexibility, or the opportunity to pursue your passions.

Example:

“I chose to freelance to gain experience working with a variety of clients and industries, which allowed me to develop a broad skill set and adapt to different project requirements. I also enjoyed the autonomy and flexibility of setting my own schedule and managing my own business.”

7. Leverage Your Portfolio

Your portfolio is your secret weapon. Include a link to your online portfolio or website in your resume. This allows potential employers to see examples of your work and assess your skills firsthand. Make sure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Showcase your best work and highlight projects that are relevant to the jobs you’re applying for.

8. Testimonials and Recommendations

If you have positive testimonials or recommendations from past clients, include them in your resume or portfolio. These endorsements provide social proof of your skills and abilities. You can also ask clients to write LinkedIn recommendations, which can further enhance your credibility.

Example:

“John Smith, Marketing Manager, ABC Company: ‘Jane is a talented writer and editor who consistently delivers high-quality work on time and within budget. I highly recommend her services.‘“

9. Mind the Gaps

If you have significant gaps in your freelance work history, be prepared to address them. You can explain that you were focusing on personal development, taking time off to travel, or pursuing other interests. Be honest and transparent, but focus on the positive aspects of your experiences. Did you take online courses, volunteer, or participate in any other activities that helped you grow personally or professionally?

10. Proofread, Proofread, Proofread

This should go without saying, but it’s essential to proofread your resume carefully for any typos, grammatical errors, or formatting issues. A well-polished resume demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism. Ask a friend or colleague to review your resume as well, as a fresh pair of eyes can often catch errors that you might have missed.

Example Freelancer Resume Snippets

Here are a few more examples of how to effectively present freelance experience on your resume:

Example 1 (Web Developer):

Self-Employed | Freelance Web Developer | 2019 - Present

• Designed and developed 20+ responsive websites for small businesses and non-profit organizations, using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP.
• Implemented SEO best practices, resulting in an average 40% increase in organic search traffic for clients.
• Provided ongoing website maintenance and support, ensuring optimal performance and security.

Example 2 (Graphic Designer):

Freelance Graphic Designer | 2017 - Present

• Created visual identities and marketing materials for a diverse range of clients, including logos, brochures, websites, and social media graphics.
• Collaborated with clients to understand their brand and target audience, ensuring that designs effectively communicated their message.
• Increased client brand awareness by an average of 30% through targeted graphic design campaigns.

Example 3 (Virtual Assistant):

Self-Employed | Virtual Assistant | 2020 - Present

• Provided administrative, technical, and creative assistance to busy professionals, including managing schedules, coordinating travel arrangements, and creating presentations.
• Streamlined office processes, resulting in a 20% reduction in administrative costs for clients.
• Maintained client websites and social media accounts, increasing online engagement and brand awareness.

By following these tips, you can transform your freelancer resume into a powerful tool that showcases your skills, accomplishments, and value to potential employers. The key is to frame your experience in a way that highlights your transferable skills and demonstrates the tangible results you’ve achieved.

Making the leap from freelancing to full-time employment requires a thoughtful and strategic approach to your resume. Focus on quantifying your accomplishments, highlighting your transferable skills, and tailoring your resume to each specific job application. With a well-crafted resume, you’ll be well on your way to landing your dream job.

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