Highlight your freelance or contract work on your resume to showcase your adaptability, diverse skills, and ability to manage projects independently. Use clear descriptions with metrics to quantify your impact.
How
to Include Contract Work and Freelance Projects in Your Resume: A Comprehensive
Guide by CVKOM
Contract work and freelance projects
demonstrate flexibility, self-motivation, and a diverse skill set. Including
these experiences in your resume can add depth to your professional history and
showcase your ability to adapt to various challenges. At CVKOM, we help
professionals craft resumes that effectively highlight freelance and contract
roles to attract potential employers.
Why
Include Contract Work and Freelance Projects?
Including freelance and contract
work on your resume:
- Highlights your entrepreneurial spirit and ability to
manage projects independently.
- Demonstrates diverse skills and experience across
industries or clients.
- Fills potential gaps in employment history.
- Reinforces your expertise in specific fields or niches.
Step-by-Step
Guide to Including Freelance Work on Your Resume
1.
Choose an Appropriate Format
Freelance projects can be listed in
several ways, depending on their relevance and duration:
- Traditional Experience Section: List freelance work chronologically like other roles.
- Project-Based Section: Group freelance projects under one heading for
clarity.
- Portfolio Links:
Include links to online portfolios or websites to showcase your work.
2.
Create a Freelance/Contract Work Section
Use a clear heading to distinguish freelance
or contract roles from permanent positions.
Examples of Section Titles:
- Freelance Projects
- Independent Contractor Work
- Consulting Experience
3.
List Freelance Work Like Traditional Employment
Include:
- Job Title:
Be specific, such as “Freelance Graphic Designer” or “Independent
Marketing Consultant.”
- Client or Company Name: Include notable clients, or list as “Various Clients”
if applicable.
- Dates:
Provide the timeframe for the work.
- Responsibilities and Achievements: Highlight skills, responsibilities, and measurable
results.
Example:
Freelance Digital Marketer
Self-Employed | Jan 2020 – Present
- Managed digital marketing campaigns for 15+ clients,
increasing ROI by an average of 25%.
- Designed and executed SEO strategies, boosting website
traffic by 40%.
- Developed and maintained social media content
calendars, growing engagement rates by 35%.
4.
Group Similar Projects Under a Single Role
If your freelance work spans
multiple clients but involves similar responsibilities, group them under one job
title to avoid clutter.
Example:
Freelance Web Developer
Various Clients | Jan 2018 – Dec 2021
- Designed responsive websites for small businesses,
improving site performance by 30%.
- Implemented e-commerce solutions for 10+ clients,
increasing online sales by 50%.
- Created SEO-friendly web content, leading to higher
search engine rankings for clients.
5.
Highlight Key Achievements
Employers value results. Use metrics
and achievements to quantify your impact.
Example:
- "Designed 20+ custom logos for startups,
contributing to brand recognition and visibility."
- "Reduced client ad spend by 15% while increasing
lead generation by 25%."
6.
Include Freelance Work in Other Sections
Depending on the job and your resume
format, you can highlight freelance projects in sections like:
- Skills:
Showcase technical expertise or industry-specific abilities.
- Portfolio:
Link to a digital portfolio or personal website for creative work.
- Achievements:
Highlight awards or recognition for freelance projects.
7.
Use Keywords from the Job Description
Tailor your descriptions to align
with the job’s requirements, ensuring your resume is ATS (Applicant Tracking
System) compatible.
Example Keywords:
- Project Management
- Client Relations
- Deliverables
- Deadlines
8.
Mention Freelance Work in Your Summary
Briefly reference your freelance
experience to provide an overview of your expertise.
Example:
"Creative web developer with 5+
years of freelance experience designing responsive websites and implementing
SEO strategies for diverse clients."
Additional
Tips for Including Freelance Work
1.
Keep It Relevant
Focus on projects that align with
the job you’re applying for.
2.
Avoid Overloading Details
Highlight only key clients or
projects to maintain clarity.
3.
Be Honest
Ensure your descriptions accurately
reflect the scope and results of your work.
4.
Demonstrate Soft Skills
Highlight skills like time
management, communication, and client relations gained through freelance work.
Mistakes
to Avoid
- Being Too Vague:
Avoid generic phrases like “Did freelance work.” Instead, detail your
contributions and achievements.
- Ignoring Gaps:
Use freelance work to fill gaps in your employment history and show
continuity.
- Overcomplicating Descriptions: Keep your descriptions concise and easy to understand.
- Using Unprofessional Titles: Use formal titles like “Freelance Writer” instead of
“Gig Worker.”
Example
of a Resume Highlighting Freelance Work
Header
Jane Doe
Email: jane.doe@email.com
| Phone: +1-555-123-4567 | Portfolio: janedoeportfolio.com | LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/in/janedoe
Summary
"Experienced freelance graphic
designer with 7+ years of expertise in creating compelling visual content for
diverse clients. Skilled in Adobe Creative Suite, branding, and delivering
impactful designs on tight deadlines."
Experience
Freelance Graphic Designer
Various Clients | Jan 2016 – Present
- Created over 100 unique branding packages for startups,
improving brand recognition by 40%.
- Designed print and digital materials for marketing
campaigns, increasing client engagement by 30%.
- Collaborated with marketing teams to produce content
for social media platforms, achieving a 25% growth in follower count.
Contract Web Designer
ABC Marketing Agency | June 2018 – Dec 2019
- Developed custom WordPress websites for 15+ clients,
reducing development timelines by 20%.
- Implemented SEO strategies that improved search
rankings, driving a 50% increase in web traffic.
Skills
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- SEO Optimization and Content Creation
- Client Communication and Project Management
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design
University of XYZ | Graduated May 2015
Why
Choose CVKOM for Your Resume?
At CVKOM, we help you present
freelance and contract work professionally and effectively. Our platform
provides:
- Customizable Templates: Designed to highlight diverse professional
experiences.
- AI-Powered Suggestions: Tailor descriptions to align with job postings.
- ATS Optimization:
Ensure your resume passes automated screening systems.
- Proofreading Tools:
Guarantee clarity, professionalism, and impact.
Conclusion
Freelance and contract work can be a
powerful addition to your resume, showcasing versatility, initiative, and
specialized expertise. By presenting these experiences clearly and
professionally, you can position yourself as a strong candidate in any industry.
Let CVKOM help you create a resume that makes your freelance projects
stand out.
Start building your
freelance-friendly resume today with CVKOM—where creativity meets
professionalism!
