How to Write a Resume for a Freelancing Job

How to Write a Killer Freelancing Resume

Want that dream freelance gig? It all starts with a fantastic resume. A freelance resume isn't like a regular one. It's not just about your work history. You also need to show you're adaptable, skilled, and can handle projects all by yourself. This guide will help you make a resume that gets you noticed and hired.

Freelance Resumes vs. Regular Resumes: What's the Big Difference?

Both show your experience, but a freelance resume needs a different approach. Regular resumes often focus on working at one company for a long time. Freelance resumes are all about the projects you handled. They show off your skills and how you can work independently on all kinds of jobs.

The Must-Have Parts of a Great Freelance Resume

1. Contact Info: Your name, phone number, email, and links to your LinkedIn and portfolio website. Keep it short and professional.
2. Summary/Professional Profile: This is your quick intro! In a few sentences, highlight your best skills for the jobs you want. Change this for each job application to show exactly what they need.
3. Skills Section: Show off your skills! List technical and soft skills. Use keywords from job descriptions. For example: project management, communication, writing, design, web dev, data analysis. Use bullet points – it's easier to read.
4. Experience Section (Project-Based): This is where you shine! Instead of focusing on company names, describe your projects. For each project:
   • Project Title: A short, clear title.
   • Client Name (or type of client): This adds credibility.
   • Project Description: Quickly explain what you did.
   • Results: Use numbers! "Increased sales by 20%," "Finished project early," etc. This shows your value!
5. Portfolio/Website Link: A link to your online portfolio. Let them see your work!
6. Education/Certifications: Your education and any certificates. This shows you're serious about your work.
7. Awards and Recognition: Any awards? Include them! They make you look great.

Making Your Resume Search-Engine Friendly

Just like a website, you can make your resume easier to find online.

• Use Keywords: Check job descriptions. Use those words in your resume!
• Quantify Your Achievements: Use numbers! Instead of "Improved website," say "Improved website speed by 30%, leading to 15% more users."
• Use Action Verbs: Start bullet points with strong verbs like "Managed," "Developed," "Increased," etc.
• Format for Readability: Use clear headings, bullet points, and lots of white space. Don't make it cluttered!
• Save as a PDF: This keeps the formatting the same, no matter where it's opened.

Examples of Awesome Resume Bullets

• Created a marketing plan that got 40% more leads for a small business.
• Managed a team of five designers to finish a website redesign on time and under budget.
• Made social media posts that got 25% more followers for a client.
• Wrote and edited great content, improving SEO and website traffic.
• Designed a user-friendly app with over 10,000 downloads.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Generic Resume: Don't use a boring template. Make it unique for each job.
• Vague Results: Use numbers to show your accomplishments. Don't be vague!
• Poor Formatting: Make it look good and easy to read.
• Typos: Proofread carefully! Typos are a big no-no.
• Irrelevant Info: Only include things relevant to the jobs you want.

Create a Winning Resume!

Making a great freelance resume takes work, but it's worth it! Use these tips to create a resume that shows off your skills and experience. Remember to tailor it for each job, focusing on the skills they need. Good luck!

Want More Help?

There are tons of online resources for resume writing and freelancing advice. Check them out!