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How to List Freelance Work On a Resume (with Examples)

By Preston Lee | November 27, 2020

Quick Links

In this article, I’m going to be showing you the best ways to list freelance work on your resume. If you’re wanting to get more freelance work, you can apply to be a freelancer on FreeUp here!

Now, let’s get into it:

Incorporating freelance work on a resume can seem… well, complicated.

After all, just because you’ve been working for yourself doesn’t mean you haven’t been working. You know better than anyone else how qualified you are and how your freelance experience has helped mold your skills and talents.

But how do you mix in your freelance work with everything else on your resume? And is listing freelance work on a resume even necessary to land you your next position or freelance job?

In actuality, failing to include freelance work on your resume might actually jeopardize your chances of standing out.

Not every standard desk job can teach you the hustle, grit, independence, and self-discipline needed to be a successful freelancer and you want to let your future employer see that.

Easier said than done, right?

To help, I’ll explain why listing freelance work on your resume is a really great idea. And then I’ll break down what to include when listing freelance work in your resume and how to easily structure it to highlight what you’ve accomplished.

Why You Should Definitely List Freelance Work on Your Resume

Freelance work is work, right? You may have been self employed, but that doesn’t mean the work you’ve done is any less valuable, freelancing full time is not easy and it’s just as important to include your freelance work on your resume.

Plus, if you’ve been freelancing in-between jobs, listing your freelance work can show you didn’t have an actual gap in employment. Taking on freelance work in-between jobs shows employers the you…

• Have other marketable skills/talents
• Continued to apply your skills to make an income
• Are not the type of person who just waits around for the next opportunity, you create your own
• Work hard to continue to provide value to the world around you
• Know how to run your own business

Your resume should show chronological employment, and freelance work can help fill in those spaces on your resume.

If you’ve been freelancing on the side of your day job, listing freelance work shows that you take opportunities to grow outside of your position and that you put in extra work to gain more experience. You use your time both in and out of the office to excel professionally.

Now, all of these reasons probably resonate with you if you’ve been doing freelance jobs that are clearly relevant to your desired position.

But what if the freelance work you’ve been doing doesn’t necessarily fall in line with the work you’re hoping to obtain?

There is still immense value in the freelance work you’ve done regardless of the industry.

If the type of work you’ve done doesn’t seem to fit exactly in line with the job listing, try looking at your work through a different lens.

Consider the business side of your freelance work. What soft skills did you obtain or improve through your work? Showcasing what you were able to learn through your freelance work (even if the work itself wasn’t relevant) can score you major points on your resume.

What (and What Not) to Include on a Freelance Resume

Adding freelance work to your resume is slightly different from listing any other position. Your employer, after all, is yourself.

There are three common ways experts advise listing freelance jobs on your resume:

• Only include projects that you worked on for 3 months or more (in order to keep total line items on your resume to a minimum).
• Just list everything, making sure to lump together any small projects as one job listing (again, to save space).
• List every single thing you’ve worked on in detail (this takes up a lot of space, but shows you’ve done a lot of great work).

Our philosophy is that if it adds value to your resume, include it.

But sending a 10-page resumé to an employer is probably not a great idea.

So go ahead and group together smaller, less-significant projects if it makes sense, just be sure to leave space to let the notable work shine.

Once you’ve picked which work to showcase, your freelance listings should feature all relevant information including:

• clients you’ve worked for
• projects’ you’ve completed, and
• results you saw through your work.

This may all seem straightforward, but let us break down what to include in each category and what to leave out. Below, we’ll share some simple Dos and Don’ts for each piece of information.

Clients You’ve Worked For:

• List your client where you would normally list your employer.
• Include a brand name, organization, or individual— especially notable clients
• Add the geography of this client, if relevant
• Include confidential client information. Your future employer likely does not need this information anyway, and you run the risk of losing trust with that client.
• Include client contact information If a client doubles as a reference.

Projects You’ve Completed:

• Highlight the work you’ve done. List the projects and tasks you completed that would be most relevant to an employer.
• Describe the project in a clear understandable way so the reader can know exactly what you did.
• Highlight the skills you used to make these projects happen. (This is where you can start bragging.)
• Consider including a link to your freelance portfolio if you have one.
• Add unnecessarily elaborate language to make your project seem more important or exciting.
• List every single step or smaller project. It’s ok to summarize and group projects together to illustrate the big picture of what you’ve done.

Results You’ve Achieved for Clients:

• Demonstrate how the work you’ve done has contributed to the success of your client.
• Show how your work aided or helped in your clients mission and how you specifically made it happen.
• Use measurable outcomes to show what your work has done.
• Share how much you charged for your work
• Include mediocre results. Take this opportunity to only highlight the results you achieved for clients that really stand out.

Including freelance work on your resume gives you just another opportunity to promote yourself, include whatever relevant information that will do just that.

How to Structure Your Freelance Work Listing on a Resume

The “plug and play ” model you’re used to when updating a traditional resume won’t exactly work for freelance work.

To show you what we mean, we’ve included examples to help illustrate how to feature your freelance work to look just as professional and impactful as other positions on your resume.

Traditionally you’d list out each job this way: Employer, Title, Years Worked, Tasks/Success

Structure Example:

Bananas Inc.,                   2003-2008

Lead Copywriter

• Wrote all about bananas
• Saw 3000% increase in site clicks
• Grew online presence by 111.2%

When listing freelance work on your resume, however, you’ll want to change the structure to fit your freelance work. Try instead: Client name, Main Duties (copywriting, etc), Dates, Skills/Results

Orange Haven                           10/1/2019-12/30/2020

Freelance Marketing Copywriter

• Wrote content for all marketing material for Orange Slush campaign
• Increased client sales by 40000%
• Generated $700 B in Orange Slush Sales

Now let’s go through some real-life examples.

Real-World Examples of Listing Freelance Work on a Resumé

What better way is there to learn what (and what not) to do when listing freelance work on your resumé than to take a look at some actual examples from freelancers?

First, here’s an example that doesn’t quite work:

This resume tried to copy the same structure for their freelance work as their other positions which is close, but misses the mark in a few places.

Image Source

We’d remove the “self employed” section as it’s already implied when you add “freelance” in your description. They told us exactly what they did, but left out the impact and results of the work they did which would come across much stronger.

On the other hand, here’s an example that does work:

Alright, this reference to freelance work on a resume really works. Notice, you don’t immediately recognize that they’ve included freelance work at all, because instead of highlighting their work situation, they’ve featured their great experience.

We’d even argue this person could have left off “FREELANCE” from the job title and this would have been honest and powerful. Your job status doesn’t matter as much as the work that you completed and results you achieved.

Instead of following the same structure for traditional positions they swapped out the traditional employer placement for the client name, referenced that they were in a contributing freelance position, and most importantly showcased what difference their work made to the client.

This feels relevant and impressive as opposed to just just filling up the space.

List Your Freelance Work on Your Resume… You’re Ready

It’s a no brainer.

Adding freelance work to your resume will only help an employer understand your value. With just a few tweaks you can incorporate your freelance work and stand out from other applicants and even grow your freelance clientele.

Follow the structure we mentioned above and consider what you’ve done for your client. You’ll be surprised how much value you’ll add by showing that you’ve not only worked for yourself, but you’ve been successful in doing it.

Not everyone can say that and it’s worth bragging about on a resumé.

Show off what you’ve done. Your freelance work only makes you that much more versatile as a future employee.

By Preston Lee

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Listing Freelance Work on Your Resume: A 2024 Guide

If you’ve done freelance work, adding it to your resume can be an important way to demonstrate your skill set. Learn how to include it in this article.

2 years ago   •   8 min read

In the post-pandemic world, freelance work isn't just commonplace - it's a critical cog in our economy. In 2024 we see a continued rise of remote work and digital nomadism, employers’ growing interest in versatility and adaptability, and the increasing acceptance and even preference for freelancers in many industries.

If you’ve done freelance work yourself, you should consider adding it to your resume, particularly if it encompasses the same skill set you’ll be using at the position you’re applying for.

In this article, we’ll discuss how to effectively incorporate your freelance experience on your resume, thereby giving you an edge in this fiercely competitive job market.

When to include freelance work on your resume

Deciding what to include or exclude when you write freelance work on your resume can be a balancing act. Here’s our simple advice:

Cover up employment gaps

Not everyone freelances full-time, of course, but listing freelance work on your resume can help cover any gaps on your resume where you weren’t directly employed (for any reason). Listing freelance projects in that time can show employers that you kept your skills engaged.

Highlight skills and experiences relevant to the new job

Even if you’ve been regularly employed, you should consider listing freelance work that demonstrates relevant skills. This is especially true if you’re applying into a field that you haven’t worked for a traditional employer in. As an example, if your background is in medical coding , but you’d like to get into game design, you should definitely list any gaming projects you’ve completed (even if they weren’t for a client).

Highlight 'big name' clients

Lastly, you should list your freelance work if your clients are particularly impressive (and, ideally, related to the field you’re applying for). If you’ve written for Forbes as a freelance writer or you’ve done web development for a recognized firm, you should include it.

Related: Crafting a Standout Business Owner Resume in 2024

When to exclude freelance work from your resume

While we generally recommend that you put freelance work on a resume, there are certain situations where it might be less beneficial:

Ignore very short projects

Very short or one-off projects (such as a blog entry on a low-traffic website) shouldn’t be listed, unless they’re with a highly prestigious client, you had very high impact at the company, or you need to show skills that aren't clear from the rest of your resume.

Don’t break NDAs

If you’ve worked with confidential client information (or the projects themselves are confidential), don’t break any NDAs by including them in your resume. However, even if they are confidential, there are ways to list confidential experiences on your resume without breaking any NDAs.Feel free to ask past clients to serve as references if you don’t have traditional employers to serve in that role.

Omit irrelevant freelance work

You shouldn’t aim to include every project or client you’ve worked with (unless it’s a short list). Your goal should be to pick the most relevant freelance work you’ve done, with the best projects or accomplishments included, while ideally keeping your resume one page long .

If you’re applying for a full-time graphic designer position, for example, you should include your graphic design work - but leave off your wedding photography side job.

How to format freelance work on your resume

Once you know which freelance work you’d like to include on your resume, your next step is to choose the right format. The type and extent of freelancing work you’ve done can help you decide what format to use.

Before we dive in, if you’d like to see some free examples of proven one-page resumes that you can base your own on, click here . You can use one as a template to tailor it to your own background based on the industry you’re in.

In a single entry on your resume

If you have completed multiple smaller or short-term projects and you’d like to group them all together, you can create a single listing (similar to an employer) for “freelance” or “consulting.”

Here is how to list your freelance work as a single entry on your resume:

• Come up with a company name or title to group your freelance experiences with.
• Choose a 'job title' (such as Freelance Web Developer, SEO Consultant, Copywriter, or Editor). Try to include a similar job title to the job you are applying for.
• Write a short blurb that describes the kind of work you do (including the number of projects you’ve completed, if you wish).
• Individually identify a few of your best projects and write 2-3 bullet points under each one, as shown below (for more bullet point examples, see the next section).

Under individual clients

Some freelancers work primarily for a few clients. If that best describes you, you may wish to list your client as you would an employer - include your job title, dates, location, and bullet-pointed accomplishments.

This format can also help you highlight big-name clients and the work you’ve done for them.

As selected projects with individual clients

Alternatively, if you’ve worked a lot with a single client and have some stellar projects that you’d like to highlight, you can list the client as an employer (like above) and include the project highlights.

Remember to mention clearly somewhere in the description that you worked as a freelancer or you were on a freelance contract. Don't deceive hiring managers into thinking this was a permanent role as that could hurt you in reference checks!

As separate entries

For those who have worked in multiple roles as a freelancer (such as writing and editing, or transcribing and landscaping), you may wish to list your roles as separate entries.

Doing so is more important when the freelance work you’ve done is more varied, as it will give you the opportunity to highlight a greater variety of skills and accomplishments.

When listing freelance work on your resume, you should aim to showcase relevant transferable skills and accomplishments. Upload your resume to the tool below to find out if you have listed your strongest and most relevant freelance experience and accomplishments.

Resume bullet point examples for freelancers

Bullet points, in your Work Experience or Projects section, are key to making your resume hard-hitting and keeping the hiring manager focused on what you can offer them.

In general, bullet points should follow a simple format: lead with a strong action verb , reference the skill you used (or see industry-based skills and keywords ), and include a numerical value to show how much of an impact you made.

Use the tool below to get a list of industry-based skills and keywords to add to your skills section.

Freelancer artist, illustrator, or graphic designer

Consider this example for an artist:

• “Illustrated and developed numerous concepts, including sketch and drawing, to support the production department in achieving a 100% delivery of projects within set targets/deadlines”
• "Designed online customer support center comprising of a self-service knowledge base and interactive chat; reduced customer support calls by 45%"

These leads with strong, relevant action verbs to tie into artistic skills (supporting the production department) and show reliability (100%  delivery rate).

Freelance photographer

Your leading verb will often tie directly into your skills, meaning some bullet points can be short and sweet. This example is for photographers:

• “Photographed 20+ clients for headshots, holiday cards, and glamour shots"

Including the number of clients you’ve worked with and the types of photographs you’ve done will further inform the hiring manager about your capabilities.

Freelance web developer

Remember to emphasize your best accomplishments whenever possible. As a web developer, for example, you might include something along the lines of:

• “Redesigned the company's website introducing responsive design which increased the company's conversion rate by 220%”
• "Redesigned company's homepage and lead generation forms using only existing site components; reduced bounce rates by 40% and increased leads by 15% "
• "Contributed to TensorFlow, an open source machine learning library, through design discussions, code reviews, and commits; implemented ~5,000 lines of code in 6 months"
• "Streamlined data integration processes and standardized data feeds across systems, reducing data latency from 10 days to 1 day"

Along with describing your skill at “introducing responsive design”, the first bullet point tells the hiring manager that you improved your previous client’s conversion rate substantially - with no room for subjectivity.

Freelance writer

You may be able to work multiple accomplishments into a single bullet point, and don’t be afraid to. Take this example for writers:

• “Wrote 12 articles on consumer psychology and entrepreneurship, generating 25,000 page views, 4,000 re-tweets, and 3,500 newsletter subscribers"
• " Developed a travel and lifestyle blog generating 30k+ unique users per month; weekly newsletter has 20k+ subscribers"
• "Established brand strategy and marketing campaign, utilizing social media, guest blogging, and affiliates to grow awareness and build brand loyalty; currently have over 18k followers across all social media platforms (as of 10/2021)"

The more quantitative information you can include (in terms of your impact) , the more value will be added to your application.

Related : How To List Self-Employment on Your Resume

Choosing the Right Job Title for Your Freelance or Self-Employed Role

Choosing the right job title for your freelancing or self-employed gigs is an essential part of accurately representing your professional experience (and including the right keywords on your resume).

Here are a few job title examples to help you brainstorm:

• Freelance Graphic Designer: This title is perfect if you're applying for a graphic design position and your freelance work consisted primarily of graphic design projects. This clearly tells the hiring manager what kind of freelance work you've done.
• Independent Contractor - IT Consulting: If you've been working as an independent contractor, indicating your specialization can provide clarity. For instance, "IT Consulting" indicates that you have been doing consulting work in the IT sector.
• Self-Employed Business Consultant: If you owned a business where you provided consulting services, this title accurately describes your role and emphasizes your entrepreneurial experience.
• Freelance Content Writer: For professionals who write across various mediums like blogs, articles, white papers, and more, this title clearly communicates your expertise.

Remember, while these titles should reflect the type of work you were doing as a freelancer or a self-employed professional, they should also be in line with the job you're applying for. Try to choose a job title that matches the terms or keywords used in the job description.

Moreover, don't shy away from using 'freelance', 'self-employed', or 'independent contractor' in your job title. Employers value this type of work experience, and these terms can help to set the right expectations.

Use Score My Resume to check your freelance experiences

You can use our free, AI-powered resume review tool ( Score My Resume ) to get an idea of any areas you can brush up easily. Run your resume through a spell checker and/or Grammarly to make sure you haven’t left any typos.Lastly, remember to include a link to your online portfolio if you have one. This gives hiring managers a bounce point to see examples of your work.

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How to Put Freelance Work on a Resume (With Examples)

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links.

Millions of people have entered the freelance market within the last few years, some supplementing their full-time income with side gigs and others replacing their W-2 employment entirely. This raises an important question that can influence your future career prospects: does freelance work belong on a resume? And if so, how should it be listed? 

Whether you work on freelance projects occasionally or you’re fully self-employed as a freelancer, showcasing these accomplishments on your resume can help you position yourself as a specialist and show prospective employers how you can add value.

Should you put freelance work on a resume?

In a word, yes! You should absolutely put freelance work on your resume, provided that it’s relevant to the type of employment you’re seeking now or plan to seek in the future. 

Your freelance work experience can demonstrate useful skills that a client or employer may be looking for. Freelance employment also requires a certain degree of self-sufficiency, so putting it on your resume can call attention to these valued qualities.

Why you should include freelance work on your resume

Showcase relevant skills.

Freelance work is just as valuable as W-2 employment for building your skill set, if not more so. Giving it dedicated placement on your resume can demonstrate your proficiency and help a hiring manager understand the breadth of your experience. 

Demonstrate your enthusiasm

There’s no question that striking out as a freelancer takes gumption. By including your freelance experience on your resume, you’ll highlight this passion to prospective employers. This can be especially helpful if you’re switching careers and want to show that you’ve already taken steps to make entry into your desired field. 

Convey desirable traits

Being a successful freelancer requires motivation, discipline and the ability to work independently. It also forces you to hone your time management and communication skills. All of these are desirable traits employers look for when assessing candidates, so it pays to include them on your resume.

Close employment gaps

If you have gaps in your work history, noting side hustles like freelance work can show employers how you remained active and kept your skills sharp while you were job searching or taking a break from full-time employment. 

How to add freelance work on a resume

1. put it in the proper place.

First, decide where your freelance work will be positioned within your resume. 

This is easy if you’re using a chronological (also called reverse-chronological) resume layout in which experience is listed in order starting with the most recent and working backward. Simply insert your freelance projects according to their date.

If you freelanced at the same time you were working another job, list the position with the more recent start date first. 

If you’re using a different resume format, like a functional resume , insert your freelance experience in the section it’s most closely related to, like technical experience or project management. 

2. Give yourself a job title

You may not be an employee, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have a job title. Your title should be reflective of the work you performed to help employers quickly get a handle on your specialty, like ‘social media marketing manager’ or ‘bookkeeper.’

3. List the dates of your work

If you worked on a single freelance project, list the assignment’s start and end dates. If you’ve been completing various freelance work for a long time, begin with the date you started and use ‘Present’ for the end date.

4. Provide client names

Including the names of the clients you’ve worked for can help build your credibility, especially if you have a track record with some high-profile firms. Just make sure your contract with them doesn’t include any stipulations that you have to keep your relationship confidential. 

We’ll talk more about how to cite freelance clients in the Examples section below. 

5. Detail key responsibilities 

Explain what you did for each client or freelance project in specific detail. This should include technical responsibilities (i.e. ‘developed website using PHP, CSS, HTML, JavaScript’) as well as soft skills like managing client communications and problem solving. 

6. Highlight noteworthy achievements

Encapsulate how your work made a measurable impact for your clients. To build upon the website development responsibilities we drafted a moment ago, you might add achievements like ‘contributed to 50% year-over-year growth in website traffic’ or ‘implemented UX improvements that reduced bounce rate by 26%.’

Looking for a professional resume writing service to do the heavy lifting? We suggest using BeamJobs !

Including freelance work on a resume – examples

There are a few different ways to list freelance work on your resume. 

The first way works well if you’re freelancing for a single company. List your position, noting that it’s a freelance job, and list the client where you’d typically put the employer’s name, like this:

Graphic designer (freelance) – Westchester Publishing Company, June 2020 to July 2023

• Created a wide range of design materials to support book launches, including but not limited to fliers, promotional posters, signage, social media graphics, website elements, and more
• Supported the in-house design team on urgent projects by turning around last-minute requests in a timely manner
• Developed the winning cover art concept for A Time For Justice , which was the client’s top-selling release of 2022

The second way to list freelance work on your resume works best if you freelance for multiple clients. List ‘freelance’ or ‘self-employed’ in place of an employer name. If you wish to showcase some of your noteworthy clients, these can be included in your bullet points. See below:

Public relations specialist – Freelance, August 2019 to present

• Strategize and execute public relations campaigns for clients in the hospitality industry, including Best Western and Royal Caribbean Cruises
• Secure media placements for clients in outlets including The New York Times , Good Housekeeping and Conde Nast Traveler
• Ensure a timely and coordinated response to interview requests
• Develop talking points and assist in media coaching for company executives

Additional tips for adding freelance work to a resume

Consider your career goals.

It’s always a best practice to customize your resume for the job you want, and it’s no different when adding freelance work to your resume. For example, are you looking for full-time employment or more freelance gigs? Do you want to take on more responsibility on the same kinds of projects you’ve been working on, or shift into a different type of work? Consider these goals when choosing what achievements to showcase and what skills to zero in on. 

Add clients to references 

Your resume is a great starting point to win the attention of a hiring manager, but a satisfied customer can make an even more compelling case. So, when you successfully complete a freelance project, be sure to ask the client if you can use them as a reference when applying for future jobs. 

Whether you want to use your freelance work as a jumping-off point for a new career or you dream of building your own freelance empire, a strong resume can help you get there. To learn more about getting started as a freelancer, check out these posts:

• The 7 Best Freelance Websites For Beginners
• The Top Freelance Skills That Will Help You Succeed in 2023
• Freelancer Branding: How to Build a Unique Identity in the Gig Economy

About The Author

Pete Newsome

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Your Guide to Putting Freelance Work on Your Resume (Example Freelance Resumes Included)

Do you have freelance work experience? If you’ve done a significant amount of freelance work, it’s worth putting this experience on your resume to help employers get a better sense of your full work history and understand the transferable skills you’ve gained. However, listing freelance gigs without overloading your resume can be tricky. Let’s learn how to do it right.

3 key takeaways: 

• Whether you should put freelance work on your resume
• Where and how to add freelance gigs
• Freelance resume examples and Teal’s AI-powered Resume Builder to help you get started

Understanding freelance work on resumes

Before you jump into freelance resumes, it’s helpful to take a step back and make sure you understand what “freelance” actually means. 

Generally, freelance work is considered to be any work that you’ve done as a W9 employee (instead of W2), meaning that you worked for yourself rather than an employer. According to a study by McKinsey, 36% of U.S. employees are independent workers (with the total percentage including people who do some independent work on top of permanent employment). 

Freelance gigs are often short-term and always part-time; if you’re working 40 hours a week for a single client, this isn’t technically a freelance role, even if you’ve only signed a W9. You can do freelance work for virtually any position—such as content writing, graphic designing, or data analysis. And you have the freedom to work with multiple freelance clients at the same time.

It’s helpful to incorporate any freelance experience into your resume because it proves your work ethic and skills. Even during work experiences when you didn’t hold a full-time position, you still provided value to your client and learned valuable transferable skills that you can take into your next role. 

Should I include freelance work on my resume?

Absolutely—but the right kind of freelance work. Any work experiences you add to your resume should serve as a positive reflection of your abilities and expertise. These past gigs should also be relevant to the job(s) you’re now applying for. If they aren’t, there may not be any point in including them.

When and why to include freelance work on your resume

Just because you’ve done freelance work doesn’t necessarily mean you should include it on your resume. Instead, consider each gig through the lens of how helpful it would be for a potential employer. Here are a few scenarios when you should put freelance work on your resume:

• The freelance work is relevant. Would a finance company where you’re applying for a loan specialist position care that you once did graphic design for a fashion retailer? Probably not—but a cosmetics company looking for a copywriter absolutely would.
• It demonstrates transferable skills. Transferable skills are applicable across multiple roles and industries (like communication or creativity). If a certain freelance experience allowed you to demonstrate or gain these kinds of skills, it’s helpful to include. 
• It filled an employment gap. Cover up those pesky gaps in your resume by showing how you kept yourself busy with freelance work when you didn’t have a full-time job.
• It was consistent. Unless it was for a major, well-known company, one-off freelance gigs might not be worth the space they’ll take up. Choose freelance experiences that lasted for at least a few months.
• Freelancing was your primary source of income, not just a side gig. If you’ve managed at any point to sustain your career and provide for your family on freelance work alone, that’s impressive! As someone who’s self-employed, you’re responsible for getting out there and finding your own gigs on a regular basis—and that demonstrates the kind of hustle that employers (even those hiring for a W2 position) want to see.
• You achieved noteworthy success. Significant achievements or successes in a freelancing career can boost your resume’s impact.

If a freelance experience doesn’t fit into at least one of these categories, it might be a waste of space.

How to list freelance work on your resume

Figuring out which gigs to include on your resume is an important first step. But simply listing the right work isn’t enough—you also need to list it the right way. Follow these steps to learn how to list freelance work on your resume.

Highlighting your role

Start by clearly stating the work was freelance or contract. You don’t want to represent yourself as being an employee of a certain company when you weren’t. In fact, doing so would likely breach the contract you signed for that freelance work. So make sure you’re 100% clear on what kind of work you did.

Describing freelance work on your resume

Wondering how to write experience on a resume —particularly for freelance gigs? State the clients you worked with and the projects you completed for them. Work experience examples can help you get a feel for what will sound best.

Beyond that, talk about your freelance work the same way you’d talk about any other position. What outcomes and results did you help produce? How did you deliver value in your role? What achievements did you accomplish? Sharing this information will help hiring managers get a feel for what you did in your position. 

Where to put freelance work on your resume

When it comes to the sections of a resume , in most cases, your freelance work can go under work experience—which is the most important resume section. Add a heading for each client and a subheading with your role (for example, “Freelance copywriter” and “WritePro”). Then use bullet points to describe what you did.

Another option is to use the projects section to add your freelance work. This is a good place to go into more detail, explaining the tasks you were responsible for while freelancing for a certain client. If relevant, personal or academic projects could also be included (remember, it’s all about those transferable skills). 

There’s a place in the achievements or accomplishments section for any freelance successes, too. You can learn more tips on achievement resume sections later in this article. 

How to format freelance work on your resume

What is the best resume format for including freelance work on your resume? There are four primary resume formats: chronological, functional, skills-based, and hybrid (which combines chronological and functional). Most resumes use a chronological format to list work experiences in the order they happened. For people with freelance experience, though, a functional resume is likely best. This categorizes your work according to its theme and may be more effective if you were juggling several freelance gigs during the same time period. 

Another good option for freelancers is a hybrid resume format. By creating a hybrid resume, you’ll present your experience in chronological format but group your skills and abilities together so they’re easier to highlight. 

Examples of listing freelance work on a resume

Your resume might look different based on how much freelance work you’ve done. If you’ve freelanced full-time for several years, your resume will be heavy on the freelance projects. But if freelancing is a side hustle mixed with traditional employment, you might split things up, adding a few freelance clients in the projects section and focusing on your 9-5 job everywhere else.

To see it all in action, check out these examples of freelance work on resumes:

Freelance UX Designer

• Generated ideas based on client customer personas
• Developed websites and software to solve UX problems
• Managed and prioritized multiple client projects simultaneously to meet deadlines for all

Find more examples of Freelance UX Designer resumes

Freelance Front-End Developer

• Created client websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
• Heavily customized WordPress as a content management system
• Provided website maintenance, support, and troubleshooting over time

Find more examples of Freelance Front-End Developer resumes

Freelance Content Writer

• Researched, wrote, and edited blog posts, social media copy, and ebooks for clients
• Conducted keyword research and optimized content for SEO
• Adhered to each client’s individual tone of voice and editorial style guide

Find more examples of Freelance Content Writer resumes

Freelance Video Editor

• Created and edited video content for social media, commercials, and PSAs
• Worked with Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects, and Adobe Audition to make creative edits

Find more examples of Freelance Video Editor resumes

Freelance Graphic Designer

• Concepted and designed graphics for social media, brochures, posters, and websites
• Implemented on-brand color, typography, and other design elements
• Collaborated with copywriters on projects like brochures and social media campaigns

Find more examples of Freelance Graphic Designer resumes

Freelance Artist

• Developed and created digital illustrations for clients
• Researched and developed new techniques and materials
• Collaborated with other artists and designers

Find more examples of Freelance Artist resumes

Freelance Virtual Assistant

• Responded to all emails and phone calls within 24 business hours
• Created and maintained filing system for digital organization
• Created and managed client social media accounts on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook

Find more examples of Freelance Virtual Assistant resumes

How to present freelance achievements on your resume

Work accomplishments or achievements are an important section of any resume. Maybe you increased a company’s sales, reduced costs, or won an employee award. These are all valuable ways to prove the value you bring. 

Come up with some accomplishments for resume by considering anything you did that could be expressed in numbers. “Increased annual productivity by 15%” sounds a lot more impressive than “brainstormed ways to reduce meetings,” right? Quantify any achievements you can. Then include these resume accomplishments in your work experience section.

Using Teal’s Resume Builder to showcase your freelance work

Teal’s AI Resume Builder is a great fit for job seekers looking to incorporate their freelance experience into their resume. The Work Experience feature is especially helpful for including freelancing on a resume—AI will guide you in choosing which of your total work experiences to include. 

You can also use the Resume Builder’s AI capabilities to enhance your resume summary, achievements, and other sections. Then cross-check your resume’s effectiveness with our resume checker and brush up any areas that could be improved.

Join Teal today to try the free Resume Builder and begin creating a freelance resume that presents your freelance experience to hiring managers in a compelling way.

Final thoughts

It can feel confusing to fit freelance work into your resume. But freelance experience has a myriad of benefits! It can show a potential employer that you have initiative, strong time management skills, and a variety of skills. And when presented correctly, this diverse, varied experience is just what you need to help you land a new job. Sign up for your free Teal account to build a better resume today.

FAQs about including freelance work on a resume

Sure! Any freelance gigs that positively represent what you do and that are relevant to the job you’re applying for are fair game to go in the work experience or projects section of your resume.

Does freelance work count as work experience?

Absolutely! You’re doing work and you’re getting paid for it, just like you would at a traditional job—you’re just doing it on your schedule instead. Include relevant freelance work in your work experience resume section.

How many freelance clients should I list on my resume?

3-5 is a good rule of thumb. You don’t want your resume to stretch out too long. But it’s good to show that you can manage multiple gigs. Consider choosing the clients that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for now.

How do you list multiple freelance clients on a resume?

Include your freelance clients in the work experience section. Name each client and the role you did for them (for instance, “Freelance graphic designer” and “DesignGuru”). Describe the work you did in a few brief bullet points.

What is the best resume format for freelancers?

The best resume format for freelance work is either a functional or hybrid format. A functional resume organizes your work experience by theme. Hybrid resumes utilize a chronological format but showcase your skills and abilities more heavily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hailey Hudson

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How to Put Freelance Work on a Resume

Are you a freelancer trying to stand out in today’s competitive job market? Including freelance work on your resume can make all the difference. In this blog post, we’ll explore “how to put freelance work on resume” in a way that showcases your skills, versatility, and adaptability. You’ll learn strategies for selecting the right resume format, presenting your experience professionally, and tailoring your resume for specific job applications. Let’s dive in and discover how to make your freelance accomplishments shine on your resume!

Key Takeaways

• Including freelance work on your resume can showcase versatility and transferable skills.
• Choose the right format for presenting freelance experience, such as chronological or functional.
• Ensure accurate job titles, comprehensive descriptions of responsibilities, and notable results are emphasized to present your experience professionally.

The Importance of Including Freelance Work on Your Resume

With the rise of the gig economy, freelance work has become increasingly common. Your resume can become more compelling by incorporating your freelance experience, which proves your success beyond conventional job roles and emphasizes your pertinent skills and experience. It’s no secret that showcasing a successful freelance career can make your resume stand out from the crowd and catch the eye of hiring managers. To make the most of this opportunity, it’s essential to know how to effectively resume freelance work on your professional profile.

Not only does freelance work demonstrate your versatility and adaptability, but it can also provide potential employers with evidence of your transferable skills. For example, if you’re a freelance web developer and you’re applying for a full-time job in a similar role, including your previous freelance projects can showcase your abilities and achievements in that specific niche. In this case, adding freelance work to your resume is a no-brainer.

Choosing the Right Resume Format for Freelance Experience

The effectiveness of your skills and accomplishments presentation heavily relies on the appropriateness of the resume format you choose for your freelance experience. There are two main resume formats suitable for listing freelance work: chronological and functional. Consulting with a certified professional resume writer can help you make the right choice for your unique situation.

We will go over the pros and cons of each format in the following sections, assisting you in determining the most efficient way to represent your freelance experience.

Chronological Format

The chronological format lists your work experience in reverse-chronological order, with the most recent experience listed first. This format is appropriate when you have a consistent work history, as it highlights your career progression and demonstrates stability in your field.

However, if you have employment gaps or your freelance work isn’t directly related to the position you’re applying for, the chronological format might not be the best choice for you.

Functional Format

On the other hand, the functional format focuses on highlighting your skills and qualifications rather than your chronological work history. This format is advantageous for freelancers with diverse projects and abilities, as it allows you to showcase your most relevant skills for the job.

The functional format can also help you address employment gaps or career changes, making it a suitable choice for those with a less consistent work history.

Presenting Your Freelance Experience Professionally

Presenting your freelance experience professionally on your resume is vital to establish your credibility and expertise. This includes:

• Selecting accurate job titles
• Providing comprehensive descriptions of responsibilities
• Emphasizing notable results attained

Linking each project to the client’s objectives and reasons for hiring you. To achieve this, you can refer to some freelance resume examples for inspiration and guidance.

We will further explore these aspects in the subsequent sections and provide guidance on exhibiting your freelance experience in a professional manner.

Job Titles and Responsibilities

It is essential to select precise job titles and accurately describe your freelance work responsibilities in the job description to prevent any misinterpretation of your skills. Be honest and specific about your role in each freelance job, ensuring that the job title and description accurately reflect your contributions. With the increasing demand for freelance jobs, it’s crucial to stand out by showcasing your expertise effectively.

For example, if you worked as a freelance web developer for various clients, use that job title and describe the specific tasks you performed, such as designing websites, coding, or troubleshooting issues. Remember, precision and clarity are key to showcasing your expertise and skills.

Showcasing Achievements

Beyond job titles and responsibilities, it’s equally important to highlight your achievements and quantifiable outcomes from your freelance projects. Quantifying your accomplishments can help demonstrate the impact of your work and provide potential employers with tangible evidence of your skills.

For instance, if you’re a freelance writer, you could mention the number of articles you’ve written for a client and the increase in their website traffic as a result of your work. Don’t shy away from highlighting the outcomes of your projects, as they can speak volumes about your capabilities.

Organizing Freelance Projects on Your Resume

With the knowledge of how to professionally present your freelance experience, it becomes paramount to arrange your projects on your resume for optimal impact and clarity. This includes creating a distinct “Projects” section and grouping smaller, related projects together.

We will further elaborate these strategies in the upcoming sections to assist you in effectively organizing your freelance projects.

Creating a “Projects” Section

A well-organized “Projects” section on your resume can help you highlight your key freelance work and skills. This section should only include projects that demonstrate your core competencies and can be accommodated within one or two pages.

Emphasize projects that have enabled you to acquire skills relevant to the position you’re seeking, and ensure that your accomplishments are clearly showcased.

Grouping Smaller Projects

In some cases, you may have numerous smaller freelance projects that you’d like to include on your resume. To maintain focus and relevance, it’s recommended to group related projects together. For example, if you’ve participated in multiple web design projects, you could consolidate them under a “Web Design” heading.

This allows you to exhibit your expertise in soft skills and other areas without taking up too much space on your resume, ensuring that your skills are effectively showcased.

Linking to Your Portfolio and Online Presence

Providing links to your portfolio and online presence in your resume is a fantastic approach to substantiate your skills and accomplishments. When listing freelance experience, provide a link to a portfolio website or another resource. This will help the hiring manager or client access more information about your work quickly and easily..

This can be particularly beneficial for those pursuing self employment as freelancers in creative fields, such as graphic design or web development, as it allows potential employers to view your work firsthand.

Tailoring Your Freelance Resume for Specific Job Applications

Tailoring your freelance resume to match the specific job requirements is a vital step in exhibiting your appropriateness and relevance for the role. Carefully review the job requirements and ensure that your resume highlights your relevant skills and accomplishments. This may involve emphasizing certain projects or skills over others, depending on the position you’re applying for.

By customizing your resume for each job application, you can showcase your qualifications and increase your chances of standing out during the hiring process.

Addressing Employment Gaps and Career Changes

Employment gaps and career shifts are prevalent for freelancers, however, they can be portrayed constructively when incorporating freelance work in your freelancing resume. Utilizing a functional resume format can help emphasize your skills and qualifications over your chronological work history, which can be particularly beneficial if you have substantial employment gaps or your work experience is not directly related to the position you’re applying for.

If necessary, you can also address the gap in your cover letter, providing a brief explanation of the reason for the gap and how you used the time to develop new skills or gain valuable experiences.

In conclusion, including freelance work on your resume is a powerful way to showcase your skills, versatility, and adaptability. By selecting the right resume format, presenting your experience professionally, organizing your projects effectively, and tailoring your resume for specific job applications, you can make your freelance accomplishments shine and stand out in the competitive job market. Remember, your resume is your personal marketing tool, so make sure to highlight your achievements and showcase your expertise with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you write freelance work on resume.

When listing freelance work on your resume, be sure to include the start and end dates of the project, the company name, a job title that reflects the nature of your work, and a detailed description of what you did. Additionally, highlight your most recent work and don’t forget to include related industry experience.

Is freelancing considered as work experience?

Yes, freelancing is considered work experience and should be included on resumes and other application materials. It is important to list any freelance projects as it demonstrates professional skills and can be seen as an asset when looking for employment opportunities.

How do you mention freelance work in an interview?

In an interview, you can mention your freelance work by highlighting how it taught you new skills and enabled you to grow your business. Emphasize how it was a better fit than full-time work, and describe your office set up to demonstrate that you are a legitimate business person.

Should you put freelance work on resume?

Yes, you should include relevant freelance work in your work experience resume section. Self-employment and other forms of freelance work are great additions to your resume, and they can help to explain any employment gaps. Including freelance work on your resume can demonstrate your ability to work independently and manage your own projects. It can also show potential employers that you have the skills and experience

What is the best resume format for freelance experience?

For freelance experience, the best resume format is either chronological or functional, depending on your work history and the position you’re applying for.

We greatly appreciate you taking the time to read our blog! If you found this useful please  be sure to share it with your network ! If you have any questions about our program be sure to  contact us . Thanks again and happy freelancing!

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How to List Freelance Work on a Resume: Guide with Examples

“Oh, so you are a freelancer?” — just a couple of years ago freelance work on a resume might have surprised some employers. Today, that’s rarely the case. 

More and more people are choosing to freelance full-time, rather than just moonlight on the side. According to Deloitte , some 57 million US workers are part of the freelance economy. That’s equivalent to 36% of the total workforce. By 2027, the proportion of freelancers and gig workers can increase to 50%. Why so?

Digital technologies and connectivity has democratized access to remote work. As long as you have a laptop and stable Internet, you can virtually “check-in” to work from any location, at any time of the day — and in any capacity. 

Likewise, online freelance marketplaces, professional social media networks like LinkedIn, and remote job websites made it easy to secure new gigs. Because almost anyone from anywhere can now find extra work online, the traditional career paths have become more diverse — and that’s a great thing!

But how do you fit your ample and varied freelance work into a standard one-page resume ? This guide provides the must-know tips with several freelance resume samples! 

How to Put Freelance Work on Resume?

You have two ways to list your freelance work on your resume: by the client or under an umbrella “self-employment” entry. Both options have their merit. By listing short-term client projects, you can highlight more soft and hard skills,  plus share some project-specific accomplishments . By combining several projects into one “freelance work” entry you save some extra space for other job entries, plus get to conceal gaps in employment if your freelance work was irregular. 

You can also settle for a middle-ground, where you spell out some of your biggest clients and freelance wins, and roll the rest into a general entry. 

For example, as a freelance copywriter, you could format your resume work experience section in the following way:

Lead Copywriter, ABC Startup 

Feb 2022-April-2022 – Freelance 

Provided conversion copywriting services to SaaS startup. Collaborated with CMO and Lead UX designer on new copy for homepage and pricing page.

• 25% increase in free demo sign-ups from the homepage 
• 15% increase in mid-tier plan subscriptions
• Over $15K in new revenue was generated between April 22-June 22 

Copywriter, Cool Agency 

December 2020-ongoing – Freelance 

I’m the go-to B2B SaaS copywriter with the agency. Provided copywriting, email marketing, and CRO services to selected accounts including Dropbox, Salesforce, BigCommerce. 

• New long-form sales page for Dropbox brought a 23% lift in conversions 
• Email sequence for BigCommerce had an 89% open rate and 15% CTA
• After a CRO audit, Salesforce saw a 30% increase in demo requests 

Conversion Copywriter, Self-Employed 

June 2017-ongoing  

Offering freelance copywriting services for B2B SaaS and mid-market ecommerce stores. I specialize in CRO, landing page copy, product page copy, and email sequences. Have worked on a freelance + retainer basis with 15+ clients. 

What is My Job Title If I Am Self-Employed?

If you are a freelance services provider, ad a job title that best describes your line of work, plus matches the terms employers in job ads. For example, you can put “Senior UX Designer” or “UX/UI Designer” as a job title. Don’t leave a generic title like “Freelancer”, “Independent Contractor”, or “Self-Employed” on a freelance resume. 

What Do I Put for My Business Name When Self-Employed?

When listing freelance work on a resume, it’s OK to use “Self-Employed” in place of an employer name. Alternatively, if you have a registered company name or trade name (doing business as a name), use it instead as your employer name. 

How Do You Put Your Own Business on Your Resume?

If you have operated as a registered business, include your official company name in the “Employer” graph. Then assign yourself a job title. Depending on what you did, you can go for a more generic one like “Owner”, “Director”, “Founder”, or “CEO”. Though it’s better to use a more descriptive moniker, reflective of your services. 

Freelance Resume Examples

The best way to figure out how to list freelance work on a resume is by following a professional example — and we happen to have several for you! 

Sample Freelance Designer Resume 

Andrianna Lewis  Graphic Designer | Illustrator  | Animator  [Portfolio URL]

Experienced graphic designer, specializing in packaging design, branding, and marketing collateral design. Additional skills include digital and hand-drawn illustrations, basic animations, and whiteboard videos. 

Fashion Illustrator  L’Officiel – Freelance  March 2021-present 

Originally hired to create illustrations for the print “Gilded Age Fashion” feature for July 2021 L’Officiel issue. Was offered a retainer contract to continue creating digital illustrations for the magazines’ social media accounts and blog posts. 

You can view my work on L’Officiel Instagram by hashtag #Offiielart 

Packaging Designer  Fruity-fruits  – Freelance  May 2020-December 2021 

Fruity-fruits is a new DTC startup, selling healthy fruit snacks (natural, vegan, no-sugar). I was contracted to design all product packaging for the brand — individual packages for 8 different fruit snack types, subscription box packaging, and regular shipping box packaging. I also helped the team with brochure design. 

You can view my work on Behance (provide URL)

Graphic Designer  Andriana LLC – Self-Employed  Jule 2018-present 

I’ve created logos, marketing brochures, illustrations, animated whiteboard videos, printed + digital brand assets for over 20 clients, primarily in the retail, hospitality, and fashion industries. 

My main services include:

• Brand identity development 
• Logo ideation and design 
• Product package design 
• Whiteboard animation videos
• Digital illustrations 

Senior Graphic Designer  Brandmix Agency  September 2016-June 2018 

Worked as a senior graphic designer with an agency, specializing in branding and digital marketing services. Was the lead graphic designer on accounts such as Estee Lauder, Nestle, Addidas, and Cosmopolitan. 

Awards 

• Best 2017 OOH campaign for Estee Lauder’s “Spring is in the air” posters. 
• 2018 Pentawards runner-up for Nestle’s new packaging design 

Education  Dallas School of Graphic Design  September 2014-August 2016 

Associate degree in graphic design with a specialization in product design. 

For More Inspiration, Also Check:

• Creative graphic designer resume example
• Cover letter example for graphic design jobs 

Freelance Artist Resume Example 

Amanda Hox  Painter and performance artist [Portfolio URL]

NYC-based painter, working in traditional watercolor techniques and with unconditional materials. 2020 “Artist to Watch” accounting to Times Out. Former Glastonberry University Fellow and Current Guest Lecturer at NYU

Painter — Self-Employed  December 2015-present 

I’m working out of my Brooklyn-based studio on private, commercial, and public art commissions, as well as personal artistic projects. 

Past and current clients include Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, Chastity City Hospital, LegalCorps, LLCs, Melyssa Richards Foundation. 

Prints catalog available at [portfolio URL]/catalog 

Exhibitions  2021

• Solo exhibition “Evolution of Nature” , Brooklyn City Museum, NYC, NY 
• Group exhibition “Shattering the Glass”, Provance Gallery, Bridgehampton, NY
• Group exhibition “Revival. At Last”, Art Market Hamptons,  Bridgehampton, NY
• Solo exhibition “Sounds and whispers”, Miami Central Gallery, Miami, FL 
• Permanent collection “Nature, today”, Southampton Arts Center, Southampton, NY 
• Two-person exhibition “Partitions”, Brooklyn City Museum, NYC, NY 

Guest Lecturer — NYU April 2021-present 

Invited guest lecturer reading “Introduction to Modern Watercolor Painting” to Master Students. Also, host a three-part watercolor painting workshop series per year. 

Exhibition Curator — Parrish Art Museum May 2021-August 2021 

Was invited to curate a new exhibition called at the Parish Art Museum in Water Mill, New York.

• Selected artwork and collaborated with artists on site-specific installations 
• Helped install artworks and assisted with event set-up
• Hosted public watercolor drawing workshops for guests 

Art Director / Consultant — The Arts Magazine  April 2020-September 2020 

Collaborated with the team on their special Summer 2020 issue, dedicated to creativity at home. Helped select, curate, or commission digital artwork and prints, created during the pandemic by NYC artists. 

Art Director — JazzMax Agency  January 2013-November 2015 

Held an Art Director position with one of the leading NYC creative agencies. Past accounts include Disney, L’Oreal, NYX Cosmetics, and National Geographic, among others. 

• Designed and conceptualized creative campaigns and features for OOH and digital mediums. 
• Lead a creative team of 10 featuring photographers, illustrators, copywriters, and videographers. 
• Planned and supervised on-location campaign shootings in NYC, NY, Miami, FL, and Paris, France. 

Education 

Fellowship in History of Art and Visual Culture Glastonberry University, UK December 2015- December 2016

Completed a one-year fellowship program, focused on studying the 18th-century watercolor painting techniques 

MA History of Art  New York City University  September 2011- December 2012

• Number 3 on the 2020 Times Out List of Artists to Watch This Year 
• 2019 Winner of the Hamptons Art 46th Biennale Award  

For Extra Inspiration Check

• Detailed artist resume example 

Final Thoughts 

Companies across the board have become more accommodating to hiring freelancers or people looking to re-enter the corporate world after a self-employment base. So you’ve got a top chance of landing an amazing job with excellent pay!  What you now need is to ensure that your resume represents your core strengths and competencies. Don’t try to squeeze all types of freelance gigs you did over the years. “Edit” your experience. Highlight projects or clients that best match the job you are after. It’s okay to skip some parts and direct the reader toward your personal website, portfolio, or LinkedIn profile for more deets.

Elena runs content operations at Freesumes since 2017. She works closely with copywriters, designers, and invited career experts to ensure that all content meets our highest editorial standards. Up to date, she wrote over 200 career-related pieces around resume writing, career advice... more

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How to list freelance work on your resume (3 samples included)

Table of contents

There are many reasons, such as preparing a proposal template or quote template for a new gig, why you may suddenly need to update your resume at some point during your freelance career. Maybe you’ve been freelancing on the side while you earn your degree, and now it’s time to enter the traditional workforce for a while. Maybe you decided that freelancing isn’t for you . Or, quite simple, maybe you need an updated resume to help you secure some more freelance contracts .

No matter what your situation may be for needing to update your resume , you’re probably wondering exactly how to put freelance work on your resume. After all, you’ve been gaining some really valuable experience and expanding your skill set, and you want to shout about it to any potential employers or clients.

The steps outlined in this article will help you figure out how to list freelance work on your resume - no matter how long you’ve been freelancing - so you can make a great impression. Scroll down to the bottom of the article for some useful freelancer resume examples, and our downloadable pack of 5 resume samples for freelance designers, developers, writers, marketers, videographers, and more.

Should you list freelance work on your resume?

Yes, absolutely! You won’t be alone in listing your freelance work on your resume. In fact, according to a 2016 study on freelancing in America , around 55 million people in the US are freelancing - and you can guarantee that many of them have had to update their resume at some point!

The skills and experience that you’ve learned as a freelancer are just as valid as the ones learned in a more traditional workplace. From drafting professional freelance invoices to responsibly time tracking , all these skills can be transferable to almost any job.

As long as the freelance work has some relevance to the job you’re applying for (i.e. as long as there are some transferable skills between the two positions), you should always list your freelance work on your resume.

But a big question remains: how do you put freelance work on a resume?

1. Consider a functional layout

You’re probably familiar with the traditional, chronological layout of a typical resume, i.e. one that lists your work experience from most recent and works its way backward. However, if you’ve been freelancing for a while this may not be the best way to showcase your skills and experience.

For example, consider if you’ve been freelancing for five years now, and before that you only held positions for six months at a time. You would be right in saying that it doesn’t seem fair to give these positions an equal amount of attention on your resume.

Instead, consider a functional layout for your resume. What is a functional resume? It’s a resume that focuses more on your achievements, organizing and grouping your work based on common themes and skills rather than by chronological positions. It can help you highlight your freelance work in a key way.

If you decide not to use a functional layout, think of other ways to highlight your skills and experience. Consider including a larger skills section, or list the services you provide. Then, when writing your job description for your freelance work, be sure to keep your marketing pitch in mind to ensure you cover all the most important details of your work.

2. Make it look as professional as possible

Just like when you’re creating a freelance proposal , you want your resume to be as professional as possible in order to deliver the best first impression. And speaking of that, did you know that you could send your resume to a client by using Bonsai's proposal system?

First, just go to your dashboard and click on "send a proposal".

Now you can create or choose the client and project for which you're sending the resume and a proposal.

When you're done, just click on "create proposal" and you'll be taken to the proposal editor. On the top side you'll be able to set up client and your own details, and also add personal touches such a custom background and an image (which could be your logo). Once done, just scroll down.

This is where the magic happens! You can easily include your resume as part of the proposal, and then just tweak it to your needs by removing, editing, or adding new sections.

When everything looks good, just scroll back to the top and click on "send proposal". Fingers crossed! It wasn't that hard, was it? If you like the workflow or would like to explore Bonsai more, just sign up to a free trial .

The word freelancer unfortunately still has some negative connotations associated with it, and some employers may not take you as seriously if you list your job title as “freelancer”.

You should think about your freelance work as a business owner , and that includes taking yourself seriously as a self-employed individual and acknowledging yourself as such. Present your freelance work in the most professional way possible by giving yourself a job title that reflects the work you’ve been doing. Some options might include “consultant”, “contractor”, or even “CEO/Founder”.

You may also want to consider naming your company, depending on the nature of your work - however, this won’t work for everyone.

(PS: If you’re ready to really start taking yourself seriously as a professional freelancer, with loophole proof freelance contracts and more, try a Bonsai free trial and see the difference it can make.)

‍ 3. List your achievements

Just as you would with any non-freelance job, it’s important to list your proudest achievements under your freelance experience on your resume. Don’t simply list the clients you’ve worked for and provide a sentence or two about the work that you did. Instead, tie each project back to the client’s goals and motivations for hiring you in the first place.

What did you help them achieve, and why is that important?

Highlight measurable results that you’ve achieved. For example, did you develop a website that helped a client double their web traffic? Or, maybe your graphic design work helped a client triple their social media audience.

Collect figures and statistics from your freelance clients as you go (perhaps as part of your invoicing process), but also don’t be afraid to reach out to old clients while you’re putting your resume together.

Also, consider linking directly to your freelance portfolio website or any other resource where the job manager or client can access more information about what you do and the work you’re most proud of.

4. But, don’t list everything

While you certainly want to showcase the projects that you’re most proud of, be careful not to try to squeeze every single freelance project you’ve ever worked on onto your resume. Only list the jobs that are strategically relevant to the job that you’re applying for. If you’re applying for a web developer position, you don’t need to list the freelance transcription projects that you took on when you were just starting out.

Similarly, do not create individual headings for each project; instead, summarize your freelance work within a single heading. The only exception to this would be if you changed your freelance career; for example, if you started as a web designer but then moved on to web content writing.

3 freelance resume examples

Wondering exactly how to list freelance work on a resume so that it looks professional and ticks all of a job manager’s boxes? The following freelance resume examples can give you a clearer idea on how exactly to lay out your freelance experience.

Once you review these first examples, you'll find right below our downloadable pack of 5 more resume samples from freelance developers, marketers, designers, writers, videograhers, and more!

1. Freelance web developer resume sample

Web Developer (Contract), Miami, FL | October 2018 - Present

Worked within teams of creative freelancers to build the backbone of professionally designed websites from the ground up, including coding websites (HTML, Javascript, JQuery and CSS), designing UX wireframes, and fixing sites bugs .

• Collaborating with 3+ agencies, developed websites for clients in the e-commerce, portfolio and blogging industries.
• Created UX strategies, including detailed wireframes and mockups.
• Validated completed sites, including testing and debugging of code.
• Responsible for quality assurance of finished websites, including validating web forms and links.

2. Freelance web designer resume sample

Web Designer, April Bennett Designs, New York, NY | June 2016 - Present

Worked with a variety of clients in the health and fitness industry to bring their business online in a beautiful way, transforming their vision into a powerful online presence through web design.

• Coordinated and communicated with clients to better understand their brand, their business goals and their visual vision.
• Launched web presence for 15 new businesses and gave new life to outdated websites for 30+ clients.
• Designed and implemented company websites, including drawing wireframes, establishing navigation, writing HTML and JavaScript, and optimizing web graphics.

3. Freelance graphic designer resume sample

Graphic Designer, Mark Alphonse Art, San Diego, CA | January 2018 - Present

Collaborated with a wide range of clients - in industries including but not limited to hospitality and tourism, food and beverage, education and government - to create powerful graphics and visual concepts that met their specific requirements and goals.

• Launched brand identities for 20+ clients, including logo development, color schemes and font selection.
• Designed product packaging for a new line of dog food, helping the client stand out in their specific niche.
• Delivered high-quality graphic design work on limited schedules through effective time management and client communication.
• Coordinated with local printers to produce offline graphics, such as catalogs and advertisements.

Are you ready for more? Download right below the pack with 5 extra resume samples!

Ready? Start writing!

Now that you know how to put freelance work on your resume, it’s time to get out there and start writing the best resume you possibly can.

Once you’ve landed your next freelance gig, use your free Bonsai trial to take your business to the next level, with professional looking freelance proposals , bulletproof contracts, smart invoicing, precise time tracking, and more.

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How to List Freelance Jobs on a Resume

Whether you're a career freelancer or just picking up work on the side , learning how to list freelance jobs on your resume is essential. If you remain independent, you need to showcase your skills to prospective clients; if you're between jobs, or taking work on the side of your full-time job, you need your resume to keep up with your hustle and new learning.

The good news is that organizing your freelance jobs is simple once you know how. Essentially, you're writing a functional resume , concentrating on your skills and achievements, rather than a chronological resume , which provides your work history in chronological order, starting with your most recent job.

Tailor Your Resume to the Prospective Client or Job

Writing a freelance resume can be liberating because the focus is on what you've done and what you can do, not on where you went to school or whether your career has proceeded in an orderly fashion. Your clients or employers will be hiring you to make something happen; your goal is to show them that you can do that, preferably as quickly as possible.

According to an eye-tracking study by The Ladders, hiring managers spend approximately six seconds looking at a resume before moving it to the "yes" or "no" pile; you want to make those six seconds count. This means tailoring your resume to the client or company you're hoping to impress, and taking out anything that doesn't relate to the job at hand.

Is it a pain to make multiple resumes for multiple jobs? Absolutely. But it's worth it. Producing a targeted resume shows the hiring manager only what you want them to see. You'll make a much better impression if you take the time to create a version that speaks to their needs.

Include a Separate Section for Skills

The main thing you're trying to express is what you can do for the client or employer. It makes sense to include a separate section for skills and certifications . If you know an in-demand software program or programming language, have a prized certification in the field, or years of experience doing something that takes time to learn how to do, this is the section in which to brag a little.

The usual caveats apply: don't claim knowledge that just about everyone has, like internet literacy or Microsoft Office, and don't claim expert-level familiarity with something you don't know how to do.

Use Action Words, Keywords, and Dollar Signs

Return to elementary school and embrace those verbs. Action words , from absorb and arbitrate to utilize, yield, and won, show that you're a person who gets things done. Resume keywords are also important, especially if you're applying online.

Many companies rely on an Applicant Tracking System to sort and screen resumes before they ever get to a human; using keywords will help you get past the robots and on to an actual person. Analyzing the job listing will help you figure out which keywords to target .

Finally, remember that it all comes down to money, even if you're a creative who never even speaks to the sales folks or accounting department. If you can demonstrate that you boosted a client's or employer's earnings, even indirectly, you're more likely to get that first call.

Organize Your Experience With Subheads

It's not uncommon for freelancers to have varied kinds of experience. While weeding out the unrelated gigs is important, even your pared-down resume will probably demonstrate that you can wear many hats. That's a bonus if you present it in the right way.

Employers love to see that you can multitask and see things from different perspectives, as long as it doesn't look like you're a bad fit for the role or apt to jump ship for something else at the first opportunity.

The best way to show the diversity of your talents while still maintaining an orderly narrative is to break up your experience with subheads. For example, as a freelance writer and editor, a resume should contain headings for writing, copyediting, and editorial management.

Example of How to List Freelance Jobs on a Resume

With all this in mind, let's look at how to present your jobs on a resume so that clients and hiring managers can see why you're the best person to hire, whether it's for a contract job or a permanent position.

Below is a resume with freelance jobs listed. Download the resume template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online).

Freelance Resume Example (Text Version)

Carly Applicant 999 Main Street, New York 10003 (123) 555-1234 carly.applicant@email.com

CAREER OBJECTIVE

Successful freelancer/contract manager, with a variety of professional experiences from creating a technology blog to leading an award-winning team of real estate agents, seeks a contract or permanent position with a top firm.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS

• Created a successful social media campaign that helped a food company double its overall sales.
• Organized and led a real estate sales team as it more than doubled its client base.
• Founded a tech blog and managed a staff of 20 freelancers.
• Possess solid interpersonal skills; able to coordinate with and manage personnel in a variety of business settings, both online and in person.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

ABC MARKETING, Stamford, CT Social Media Campaign Manager [ https://twitter.com/ABCMarketing ] September 2012-Present Secured a blue verified badge for the agency’s Twitter feed by creating funny, targeted, retweetable, tweets in support of its popular “Who’s Bob?” ad campaign.

• Clients included Crunchy Potato Chips, Alpha Office Furniture, and E-Z Mortgage.

JONES REAL ESTATE, Trenton, NJ Sales Manager [ https://www.realproperties.com ] May 2007-September 2012 Led a team of five agents to record-breaking sales every year for five straight years.

• Brainstormed new campaigns that helped increase client base by 15 percent in first year, 20 percent in second, 35 percent in third, and 50 percent in both the fourth and fifth years.
• Named “Agent of the Year” in 2011 and 2012.

NERDLETS MAGAZINE, New York, NY Blog Founder/Writer/Editor [ https://www.bestdarnblog.com ] May 2007-Present Founded award-winning tech blog, which was named “Blog of the Year” by The Blog Alliance.

• Manage a staff of up to 20 contributors, editing, budgeting, proofing, and perfecting a variety of columns and features, from highly technical to humorously geeky.

Bachelor of Arts in English (May 2005); GPA 3.9 Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina Dean’s List; Graduated Summa Cum Laude

Cover Letter Writing Tips

Review these tips for writing a cover letter for a freelance job to send with your resume.

How To Include Freelance Work On Your Resume | Tips And Examples

Looking to put your freelance work on your resume? Learn how to highlight relevant experience, transferable skills, and quantify achievements to impress potential employers.

Including Freelance Work on Your Resume

When it comes to crafting a resume, it’s important to showcase all relevant experience, including freelance work. Freelance work can demonstrate your skills, accomplishments, and ability to work independently. In this section, we will explore various strategies to effectively include freelance work on your resume.

Highlighting Relevant Freelance Experience

One of the key aspects of including freelance work on your resume is highlighting the relevant experience. Determine which freelance projects align with the position you are applying for and emphasize those experiences. This will help potential employers understand how your freelance work is applicable to the job at hand.

Emphasizing Transferable Skills

In addition to showcasing relevant freelance experience, it’s important to emphasize the transferable skills gained through your freelance work. Freelancing often requires a diverse set of skills, such as time management, communication, and problem-solving. By highlighting these transferable skills, you can demonstrate your ability to adapt and contribute to a new work environment.

Demonstrating Success and Results

To make your freelance work stand out on your resume, it’s crucial to demonstrate success and results. Provide concrete examples of projects you completed, measurable outcomes you achieved, and any positive feedback received from clients. This will show potential employers that you are not only capable of completing freelance projects, but also achieving tangible results.

Related: Essential Sections And Formatting Tips For An Entry Level Software Engineer Resume

Showcasing Client Testimonials

Another effective way to showcase your freelance work on your resume is by incorporating client testimonials. If you received positive feedback or testimonials from clients for your freelance projects, include them in a separate section or incorporate them within your work experience descriptions. This can provide credibility and demonstrate your ability to deliver high-quality work.

Incorporating Freelance Projects into Work Experience

When including freelance work on your resume, it’s important to integrate it seamlessly into your overall work experience. Rather than creating a separate section for freelance work, incorporate it within your chronological work experience. This approach allows potential employers to see your freelance work in the context of your professional career.

Formatting Freelance Work on Your Resume

Proper formatting is essential when including freelance work on your resume. Use consistent formatting throughout your document, and clearly indicate which experiences were freelance projects. This can be done by adding a note or using a different font style or color. By ensuring clear and organized formatting, you make it easier for potential employers to navigate and understand your resume.

Including Freelance Work in the Professional Summary

To make a strong first impression, consider including your freelance work in the professional summary section of your resume. This brief section at the beginning of your resume provides an overview of your skills and experience. By mentioning your freelance work here, you immediately highlight your ability to work independently and showcase your relevant expertise.

Related: Advantages Of Listing Multiple Positions At The Same Company On Your Resume

Adding Freelance Work in the Work Experience Section

Another option for including freelance work on your resume is to add it to the work experience section. Follow the same format as your other job entries, including the company name (if applicable), your role, the dates of your freelance work, and a description of your responsibilities and achievements. This allows potential employers to see your freelance work alongside your other professional experiences.

Creating a Separate Freelance Section on Your Resume

If you have a substantial amount of freelance work to showcase, you may consider creating a separate section on your resume specifically for freelance projects. This section can include a list of your freelance clients, project descriptions, and key accomplishments. This approach allows potential employers to clearly see the scope and variety of your freelance work.

Using Action Verbs to Describe Freelance Work

When describing your freelance work on your resume, utilize action verbs to make your accomplishments more impactful. Begin each bullet point with a strong action verb that accurately describes the task or achievement. For example, instead of saying “completed freelance writing projects,” you could say “developed compelling content for various clients.” This helps convey your proactive approach and adds depth to your resume.

Quantifying Freelance Achievements and Contributions

To further demonstrate the value of your freelance work, quantify your achievements and contributions whenever possible. For example, if you increased website traffic for a client, specify the percentage of the increase. If you completed a project ahead of schedule, mention the time saved. These numbers provide concrete evidence of your capabilities and can make a strong impression on potential employers.

Addressing Employment Gaps with Freelance Work

Freelance work can be particularly beneficial for addressing employment gaps on your resume. If you had a period of unemployment or took time off from traditional employment, including freelance work during that time can show that you remained active and engaged in your field. It demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.

Related: Synonyms For “Assisted” On A Resume – Boost Your Job Application

Tailoring Your Resume to the Job Description

To optimize your resume for each job application, tailor your freelance work to align with the job description. Carefully review the job requirements and responsibilities, and highlight the freelance projects that showcase the skills and experiences sought by the employer. This customization helps you stand out as a qualified candidate and increases your chances of securing an interview.

Including Freelance Work in the Skills Section

In addition to listing your technical and soft skills, consider including relevant freelance work in the skills section of your resume. This allows you to directly connect your skills with specific freelance projects, reinforcing your expertise in those areas. For example, if you have experience with social media marketing, mention specific freelance projects where you successfully managed social media campaigns .

Providing a Link to Your Online Portfolio

If you have an online portfolio showcasing your freelance work, include a link to it on your resume. This provides potential employers with a convenient way to review your work in more detail. Ensure that your online portfolio is up-to-date, well-organized, and visually appealing. A strong online presence can greatly enhance your chances of landing freelance opportunities and job interviews.

In conclusion, including freelance work on your resume can greatly enhance your chances of securing job interviews and freelance opportunities. By highlighting relevant experience, emphasizing transferable skills, demonstrating success, and providing concrete examples, you can effectively showcase your freelance work. Remember to tailor your resume to each job description, utilize action verbs, quantify your achievements, and provide a link to your online portfolio. With these strategies in place, your resume will stand out and impress potential employers.

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How to Add Freelance Work to Your Resume

If you’ve been working on your own for a while but would like to  land a long-term position  at a company, you’ll need the right resume.

Some people may be wondering why would you want a boss. However, some of us like the structure of working in teams and for a manager!

While it may seem like a strange transition from working as a freelancer to being under contract, it’s something many people do.

So, how can you best  showcase your skills and experience  on your resume? Do hiring managers care about what you did while working freelance?

If you can highlight your strengths and past results you won’t have a problem impressing any employer. By  learning how to add freelance work  to your resume, you can give employers a better understanding of the value you have to offer their organization.

Additionally, using the right tools like our tried and trusted  resume builder  can help you create your resume quickly and easily. It will also help give you a better chance of landing the right job and contract.

Keep reading if you want the best guidance on how to include freelance jobs as part of your professional background!

What Is Freelance Work?

Firstly we should define what freelance work is, as many people get confused regarding the term.

Freelance work is any kind of  work that is performed without an ongoing contract  or employment agreement. This type of work is usually done on a project-by-project basis, and often the freelancer is hired by a company or individual to complete a specific task or set of tasks.

There are  different types of freelance work  available, and almost any type of skill set can be put to use in some capacity.

For example, some common types of freelance work include:

• Graphic design
• Web development

Within each of those categories, there are also endless possibilities for specialization, such as a  freelance writer  or designer.

Differences Between Freelance Work and Self-Employment

There are a few key differences between freelance work and self-employment. Below you’ll find some  general differences between the two , so you can better understand and label your past  work experience .

Freelancers work for clients without having their own business

Work is typically done on a short-term basis

Self-employment

The individual owns and operates their own business

Projects usually require more long-term commitment

To sum it up, if you were operating your own business it’s classified as self-employment, however, if you were completing work for clients or companies without being listed on their payroll or under a full-time contract, you were a freelancer.

When to Avoid Adding Freelance Work

Even though including freelance work on your resume can be beneficial in many ways, there are also some instances where  it might not be helpful .

Employers would love to see your experience, however, you should keep your freelance work out if:

• It lasted less than 3 months
• It had nothing to do with the position you are applying for
• Your previous work was tied to any companies with negative press

All information that is included in your resume should be as positive and relevant as possible to the job you wish to be selected for.

Best Ways to Include Freelance Work on a Resume

When you list your freelance work you want to be clear and include relevant information. If you hadn’t set up  personal KPIs  as a freelancer, you’ll want to  review your performance  to make sure you can add quantifiable data to your application.

Review the list below to guarantee that your freelance work shows companies that you’re the right candidate for the job.

Use a Resume Template

It’s not always simple to create a resume when you’re making a career transition. While you may stay in the same area of work, you may need some help  showing your value  when you want to make the change from freelancer to normal employment.

Our  resume templates  make it simple to  highlight your experience and the skills you used  while freelancing in a way that will impress hiring managers.

Include Your Title/Position

When listing your freelance work on your resume, be sure to mention your title or position. This will  help potential employers understand what you do .

For example, if you are applying for a graphic designing job and did graphic design work for a variety of companies, make sure your “Graphic Designer” title is there for all employers to see.

Mention What Your Duties Were

In addition to including your title or position, you should also mention what your duties were in each role. This will give potential employers a better idea of what  specific work you did  and whether it is relevant to the job they are hiring for.

For example, mentioning that you handled customer inquiries and complaints will show that you have experience dealing with customers, even though it was not in a sales capacity.

Add Projects You Worked on

If you have any relevant projects that you worked on during your time as a freelancer, be sure to specify them on your resume.

This could be anything from developing a new website for a client to writing an e-book for someone. Including projects will show employers  the scope of your work .

Highlight Positive Results

In addition to listing projects that you worked on, it can also be helpful to  state some positive results  or KPIs.

This could be something like increasing website traffic by 30%. Mentioning specifics like this will show hiring managers that you can  achieve results and meet goals , even when working independently.

Struggling with Resume Writing?

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How to Put Freelance Work on a Resume: Tips, Examples, and More!

Self-employment work or the gig economy is notably blooming during the pandemic. 

Forbes concludes that, over one-third, or 59 million Americans, were registered as freelancers.

Since freelancing takes more of the American workforce, one might ask how to do a freelance resume in a format that accentuates your skills rather than suppress them?

Putting self-employment on your resume can be a hustle, but tricky as it seems, freelance work is work just like any other. 

And, in many instances, freelance projects can easily help you score your dream job. If you are wondering how to write a resume with your freelance projects and skills in it, keep on reading.

In this article, you will find:

Reasons to List Freelance Work on a Resume

The reason why you should incorporate freelancing as a job in a resume is simple—freelancing is also a job! 

Yes, freelancers are self-employed , but that doesn’t mean that the job they do is any less valuable than an office one. 

Being a freelancer means you:

• Have management skills
• Focus on your professional development
• Use your talent to make an income
• Know how to organize your time

These are also viable skills worth pointing out when presenting yourself before an employer. 

Also, you should add freelancing projects if you did them parallel to your regular full-time job. This way, freelancing projects will point out your professional engagement in more fields than one. 

Including freelance projects in your resume also shows that you’re interested in developing your skills and that you are always after the next great professional challenge. 

Finally, resumes must be linear . So, another reason to include freelance in a resume is that it can fill up any gap between jobs.

What to Include as Freelance Work?

Since adding freelance as your job on a resume can be tricky, experts advise 3 DOs and3 DON’s when you’re looking to highlight your freelance skills on your resume.

Here are some tips you should follow if you want to put self employment on your resume :

• Long-termed Projects Only —Make sure to include only the projects you worked on for longer than 3 months. The reason why experts give this rule is that it shows that even though you are a freelancer in part, you are still working with reliable and ongoing clients.
• Pack Smaller Projects —When it comes to the projects you’ve worked on for less than 3 months or on a one-time basis, pack them up in the freelance resume to save space. Every job you did is important to include. Otherwise, you are leaving a work gap in your resume. Group your smaller projects to show off your skills, even concerning short-term projects.
• Elaborate Your Duties —To best present your freelance skills on your resume , experts advise you to explain these in detail and provide some examples if needed, depending on the type of job at hand. 

After completing these basics, you should also add:

• The freelance clients you worked for
• Your finished projects
• What you’ve learned through the projects

Once done, make sure to include anything else that adds value to your resume. Still, don’t be pretentious, as it’s a major red flag in the eyes of employers.

The 3 DON’Ts!

When it comes to a well-structured resume , there are 3 DON’Ts experts highly advise against including in a resume.

• Sharing client’s personal information —Sharing personal information received from the client is illegal in most cases, and you may end up in a spot of hot water for it. Also, it shows that you cannot be trusted as a professional. Apart from having excellent skills, what employers see in their future employees is someone they can rely on. Doing this will make sure your resume ends up in the trash pile. 
• Don’t Elaborate on the Small Steps —Remember, you mustn’t become pretentious, and it’s a thin line between self-assured and overly confident. Always be short and precise when explaining your previous duties and ensure everything is neatly explained without self-praise.
• Don’t Share Your Income —In business, there is some information that should remain classified. One is sharing the income you earned on all your previous projects. Talking earnings is not the wisest move you can make as it makes you money-centric. But, if you feel you deserve higher pay, just say so. 

Freelance Projects

The tips we’ve mentioned above are closely related to the gigs or projects you want to obtain that are homogeneous with the freelance you did previously. 

So, the big question is what are the projects that have nothing to do with the current desired job duties you’re applying for but could still actually be relevant to your resume?

For such instances, experts advise that every freelance work is valuable to feature in a resume, regardless of the industry. 

Sometimes, it’s the effort and skills that count, not just the job position. Therefore, when it comes to tricky projects, experts encourage you to put everything in the resume and elaborate on it accordingly, so you score bonus points with your employer. 

Example of Freelance Work on a Resume

Below, we will go over an example how not to list freelance work on a resum e. Why? Because it features the desired freelance project section but does not do a very good job with it. 

Content Writer, FREELANCER Self-employed, San Francisco, CA June 2018 – Present

• Wrote and structured content according to SEO analysis, delivered batches in time according to client’s demands.
• Collaborated with four major clients online
• Other digital marketing projects for domestic clients

The problem with this resume is that there is far too much explaining. 

And, even if you are a freelancer, you don’t need to call yourself self-employed .

Talking about the more structural part of the resume, experts explain that, when describing your previous experience, it’s essential to detail the success you achieved with your project, something this resume has missed. 

We can see that failed to point out the benefits of the SEO analysis he performed. 

He also failed to offer verification information of the four major clients online. 

When explaining previous experiences , start from your most recent experience and work your way backwards. 

This is an example how to list put freelance work or projects on a resume and doing it the right way:

Freelance Content Writer, Neptune Content Media , Chicago, USA June 1st, 2020 – December 31st, 2021

• Experienced in B2B, B2C, and reviews content

Accomplishments:

• Fostered SEO driven content and boosted organic traffic by 528% for the client
• Edited and managed copy of over 40 writers online

The details, dates, information, references, the timestamps are all there and gives your Freelance resume section a whole different level of appeal. Your successes are quantified with stats and numbers , making them more relevant and impressive. 

The Bottom Line? 

All in all, crafting a solid freelance resume section can be a make-it-or-break-it experience.

But, with the right resources, information, and structure at hand, a freelance section in your resume will only make it that more professional and job application-worthy! 

Why not try one of our many, free professional resume templates and perfectly integrate your self-employment on resume today. 

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How To Put Freelance Work On Resume (The Right Way)

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways:

• Including freelance work on a resume is important as it demonstrates valuable experience and skills outside traditional employment.
• Showcasing freelance experience on a resume can benefit job seekers by highlighting their flexibility, adaptability, and ability to work independently.
• When listing freelance work on a resume, it is essential to reflect the time spent, mention approaches used, include previous clients, showcase projects and responsibilities, and customize the resume for each position and company.

Introduction

Including freelance work on your resume can be a game-changer, allowing you to stand out from the crowd and showcase your unique skillset. In this section, we’ll explore the importance of including freelance work on a resume and the benefits it brings.

Whether it’s the valuable experience gained from working independently or the ability to highlight your diverse expertise, including freelance work can significantly enhance your resume and make a lasting impression on potential employers.

Importance of including freelance work on a resume

In today’s competitive job market, it’s essential to showcase freelance work on a resume. It shows initiative and ambition. Plus, it demonstrates adaptable skills, such as project management, problem-solving, communication, and time management .

Freelancers often have a strong work ethic, managing their own time and deadlines while juggling multiple projects. Additionally, they often specialize in a niche or industry , developing deep knowledge and expertise.

Including freelance work on a resume indicates commitment to professional growth and enhances a candidate’s resume. It makes them stand out from traditional employment experience and highlights their versatility. Thus, it increases their chances of securing interviews.

Benefits of showcasing freelance experience

Showcasing freelance experience on a resume brings several advantages. It shows an individual’s capability to work on their own and take on diverse tasks, proving adaptability and resourcefulness .

Also, highlighting freelance work displays a commitment to professional growth beyond traditional jobs, showcasing a self-driven and proactive attitude towards career improvement.

Furthermore, by featuring freelance experience, applicants can display their diversity and knowledge in various industries and project types, strengthening their overall marketability to potential employers.

• Employers learn the candidate’s ability to manage different projects at once
• Freelancers are trusted by exhibiting successful collaborations with a variety of customers
• Highlighting freelance work reveals the candidate’s strong time management and organization skills

Including freelance experience on a resume also permits individuals to feature their specific successes and accomplishments in each project. By identifying scope, timeline, budget, and responsibilities for each freelance engagement, applicants can demonstrate their effect on key performance metrics, in addition to any awards or acknowledgement gained. Client feedback can also be included to show great working relationships and effective communication skills. This thorough data boosts the total strength of the resume.

By adjusting resumes for different roles and companies, individuals can strategically present their freelance experience in a way that aligns with specific job requirements.

Modifying descriptions of freelance work to match desired skills and qualifications will be well-received by potential employers who are searching for those particular attributes. Adding sample freelance work descriptions additionally supports this customizing effort by providing tangible examples of past successes.

How to list freelance work on a resume

Incorporating freelance work into your resume can be a powerful way to showcase your skills and experience.

This section will guide you on how to effectively list freelance work on your resume, covering key aspects such as reflecting the time spent, different approaches to listing freelance work, including previous clients, showcasing projects and responsibilities, and customizing resumes for different positions and companies. By following these strategies, you’ll be able to highlight your freelance expertise and impress potential employers.

Reflecting the time spent

John Doe used specific terms like “ contract ,” “ freelancer ,” and “ consultant ” to reflect his time spent freelancing on his resume. He also created an imaginary company name to demonstrate professionalism and credibility. This allowed him to showcase his extensive experience to potential employers.

To keep the document concise, John focused on major projects and condensed smaller tasks into broader categories. He also tailored his resume to different positions and companies, highlighting relevant projects and tasks as well as sample descriptions that demonstrated skills sought-after by hiring managers.

These strategies enabled John to effectively reflect his freelance experience and secure multiple job interviews, leading to a successful career transition.

Approaches to listing freelance work

When adding freelance work to your resume, think carefully about how to put freelance work on resume . One way is to focus on projects that lasted 3+ months. This shows consistency and commitment. Another is to emphasize major projects, and group smaller tasks into one entry. Showcase the impact and accomplishments. Or, some opt to list each item in detail. Tailor your descriptions to match job requirements. Including samples of work also showcases your skills. Remember: Quality over quantity! Highlight the most relevant projects.

Including previous clients

It is key to include former clients on a resume. It gives potential employers insight into the freelancer’s projects and duties.

Furthermore, referencing past customers can be evidence of the freelancer’s abilities and professionalism. Listing former clients’ names can add credibility to the experience and create trust with those analyzing the resume. This is especially true for non-disclosure agreements.

Showcasing projects and responsibilities

Showcase projects & responsibilities on a resume to get potential employers understanding the scope, timeline, budget & impact you had on performance.

• Detail each project’s scope – tasks & deliverables.
• Give a timeline of when each project was finished, showing you can handle multiple tasks.
• Include project budget, showing financial management skills.
• Highlight responsibilities – leadership roles or special expertise.
• Display awards or positive feedback from clients.
• Quantify the impact you had by showing how it improved client business performance.

Detailing projects & responsibilities provides unique insights that can’t be captured by general descriptions. This shows value & helps you stand out from other applicants.

Don’t miss the chance to showcase your freelance work. Customize your resume for each position & company to get maximum impact. Showcase your freelance experience today!

Customizing resumes for different positions and companies

By tailoring resumes , job seekers can demonstrate their suitability for particular roles. These customized resumes show relevant skills and experiences, as well as an applicant’s commitment to meeting the employer’s unique requirements. Taking the time to tailor a resume shows initiative, and boosts the chances of getting noticed.

To achieve this, you should:

• Analyze job specs – review the job description and identify key skills and qualifications the employer wants.
• Change job titles – modify to match the position you’re applying for.
• Highlight relevant projects – showcase projects and responsibilities that relate to the position.
• Use industry-specific language – show your familiarity with relevant terminology.
• Include extra certifications or training – if highly valued, include them in your resume.

In conclusion, emphasizing the importance and benefits of listing freelance work on your resume while highlighting the need for strategic presentation and customization to stand out from other applicants.

Some Facts About How To Put Freelance Work On Resume:

• ✅ Freelance work should be listed on a resume as it provides valuable skills and experience that are transferable to other jobs. (Source: Bonsai)
• ✅ Freelance work can be showcased using a functional layout, organizing work based on themes and skills and focusing on achievements. (Source: Team Research)
• ✅ It is important to highlight measurable results achieved in freelance work, such as doubling web traffic or tripling social media audience. (Source: Team Research)
• ✅ Only strategically relevant freelance projects should be listed on the resume, not every single project. (Source: Team Research)
• ✅ Including a link to a portfolio or personal website can showcase additional projects and skills that couldn’t fit in the work experience section of the resume. (Source: Team Research)

FAQs about How To Put Freelance Work On Resume

Faq 1: how can i add freelance work to my resume if i run and manage my own business.

Answer: If you run and manage your own business as a freelancer, you can add your freelance work to your resume by including a job title that reflects your role, such as “Business Owner” or “Self-Employed.” Describe the work you do and the services you offer, and highlight any achievements or notable projects that demonstrate your skills and expertise.

FAQ 2: How can I showcase my experience in the pharmaceutical sector on my freelance resume?

Answer: To showcase your experience in the pharmaceutical sector on your freelance resume, include a summary of the services you offer and mention the types of work you’ve done for clients in this industry. Highlight specific projects or achievements that relate to the pharmaceutical sector, such as increasing consumer awareness for a specific medication or supporting a client in launching a new treatment.

FAQ 3: How can I add freelance work to my resume and promote myself effectively?

Answer: To effectively add freelance work to your resume and promote yourself, focus on your skills and accomplishments. Use clear and precise language to describe the work you’ve done and the results you’ve achieved. Highlight relevant projects, especially those that can be quantified with metrics such as increased web traffic or social media audience. Create a compelling freelance cover letter that explains your freelance experience and highlights your unique value proposition to prospective employers.

FAQ 4: How can I fill employment gaps on my resume with freelance work?

Answer: One way to fill employment gaps on your resume is by including freelance work. List your freelance projects or positions as you would any other job, specifying the time period worked and the services provided. Highlight the skills and accomplishments gained during your freelance work, and focus on how they are relevant to the position you’re applying for. This helps to show continuous professional development and a proactive approach to your career.

FAQ 5: How can I add freelance work to my resume if I have completed numerous projects or small tasks?

Answer: If you have completed numerous freelance projects or small tasks, you can create a separate section on your resume titled “Projects” or “Selected Freelance Work.” In this section, highlight the most impressive projects or notable clients you’ve worked with. Provide a brief description of each project, specifying the duration of the freelancing period and the key skills and accomplishments achieved. This allows you to showcase your diverse experience without cluttering your resume with too many individual job entries.

FAQ 6: Can you provide real-life examples of how to structure a freelance resume for graphic designers?

Answer: Yes, here is an example of how a graphic designer could structure their freelance resume:

Job Title: Freelance Graphic Designer Time Period: 2016 – Present

Selected Freelance Projects:

• Created unique and impactful designs for various clients, including small businesses and startups.
• Developed visually appealing graphics for social media platforms, effectively promoting client products and services.
• Collaborated with clients to understand their design needs and deliver tailored solutions within tight deadlines.
• Produced high-quality print materials, including brochures, flyers, and business cards, that reflected clients’ brand identities.
• Demonstrated creativity and attention to detail through the creation of visually stunning website elements and UX wireframes.
• Utilized industry-standard software, such as Adobe Creative Suite, to consistently deliver high-quality design work.

Remember to customize the example to your own experience and achievements, showcasing your specific skills as a graphic designer.

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How To Put Freelance Work On Resume?

Creating a CV is relatively simple a process for people who work a 9-5 job. However, if you’ve been freelancing for a while, you could be struggling to keep track of all the projects and jobs you’ve worked on in a logical manner to impress potential employers. 

Since many freelancers are continuously looking for new work , your CV should be kept up to date and serve as a great demonstration of your talents and experience as a freelancer.

Also, for people who want to look for a full-time job, many employers do not consider freelance work as legit work since most people make the mistake of presenting it as a project on a resume.

If you are having trouble including your freelancing work on your resume in a way that genuinely highlights your abilities, use these strategies to help you get your CV in tip-top shape .

Check out this article to be a successful freelancer in any field .

Table of Contents

Why Should You Include Your Freelance Work On Your Resume?

• If you have broadened your skillset through freelancing, you may be closing doors to possible prospects by failing to mention it on your CV. Working as a freelancer counts as work experience! Therefore, it’s important to mention it in your CV
• If, on the other hand, freelancing has been your sole source of income, you should surely include it on your resume. If you don’t put your freelance tasks on your CV, it will appear that you have a gap in employment, which is never a positive thing in the eyes of future employers.

It’s always useful to demonstrate to potential employers what you’ve been up to until this point, whether you’re staying in the freelancing industry long-term or trying to return to the workforce.

Furthermore, if you’ve been freelancing in between jobs, highlighting your freelance work can demonstrate your versatility and that you didn’t have a gap in employment.

Taking on freelance work in between employment demonstrates to companies that you are capable of: 

• Other skills/talents that are marketable.
• Continued to use your skills to get money.
• You are not the type of person who simply waits for the next chance to present itself; instead, you create your own.
• Continued to put forth the effort to add value to the world around you.
• Understands how to run your own company.

Moreover, many freelancers engage in more than one form of freelance job. You might, for example, have knowledge in both web development and web design.

In these circumstances, having tailored CVs for different job applications, like those in development or design, can be invaluable. Utilizing a customizable CV template streamlines this process, allowing you to effortlessly highlight your skills and experiences specific to each role, ultimately enhancing your chances of success.

Each CV should highlight your most relevant experience in this field and be targeted to the sort of employer to whom it is being sent.

Check out the most in-demand technical and soft skills of 2022.

4 Ways To Include Freelance Work On Your Resume

You can put your freelance work on your resume in a few different ways, depending on your previous experience and how long you’ve been freelancing.

Here are a few options to think about:

• Chronological approach

It’s usually a good idea to put your most recent work experience at the top of your resume’s ‘Work’ section. Include the name of the company, the dates you worked there, and a brief description of your role and responsibilities.

In a chronological CV, your freelance work experience is listed in reverse chronological order (from most recent to oldest). If you’ve been working as a freelancer for several years and have had more long-term client contracts in a certain skill rather than picking up one-off assignments here and there for various types of work, this format is ideal.

Less experienced freelancers might opt to organize their resumes by skill set. This is also true if you’ve done a variety of freelance jobs, such as social media, SEO, copywriting , web design, and so on.

Your CV might look something like this if you put your freelancing work according to skill:

• Social Media

List your social media freelance experience , including the name of the customer, dates worked, and major duties.

• Copywriting

List your professional history, client names, dates worked, responsibilities, and, if applicable, a link to your work.

• Keyword research

List your professional history, client names, dates worked, responsibilities, and, if applicable, a link to your freelance work.

This manner can highlight all of your expertise as a freelancer without misleading potential employers about what you can truly provide.

• The Basic 

Traditionally, you’d list each job like this: Employer, Title, Years of Experience, and Tasks/Success

You’ll want to adjust the layout of your resume to accommodate your freelancing employment when listing it on your resume. Instead, consider: Name of the client, main responsibilities (copywriting, etc. ), dates, and skills/results

• Different Combinations

Finally, listing your freelancing job as a combination of work experience and talents can be beneficial.

In this example, you’d put your freelance work experience in reverse chronological order (most recent first), with a separate ‘Skills’ section to emphasize various types of work you’ve done previously.

Learn how to create a winning freelance profile in this post.

Tips On: How To Include Freelance Work On Resume?

• Be Harsh In Your Approach

When they initially start out, many freelancers will take on low-paying assignments. Therefore, it’s critical to be harsh when presenting your freelance work on your CV, excluding any work that doesn’t properly showcase your skills as a freelancer.

This also applies to any job you did for free for family or friends in the beginning. While this type of work is fantastic to include in your portfolio and on your resume as a new freelancer.

• Incorporate Metrics To Demonstrate Your Accomplishments

Add figures and percentages to demonstrate the excellent work you accomplished for a certain client or over a specific time period.

Positive metrics are usually a fantastic addition to your resume and can help you land a job.

• Display Your Work

As a freelancer, you must allow your work to speak for itself. In your CV, always include a link to your portfolio, which will take potential employers to showcase your best work.

While a great CV is crucial, having a strong portfolio that showcases your skills as a freelancer should be your main goal when looking for new work, as clients will see what you have done firsthand.

• Sell Your Advantages

The most typical pitfall job candidates fall into is listing “bare” attributes on a CV, such as “motivated and hardworking team player” or “excellent communications abilities.” Unfortunately, it adds zero value to your resume.

When outlining your strengths, consider narrating a story. Consider how a specific ability benefitted you in your previous employment and try to reduce it into one or two phrases. Backing up your claims boosts their value significantly and convinces the recruiter that you aren’t just attempting to make yourself look better than you are.

• Check Your CV For Grammatical Errors

Although this may seem like a no-brainer, you’d be amazed how many CVs contain spelling or grammatical problems.

Always double-check your resumes for errors. Spelling errors indicate to the recruiter that you did not take the extra five to ten minutes to double-check what you submitted. And, at least in the eyes of the recruiter, if you’re not willing to do that, you definitely don’t deserve a chance at the job or contract.

What To Put On A Freelance Resume?

When it comes to mentioning freelance work on your resume, it’s a little different than listing any other job.

There are three popular ways to list freelancing work on your resume: 

• Include only projects that you worked on for at least three months 
• To save space and not make a long 10-page resume, group any tiny projects together as one job 
• List everything you’ve worked on in detail (try to summarize all as, this will take up a lot of room, but it will demonstrate that you’ve done a lot of good work).

Once you’ve decided which projects to highlight, your freelancing postings should include all key information, such as:

• Clients you’ve worked with – Include the organization’s name, geographic location, don’t include any confidential information this might result in losing trust in your future work. 
• Projects you’ve accomplished – Make it a quick summary of all your freelance work accomplishments, include the key points in it, including the skills you have used, and don’t forget to mention your freelance portfolio website if any to link in it. 
• Outcomes you’ve seen as a result of your efforts – show how the work done has accomplished success in the organization and how it aided their vision. Don’t mention how much you charge for the project. Take this section only as an opportunity to highlight your results. 

Including freelance work on your resume provides you with yet another opportunity to market yourself, so make sure to include any pertinent information that will help you do so.

Including freelance work on your resume will only serve to increase an employer’s understanding of your worth. You may combine your freelancing work and distinguish out from other applicants and even boost your freelance customers with only a few modifications.

Follow the above-mentioned format and think about what you’ve done for your client. You’ll be astonished at how much value you can contribute by demonstrating that you’ve not just worked for yourself, but that you’ve done it successfully.

Moreover, showing off your accomplishments will only increase your versatility.

Additionally, use the Refrens platform to generate your freelance resume and exhibit your freelance work to thousands of agencies and businesses.

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Why You Should Always Put Freelance Work on Your Resume

BIG NEWS! We just released The Freelance Files , a collection of professional done-for-you email scripts, contracts, invoices, and more for smarter freelancing. The first 50 customers, save 50% with this link .

Reasons to include freelance work on your resume

How to include remote work to resume.

Digitization has transformed nearly all sectors of life, including the employment industry. The traditional 9-5 jobs are no longer evidence of professional and career achievement. Individuals can now work remotely and advance their careers. This new work-life allows individuals to express their skills and contribute value to projects and businesses.

However, do you consider freelance jobs real work? Individuals are often at a crossroads regarding whether to include such experiences in their resumes. Others are still determining whether the experiences benefit their career development. This guide explains why you should always put freelance work on your resume. You will also learn how to implement such a strategy to create a winning resume.

1. Expresses relevant work experience

Freelancing involves offering value to clients and businesses on your terms. Adding freelance work to your resume is equal to average work experience. It will further bolster your work experience and highlight your expertise in the field the employer wants.

2. Bridges employment gaps

Securing a 9-5 employment takes time and effort in the present job industry. The competition causes unemployment for some individuals. This is where freelance jobs come in. Whether you are working as a side hustle or a full-time gig, including freelance work helps to bridge the employment gaps in your resume and further bolster work experience.

Adding freelance work showcases your excellent commitment to personal and career development. It adds expertise to your field and speaks volumes on your professional journey. It also highlights your adaptability, resilience, and goal-focused enthusiasm.

3. Displays versatility

Remote work often demands flexibility and adaptability from individuals. Numerous projects will require creativity and the ability to tackle unique challenges along the gig. Employers value such individuals who show great versatility and adaptability.

Adding freelance work to your resume is an excellent advantage for portraying remote work experiences. It displays your ability to deliver outstanding results across varied settings. It shows your expertise in digital tools, communication applications, and project management software. For example, jobs that require graphic designers would love employees who have worked in a remote job setting, as they are more adaptable to numerous work roles.

4. Shows entrepreneurial skills

Soft skills are now becoming a significant drive for employers while searching for their perfect applicant. Having technical skills is now the bare minimum. Employers love individuals who show entrepreneurial spirit and great initiative. The ability to successfully handle remote jobs portrays entrepreneurial spirit.

The traditional workplace involves lots of peer relationships and supervision, but freelancers show an added skill set of working independently. They portray the ability to take self-directed roles and be resourceful by themselves. Therefore, adding such freelance roles shows entrepreneurial skills.

1. Highlight your role perfectly

Start by pinpointing the exact role you played in the company. Provide an adequate job title like you would for conventional employment. Show that you worked as a freelancer by adding the word ‘freelance’ before the job title. For example, “Freelance Graphic Designer,” “Freelance SEO Manager,” “Freelance Backend developer,” etc.

2. Add the Clients you worked for

The Competitive Job market has created means for numerous desperate strategies, one of which is including imaginary freelance work in a resume. Recruiters often see through this and undergo thorough checks in applications.

Therefore, you must prove your authenticity by including the clients you worked with. This should come together with the role you played in the company. Although some clients prefer anonymity, as explained in their non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), you can find ways to reference them through formal requests.

3. Provide thorough details on the Job/work done

Explaining your work during freelance gigs is an advantage for successful applicants. Employers want to know your conventional roles rather than specific information on the results achieved. Use bullet points to highlight your numerous activities during the freelance work. Showcase, as best as possible, every role you played in the job done.

4. Showcase projects and objectives

Companies that allow remote work are usually goal-inclined. They split their calendar with specific objectives that workers are expected to clinch. Another resume-winning strategy is to include such projects and how you contributed. Ensure to add details like:

• Project goal and scope
• Your entire responsibility
• Skillset used
• Link to the portfolio if possible.

5. Include the results achieved

Blowing your trumpet in your resume’s freelance work section is not from pride but rather an advantageous point. Employers receive many applications for roles they advertise, and the only way to stand out is to prove your expertise ideally. Did you increase your company’s profit system by 20% after employment? Or, while working as an SEO manager, boosted their organic traffic by 30%? Make sure to leave such details with you. Instead, include all your successes in your resume.

Use bullet points to list all the records of accomplishment, key performance indicators (KPIs), awards, achievements, and positive feedback you got while working as a freelancer. Showcase any win for the client that you helped to achieve. The best strategy is to use numbers or statistics to highlight the positive results so employers understand the magnitude of your expertise.

Example of Freelance work section on resume

Freelance Graphic Designer (Contract), Sportnik, CO | 2019 – 2021

Created company flyers, posters, and social media designs for the football sports space, focusing on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

• Successfully handled a broad portfolio of graphic design demands, including print design for the company’s products.
• Designed visually compelling graphics that caused a 20% increase in social media traffic and impressions.
• Displayed professional expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Indesign, and Illustrator, to create high-resolution flyers within set timelines.
• Engaged in transferred player reveal flyers for Twitter and Instagram, leading to a 23% increase in engagement and social media earnings.

Adding your freelance work experience to your resume is a great choice and a strong statement foretelling your expertise. It highlights your versatility in varied work environments and bolsters your professional identity. Freelance work strengthens your employment market value and provides an advantage in the present job competition. Whether you worked a part-time gig or full-time job, ensure that you include your freelance work section and position yourself firmly amidst the numerous applications.

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Written by Millo Team

Staff at millo.co.

Millo has been serving founders & freelancers since 2009. We are a team of experienced freelancers ourselves with over 30 years of combined freelancing experience. This piece was written by multiple members of our expert staff.

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