Including freelance work on your resume can be a powerful way to showcase your skills, versatility, and self-management abilities. Here’s how to effectively present freelance experience to make a strong impression on potential employers.

1. Create a Relevant Job Title

• If your freelance work is extensive, consider using a title like “Freelance Graphic Designer” or “Independent Consultant” to give it a professional look. Choose a title that aligns with your industry and reflects your expertise.

2. List Freelance Experience in Chronological Order

• Place freelance roles within your employment history, following the same format as other positions. Use reverse-chronological order and include relevant freelance projects under a single “Freelance” heading or list them separately if they are highly relevant to the job.

3. Emphasise Key Projects and Accomplishments

• Highlight notable freelance projects, including quantifiable achievements whenever possible. For example, instead of saying, “Designed logos for clients,” specify, “Created 50+ unique logo designs, improving client brand visibility by 30%.” This approach gives employers a clearer sense of your impact.

4. Focus on Relevant Skills and Contributions

• Tailor each freelance entry to showcase skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Focus on achievements that demonstrate skills like project management, client communication, or technical expertise that align with the job requirements.

5. Highlight Client Diversity

• If you’ve worked with a variety of clients or industries, mention this to show adaptability. This can be done by stating something like, “Provided design solutions for clients across tech, healthcare, and education sectors,” which reflects your ability to meet diverse client needs.

6. Use Action-Oriented Language

• Start each bullet point with action verbs, like “developed,” “implemented,” or “led,” to convey your contributions actively. This makes your resume more engaging and highlights your direct role in project success.

7. Quantify Your Achievements

• Numbers can enhance credibility. Mentioning specifics like “increased website traffic by 25% through content strategy” or “managed $50,000+ in project budgets” demonstrates your impact and adds authority to your freelance experience.

8. Showcase Soft Skills

• Freelance work often requires self-discipline, time management, and effective communication. Mentioning achievements that demonstrate these skills can add value, particularly if the role you’re applying for values independence and self-direction.

9. Include Testimonials or Feedback (Optional)

• If you have received positive client testimonials or LinkedIn recommendations, consider including a brief mention or quote. Testimonials can validate your experience and provide social proof of your capabilities.

10. Keep It Relevant and Concise

• Avoid listing every freelance job; focus on projects that are most relevant to the position. Keep entries concise to maintain a clear and focused resume that highlights your most impactful work.

Adding freelance work to your resume can demonstrate a breadth of skills and adaptability, making you an attractive candidate. For more guidance on presenting freelance work effectively, explore our guide to including freelance experience on your resume and check out our tips for highlighting achievements in freelance roles.