How do you list freelance work on your resume? (We have the answer)

Congratulations, your freelance business is successful. But how do you deal with talking about it or explaining freelancing to potential employers, or on your CV? This can be a difficult topic to explain as a single entry on paper, and you don’t want freelancing to look like an employment gap.

There are a few things you can do on paper (and on LinkedIn) to help present freelance work in a way that is more understandable to others. The key for many freelancers – especially those who work part-time – is to remember to include freelance work as part of your resume and design portfolio. Sometimes that job can be just the thing you need to help land the next big gig!

List Work as a freelancer

The simple answer is that you should include freelance work on your resume. This includes paid jobs, side projects, or pretty much anything related to your skills as an employee or independent contractor. How you choose to list these jobs is the real question.

To know how best to explain freelance or contract work, take inventory of your specific role and accomplishments.

• How long have you been freelancing?
• Would work be “worthy” of your resume if you did it for an employer?
• How long have you been doing this type of work?
• Is it related to your field or area of ​​expertise?
• Does it demonstrate expertise in areas that other jobs may not?
• Do you feel comfortable talking about the work or companies you’ve worked for and will they talk about you in a flattering way?

How you list these jobs may vary and how you decide to list freelance projects may depend on the type of work you do and the frequency of such jobs. Freelance work should be listed on your CV just like other jobs – in reverse chronology (most recent at the top) and in a consistent manner.

Loose (Business) Names

When it comes to the actual list of your freelance projects, start with current projects or clients and work your way down to less recent projects. This type of list often works best if you do freelance work fairly consistently for a handful of regular clients.

Long-term freelance jobs can stand alone, just like any job at any other company. You can list this type of job like any other “regular” job, just make sure your position or title is clearly marked. You do indeed work for said company, just not as a full-time employee. One consideration here is always whether the company will recognize you. Make sure the point of contact is someone you worked with at the company, because your name and information are unlikely to appear in an employment verification check by human resources.

Long-term freelance jobs can stand alone, just like any job at any other company.

This option works great for a regular group of customers. However, it is best if that number is small. Listing more than a few current employers can look a little odd and be a red flag.

If you do work for a variety of clients, the business name may be your own – especially if you are already incorporated. (If you don’t have a business name and do a lot of this type of work, it might be time to look into formalizing the business.) The other option is to list freelance work under a “business name”, that is as simple as “Freelance Designer.” The list of projects or freelance types works just as you would under a formal business name.

Do you have a title?

A job title should be easily identifiable by others and help explain what you do. Unfortunately, “freelancer” sometimes comes with an unfavorable connotation. Consider other title options for yourself that may appear better to potential clients or employers.

Here are some options when it comes to your title:

• Consultant
• Independent contractor
• Independent
• President, CEO, etc. of your company
• Freelancer [insert job here, such as designer, developer or writer]

Add a section for freelance work

If you have a history with freelancing that extends beyond a few posts, add a standalone section specifically for freelancing. Although you can format it in various ways, opt for simplicity.

Start with a simple title like “Web Design Consultant.” List the number of years you have done this type or job and any relevant certification or training. Then list some of the companies you have completed projects for.

Here’s a tip: Especially with design, look at what the company is doing now in terms of visuals and if it’s not the stuff you helped with or if it doesn’t look good or modern anymore, don’t list it.

When it comes to companies that don’t have household names, consider a few words that explain what the company does.

Impressed with projects

For freelance designers, a portfolio is where you can really wow. This can also be done with words on an actual resume by listing types of projects completed. (LinkedIn also has a great tool for projects so that each element can link back to a portfolio.)

Limit projects to a few that are different in scope and showcase your talents. Include a brief description, customer information and URL if applicable.

Now for exceptions

Sometimes it might be best to leave freelancing off your resume altogether. Freelance work should be included as a boost to your resume and is less valuable if you are doing work that is unrelated to your field or will not result in a referral. (Yes freelance clients are also checked as references.)

If freelancing causes a potential client or employer to ask more questions than it answers, you may want to consider leaving that job off your resume. The other exception is confidential work. If you work for a company and aren’t supposed to name that company, don’t list those freelance jobs without talking to the company first.

There are a few other exceptions that fall into the common sense category and are things that may not appear on your resume:

• Sporadic freelancing, like you’ve done one project and decided freelancing isn’t for you.
• If freelance work was done for free or for family members. (This is more likely volunteer work.)
• If you are not proud of the projects completed.

Closure

Including freelancing on your resume can be somewhat difficult if you overthink it. To make things easier, think of freelancing just like any other job. Include projects, companies, and positions relevant to the person or company receiving a copy of your resume. (You can include more on online versions or LinkedIn where you don’t have to worry about space as much.) List positions and jobs that best match you and your skills.

Note: This post is packed with various resume templates – click on any design to grab that template and use it to create a beautiful resume! (Or you can check our list of the best resume templates available to start from.