Resume strategy
How to list freelance and contract work on a resume
Showcasing your diverse freelance and contract experience effectively can set your resume apart. Learn how to transform varied engagements into a compelling narrative that impresses hiring managers.
What to focus on first
- Create a "Portfolio" or "Project" section if you have visual work to showcase, linking directly to your online portfolio.
- Tailor your freelance descriptions to match the keywords and requirements of each specific job application.
- Consider a "Skills-Based" or "Functional" resume format if your freelance work is highly varied and skills are paramount.
Structure Your Freelance Section
Instead of listing every short-term gig separately, consider creating a dedicated "Freelance Experience" or "Contract Work" section. This consolidates your projects, preventing your resume from looking fragmented and highlighting your adaptability.
For ongoing or significant contracts, treat them like traditional employment entries. Include the client's name (if permissible and relevant), your title (e.g., "Contract Graphic Designer"), and the duration. This approach lends credibility and demonstrates consistent professional engagement.
Highlight Key Projects & Clients
Focus on projects that align with the target job's requirements, rather than listing every single client. Select 3-5 of your most impactful projects or those for well-known clients, detailing your contributions and the results achieved.
If you worked for multiple smaller clients in a similar capacity, you can group them under a general heading like "Various Clients" or "Independent Consultant (Client Roster Available Upon Request)." Then, describe the common types of projects and skills utilized across these engagements.
Quantify Your Achievements
For each freelance or contract role, use strong action verbs and quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. Instead of "managed social media," try "Increased client's Instagram engagement by 40% in three months through targeted content strategy."
Think about the problems you solved, the value you added, and the metrics that demonstrate your success. This could include revenue generated, time saved, efficiency improvements, or positive feedback received. Concrete examples make your experience tangible and impressive.
Optimize with a Professional Tool
Leverage tools like CVBoost to ensure your freelance and contract work is presented in a clean, professional, and ATS-friendly format. Our templates are designed to help you organize complex work histories into easily digestible sections, making your resume stand out.
CVBoost helps you craft compelling bullet points and choose the best layout to highlight your diverse skills and project successes. It ensures consistency in formatting and language, which is crucial for a polished, professional presentation, especially when combining various work types.
Improve your draft faster
Use the free CVBoost audit to see where your current draft is weak, then upgrade when you want deeper rewrites.
FAQ
Should I include all my freelance gigs?
No, prioritize relevant and impactful projects that align with the job you're applying for. Focus on quality over quantity.
How do I handle gaps between freelance projects?
Frame the entire period as "Independent Consultant" or "Freelance [Your Profession]" with start and end dates encompassing all projects.
Is it okay to use a company name if I was a contractor?
Yes, if you had a direct contract with a specific company and it's relevant, list it like a traditional employer, specifying "Contractor" or "Consultant."