5 Steps to Crafting a Client-Winning Freelance Resume
An exceptional freelance resume can be the key to attracting new clients and setting yourself apart from the competition. But what should you include (and not include) on your resume, especially if you’re new to the freelance world? In this guide, we’ll take you through the ins and outs of writing a tailored freelance resume. And, how Knowadays can help you build a successful freelance business.
Do Freelancers Need a Resume?
There are several key differences between freelancing and traditional, full-time employment – including how you apply for jobs. Traditional employment typically involves finding an open role, submitting a resume, and interviewing for the position. In contrast, freelancers often promote their services, such as through their website or via word-of-mouth recommendations, and seek out individual clients. Given those differences, do freelancers even need a resume to be successful?
While freelancers may not need a resume for every project or client, it’s a good idea to have one ready for potential clients. Some new clients, especially larger companies or recruiters, may require a formal resume to assess your skills and experience. In addition, a freelance resume provides a quick and easy way to highlight your qualifications. This can help streamline the process of submitting multiple bids or proposals for projects.
Although freelance resumes are important, you should note that your portfolio is just as essential to building your business. It offers potential clients a well-rounded look at your work and provides concrete evidence that you can get the job done. If you don’t have a portfolio already, consider using a portfolio hosting site for freelancers to set one up.
How to Create a Freelance Resume
Crafting a freelance resume is similar to creating a traditional resume, but there are some subtle differences. Let’s break down a few key tips to keep in mind when building your freelance resume.
- Tailor the Format for Freelancing
Unlike a traditional resume, which is often chronological and used to apply for many different roles, a freelance resume should be flexible. Rather than listing individual clients, consider grouping your experience into categories based on the types of projects you’ve completed (known as a functional resume). This will make it easier for clients to see your relevant skills. For example, as a freelance copywriter, you might group your experience into areas like landing page optimization, SEO writing, and email marketing.
Highlight specific projects you’ve completed for past clients and emphasize the results you achieved. Metrics, such as how you improved client engagement, increased sales, or delivered work ahead of deadlines, can help paint a picture of your impact. Be sure to also include a list of any relevant qualifications and professional development activities in addition to your work experience.
Below are some general formatting tips to keep in mind when creating your resume (whether it’s chronological, functional, or a hybrid of the two):
- Use easy-to read fonts (such as Times New Roman)
- Stick to an 11- or 12-point size for your font
- Break information into bullet points to avoid large blocks of text
- Use bold and italics to emphasize important information (such as a recognized achievement or job title)
- Format using one-inch margins on all sides
In addition, include your name, contact information, and location (if relevant) at the top of your resume. This is known as the resume header, and should be in bold or a slightly larger font size to make it stand out.
- Include a Strong Summary
Start with a short summary at the top of your resume. This should describe who you are, what you do, and how you can help potential clients. Think of it as your elevator pitch – clear, concise, and compelling.
Clients often skim resumes, so a well-crafted summary helps capture their attention right away, giving them a clear idea of your skills and what you bring to the table. Also, like many freelancers, you may have multiple focuses; a summary helps you position yourself within a specific niche. For inspiration, see this list of standout resume summary examples from a variety of different fields.
- Keep It Concise
While you want to provide enough information to show your expertise, keep your freelance resume concise and to the point. Aim for one or two pages, focusing on the most important and relevant information. If your resume is any longer than that, you risk potential clients dismissing it before they even read it.
Stay focused on the skills and experience that matter most to your potential clients (check the brief, project description, or client’s website for hints on relevant resume keywords and phrases to include). Avoid cluttering your resume with unrelated jobs or details that don’t align with what the project entails.
- Link Your Portfolio and Website
While your resume provides a snapshot of your skills, your portfolio showcases them in action. Be sure to include a link to your online portfolio so clients can explore your work more thoroughly. Think your portfolio might need some work? Take a look at our blog How to Create an Impressive Freelance Portfolio for more advice on creating a freelance portfolio that wins clients.
In addition to your portfolio, provide links to your LinkedIn profile and website (if you have them) to paint a more comprehensive picture of your professional background.
- Proofread Your Resume
Your resume is a direct reflection of your attention to detail and writing abilities. Typos, grammatical errors, or formatting issues can make you seem careless, which may lead clients to question the quality of your work. Always thoroughly proofread your resume to ensure you make a strong first impression on clients.
Becoming A Freelancer
A freelance resume is just one part of a successful freelance business. If you want to learn more about what it takes to launch a freelance career, such as how to find clients and market your services, check out our comprehensive Becoming A Freelancer course. This beginner-friendly course covers everything you need to know about the industry, including valuable insights from experienced freelancers. Interested? Claim your free lessons and get started learning today!
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