How to Make Your Resume Stand Out as a Freelancer
Wondering how to make your resume stand out as a freelancer? This element of your portfolio is more important than ever. More and more workers are becoming attracted to the benefits of remote freelance work – such as improved work-life balance, a more flexible schedule, and the ability to choose projects. According to one survey by FlexJobs, 65% of professionals would prefer a fully remote work arrangement, which freelance work more easily accommodates. With the demand for remote freelance work on the rise, the freelance market is increasingly competitive.
As a freelancer, a polished and well-crafted resume is one way you can set yourself apart from the competition. In this post, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about how to make your freelance resume stand out and get you hired.
Demonstrate Your Commitment to Professional Development
Freelancers who can show they are continuously improving their skills and staying on top of industry trends are more appealing to potential clients. Continuing professional development shows your commitment to learning and that you’re invested in your particular freelance niche. Reflect this in your resume by showcasing any courses, certifications, or workshops you’ve taken that are relevant to your field.
For example, if you’re a content writer who has recently taken a course in how to implement SEO techniques, or a freelance proofreader who has completed an advanced certification in Microsoft Word, be sure to feature this information prominently on your resume.
Include a Clear Unique Selling Proposition
Your unique selling proposition (USP) is a clear and compelling element that highlights why clients should hire you over the competition. A USP doesn’t have to be a significant portion of your resume; it can be a sentence or two that sums up your defining value and sets you apart.
For example, if you’re a freelance copywriter, your USP might be creating data-driven content that helps clients increase their conversion rate, or expertise at adapting to different brand voices. You can include your USP at the top of your resume as a headline, such as Conversion-Focused Copywriter | Storyteller for Health and Wellness Brands. This gives a quick insight into what you offer without overwhelming potential clients with a large chunk of text.
Have a Strong Personal Brand
Have you ever seen a particular logo or color palette and immediately thought of a specific company – before you even read the name? Personal branding isn’t just for big companies. It’s beneficial for freelancers too, and it starts with your resume. Your resume should reflect a consistent, professional brand that speaks to your niche and expertise. For example, incorporate custom design elements or a memorable tagline into your resume and include them on your website, portfolio, and LinkedIn profile so that your overall presentation to potential clients is cohesive.
List In-Demand Specialist Abilities
To stand out, identify and list specialist skills that are currently in demand within your field. Clients often search freelance resumes by keyword to find ones with specific expertise, such as AI proficiency or content localization. These niche skills are more likely to capture the attention of potential clients than generic competencies. Highlight them in a distinct “Skills” section or sprinkle resume keywords and phrases throughout your previous project experience.
Highlight Your Soft Skills
Technical skills on a resume are only part of the equation – clients also want to know that you can adapt to shifting project demands and communicate effectively. To make you freelance resume stand out, emphasize your soft skills as well as your hard skills, such as:
- Strong time management
- Self-motivation
- Collaborative problem-solving ability
- Willingness to adapt to new tools and platforms
- Conflict resolution skills
Demonstrating your solid interpersonal and project management skills will help set you apart – it shows you are open to feedback and willing to take ownership of tasks without needing constant supervision.
Use Metrics to Showcase Your Impact
Whenever possible, quantify your achievements to show potential clients the tangible impact you bring. For example, if you’re a freelance marketer, you might mention that a campaign you designed increased social media engagement by 40%. Or if you’re a graphic designer, you could share specifics about how your work improved click-through rates to a website. While your unique soft skills and previous work experience can make an impact, hard data shows that you’re results-oriented and can bring measurable value to new clients.
Link Your Portfolio
As a freelancer, your portfolio is often just as significant as your resume. It’s a way to showcase your creativity and provide tangible results you’ve delivered to clients. Include a link to your freelance portfolio directly on your resume in the header alongside your contact information. Alternatively, if you’d really like to emphasize your portfolio, you can create a separate section titled “Portfolio” or “Work Samples” with the link prominently displayed. If possible, use a short, professional domain (such as your name) rather than a long, complex URL.
Becoming A Freelancer
Interested in learning more about what you need to set yourself apart as a freelancer? Check out our comprehensive Becoming A Freelancer course. This beginner-friendly course teaches you everything you need to know about how to launch your freelance business and find your first clients. Sign up to try free lessons from the course today!
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