Freelance Resume Sample
Learn how to create a compelling freelancer resume to help you secure more work.
Working as a freelancer brings all kinds of benefits – flexibility, creative freedom, and the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects and with different clients. However, as a freelancer, hustle is the name of the game. You need to consistently market and self-promote yourself to attract new clients, which means your freelance resume must have that “wow” factor.
Writing an effective freelancer resume is crucial for showcasing your skills, experiences, and unique selling points to potential clients. Want to make your first impression count? Follow our resume writing tips below and use our template as a guide to developing your first draft.
How to List Freelance Work on Your Resume
When listing work on your freelance resume, it's essential to present your experience in a clear and organized manner. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to effectively list your freelance work:
- Create a dedicated section: Create a separate section on your resume specifically for your freelance work experience. This helps distinguish it from any full-time or previous employment.
- Include the job title: For each freelance project, start by mentioning the job title or the nature of your work. This could be something like "Freelance Graphic Designer," "Independent Web Developer," or "Freelance Writer."
- Specify the client/company: Mention the name of the client or company you worked with for each project. This adds credibility and provides context for the scope of your work.
- Describe your responsibilities: Outline each freelance project's key responsibilities and tasks. Be specific and use action verbs to convey your role effectively. For example, instead of saying, "Worked on website design," you could say, "Designed and developed responsive websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript."
- Highlight achievements and results: Focus on the outcomes and achievements of your freelance work. Did you exceed client expectations or deliver exceptional results? Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible, such as mentioning specific metrics, client satisfaction ratings, or the impact of your work on business goals.
- Customize for each application: Tailor your freelance work descriptions to match the requirements and preferences of the potential client. Highlight the skills, responsibilities, and achievements most relevant to the specific job or industry.
- Format consistently: Use a consistent format and structure for listing your freelance work experience. Ensure the job titles, company names, and dates are clearly presented. Use bullet points to make the information more scannable and easily read.
Showcase Your Skills
When it comes to the skills section on your freelance resume, list only the most relevant skills from your freelance work. Include both hard skills, such as proficiency in graphic design software or programming languages, and soft skills, like communication or time management. Use bullet points or a visually appealing format to make your skills stand out.
Also, research the job descriptions or projects you're interested in to identify the key skills required. Then ensure those are prominently featured in your skills section. Remember, these skills serve as keywords to help your resume pass through any scanning software.
Freelance Resume Example
Our sample resume shows you how to put freelance work on your resume and highlight your skills to help you land more interviews. Get started by tweaking the template to adding your information as necessary.
Tara Kalstein
Los Angeles, CA | (555) 555-555 | tara@email.com
Objective: Highly skilled, motivated, and creative freelance web designer with a passion for delivering visually appealing and user-friendly websites. Committed to providing exceptional design solutions tailored to client needs. Seeking freelance opportunities to showcase my expertise, collaborate with diverse clients, and create impactful digital experiences.
Technical Skills:
- Proficient in HTML, CSS, JavaScript
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD)
- Responsive Design
- User Experience (UX) Design
- Wireframing and Prototyping
- SEO Optimization
- Cross-Browser Compatibility
- Content Management Systems (WordPress, Drupal)
Summary of Qualifications:
- 5 years of experience as a freelance web designer, specializing in front-end development and responsive design.
- Proven track record of delivering high-quality websites that meet client requirements and exceed expectations.
- Strong understanding of user experience (UX) principles and the ability to create intuitive and engaging interfaces.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills to effectively translate client visions into visually appealing designs.
- Detail-oriented and organized, ensuring pixel-perfect execution and adherence to project timelines.
- Adaptable and open to learning new technologies and design trends to stay current in the industry.
Professional Experience:
Freelance Web Designer | Client Name | 20XX-20XX
- Collaborated with client to create visually stunning and functional websites.
- Conducted thorough client consultations to understand project requirements, target audience, and branding guidelines.
- Translated client ideas into wireframes, mockups, and prototypes, incorporating user feedback for iterative design improvements.
- Developed responsive and mobile-friendly websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- Optimized website performance and user experience by implementing best practices in front-end development.
- Ensured cross-browser compatibility and accessibility standards compliance.
- Created custom graphics and visual elements to enhance the overall design aesthetics.
- Provided ongoing support and maintenance for websites, including content updates and bug fixes.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously, balancing priorities and meeting project deadlines.
Education: Bachelor of Science in Web Design and Development | University Name| 20XX
Certifications:
- Certified Web Designer (CWD)
- Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) in Web Design
Portfolio: (Provide a link or attach samples of your web design work on your freelance resume to showcase your capabilities)
Find Freelance Jobs
Want to know how much you can make as a freelancer? It all depends on the client, your level of expertise and whether you set your own rates. However, you’ll typically be paid a flat rate per project or earn by the hour. Use Monster's Salary Tool to better estimate what you can expect to make in your location for different types of projects.
As a freelance copywriter you can make a median salary of $59,691 per year. Web designers earn an average of $58,439 per year, while social media specialists take home around $44,888 and photographers earn $18.81 per hour.
Check out these popular freelancing jobs:
Expand your options by exploring all freelance jobs on Monster to find your next gig.
Fine-Tune Your Freelance Resume to Attract More Clients
Increase your chances of securing more work with a well-crafted and updated resume. Get started by using Monster’s free resume review service. Upload your resume, and our smart scanning technology will assess and identify areas for improvement. We’ll email you feedback within a few days, so you can work on taking your resume to the next level.