Resume Examples for Freelance Writers

Resumes and CVs for freelance writers reflect their experience levels, from entry-level projects to seasoned portfolios. Review our templates designed for each stage and take advantage of our Resume Builder to craft a document that showcases your unique skills.

Entry-Level Freelance Writer Resume

Ideal for recent graduates and career changers aiming to break into freelance writing, this template is designed to help you craft a standout resume with no experience while showcasing your unique skills and creativity.

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Why this resume works:

This resume features thoughtful font selection that improves readability while maintaining a professional appearance. Options like Calibri, Georgia, and Times New Roman are considered the best fonts for a resume because hiring managers prefer them for their clarity and sophistication.

Mid-Career Freelance Writer Resume

A smart choice for freelance writers with established experience, this template effectively showcases recent projects and positions them for advancement in specialized writing roles or leadership opportunities.

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Why this resume works:

Action verbs such as “crafted,” “managed,” and “increased” highlight a proactive approach to writing and project execution. Metrics like “increased client engagement by 25%” and “crafted content for 50+ websites monthly” are presented in concise bullet points, improving readability.

Experienced Freelance Writer Resume

An ideal choice for freelance writers with over a decade of experience, this template supports professionals pursuing advanced roles in content creation and digital marketing.

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Why this resume works:

This resume illustrates significant career advancement, showcasing skills in SEO and content strategy that improve brand visibility and audience engagement. Leadership roles as a content strategist, along with certifications (e.g., Advanced SEO Certification), highlight the job seeker’s capabilities for senior writing positions.

Freelance Writer Resume Template (Text)

Use this customizable text format of a freelance writer resume to copy, edit, and personalize directly in your document.

Jin Thompson

Parkview, MO 64153

Professional Summary

Proven Freelance Writer enhancing digital presence. Skilled in SEO, editorial strategy, boosting client growth. Published author and strategic content planner driving impactful campaigns.

Work Experience

December 2023 – April 2026

WordCraft Editorial Solutions – Parkview, MO

Freelance Writer

  • Published 50 articles, increasing readership by 30%
  • Optimized SEO, enhancing visibility by 25%
  • Collaborated on ebook sales, generating $20k revenue

June 2018 – November 2023

Insight Media Group – St. Louis, MO

Content Strategist

  • Devised 100+ campaigns, boosting engagement by 40%
  • Managed SEO tools, increasing traffic by 35%
  • Led team projects, reducing project time by 20%

April 2017 – May 2018

Creative Insight Publishing – St. Louis, MO

Editorial Assistant

  • Supported editorial team, cut editing time by 15%
  • Proofread manuscripts, enhancing quality by 10%
  • Assisted in article research, improving accuracy

Education

June 2015
University of Washington Seattle, WA
Master of Arts Communication

June 2012
Washington State University Pullman, WA
Bachelor of Arts English Literature

Certifications

  • Certified Content Marketing Specialist – Digital Marketer
  • SEO Expert Certification – SEMrush Academy

Skills

  • SEO Optimization
  • Copywriting
  • Editorial Planning
  • Digital Publishing
  • Creative Storytelling
  • Content Strategy
  • Research Analysis
  • Grammar Proficiency

How to Write a Freelance Writer Resume

As a freelance writer, knowing how to write a resume means showcasing your unique writing skills and relevant experience in a way that captures potential clients’ attention. Use the guidance below to emphasize your strengths and tailor your resume for the specific projects or roles you’re pursuing.

1. Contact Info

Your contact information is vital and should be prominently displayed at the top of your resume for maximum visibility.

Be sure to include:

  • Full name
  • Phone number
  • Professional email address
  • City and state (ZIP code is optional)
  • LinkedIn profile or personal portfolio (if relevant)
TipPRO TIP

Skip including sensitive personal information such as your Social Security number, birth date, or photographs on your resume unless the employer explicitly requests it.

2. Resume Profile

A resume profile is a brief introductory section, typically two to four sentences long, that highlights your key skills and qualifications. Its main purpose is to serve as an engaging pitch for hiring managers, prompting them to delve deeper into your resume and learn more about what you can offer.

This profile is positioned at the top of your resume and can take the form of either a summary or an objective, each serving distinct purposes. Understanding these differences will help you craft a compelling profile:

  • A resume summary showcases relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments that highlight a writer’s unique voice and versatility. This format is particularly beneficial for those with diverse writing backgrounds or transferable expertise who aim to illustrate their impact as a freelance writer.
  • A resume objective highlights your career aspirations and outlines what you aim to accomplish in your professional journey. It’s particularly useful for recent graduates, individuals shifting careers, or those with minimal experience.

Let’s compare a resume summary and a resume objective to understand their distinct purposes:

Freelance writer resume summary example:

Dedicated freelance writer with over 6 years of experience in diverse content creation, including blogs, articles, and marketing copy. Proficient in SEO strategies, audience engagement, and editorial guidelines. Recognized for delivering compelling narratives that boost brand visibility and foster reader connection.

Freelance writer resume objective example:

Recent graduate with a bachelor’s degree in English, excited to launch a career as a freelance writer in a dynamic and creative environment. Committed to storytelling that resonates with audiences while bringing strong research abilities and adaptability to diverse projects for clients across multiple industries.

3. Work Experience

The work experience on your resume serves as a critical foundation for your candidacy. Employers examine not just your job titles and responsibilities, but also the tangible impact you’ve made in your previous roles.

This experience illustrates how well-suited you are for the freelance writer position, showcasing your ability to craft compelling narratives and engage audiences.

The work experience section should contain:

  • Job title
  • Employer name and location
  • Employment dates (month/year)
  • 3–5 bullet points detailing your writing projects and client successes

Tailor your bullet points to the job you want by using specific language relevant to freelance writing, such as “Created,” “Edited,” and “Published.” Always start with a strong action verb to make your contributions stand out.

Incorporate quantifiable metrics in your descriptions, like word count or audience reach. Specific achievements help showcase your value and set you apart from other applicants seeking freelance opportunities.

In general, consider following the format of:

[action verb] + [responsibility] = [result/achievement]

For example:

Conducted in-depth research and produced 30+ articles per month, improving client engagement by 40% through targeted content strategies tailored to niche audiences.

Note that you can also flip the result/achievement with the responsibility:

Increased organic traffic by 50% within six months by implementing SEO best practices in all written content.

Explore more examples of freelance writing experience further down the page.

4. Skills

The skills section offers a concise overview of your writing abilities, highlighting your expertise as a freelance writer. This section plays an important role in creating an ATS-friendly resume, allowing hiring managers to quickly assess your qualifications.

Skills can be grouped into three categories:

  • Soft skills are personal qualities that influence how freelance writers connect with clients and collaborate with editors. Essential soft skills for this role include communication, adaptability, time management, and creativity.
  • Hard skills are specific, measurable abilities gained through education, training, or experience. For a freelance writer, examples include researching topics, crafting engaging content, and adhering to style guides.
  • Technical skills refer to the specific competencies required to use tools and technologies in various fields. For freelance writers, this includes expertise in content management systems, plagiarism detection software, and word processing applications.

In general, aim to showcase a well-rounded set of skills that directly meet the job requirements. For additional examples of specific skills tailored for freelance writers, explore the skills listed further down the page.

TipPRO TIP

If you’re a newer freelance writer, consider placing your skills section higher on your resume, right after your summary. If you have more experience, it’s better to position this section lower and weave your skills into the descriptions of your past projects.

5. Education

Understanding how to list education on your resume is important for showcasing your qualifications. Begin with your most recent or relevant degree, clearly stating the degree type and institution name.

If you’re a recent graduate, consider including your graduation year, GPA (if it’s 3.5 or above), any honors received, and relevant coursework to highlight your academic achievements.

Freelance writer resume education section example:

Bachelor of Arts in English Literature
University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Graduated: 2023 | Graduated with Honors (Cum Laude)

TipPRO TIP

When listing multiple degrees on your resume, always arrange them in reverse-chronological order, beginning with the highest degree, such as Bachelor of Arts in English (BA), followed by Associate Degree in Writing (AD).

6. Certifications

Certifications highlight your expertise and keep you informed about industry standards. While not always included in a traditional resume, this section is important for many professionals across various fields. Employers often seek specific certifications for specialized roles.

Make sure to prominently display relevant credentials that improve your application. Keeping these certifications current and formatted clearly can significantly impact how hiring managers view your qualifications.

Freelance writer certification examples:

  • Freelance Writer Certification | Freelance Writers Guild | Expires: 01/2028
  • Creative Writing Certificate | University of California | Expires: 12/2027
  • SEO Content Writing Certification | Content Marketing Institute | Expires: 07/2028
  • Technical Writing Certification | National Association of Professional Writers | Expires: 11/2027

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Tailor Your Work History to Beat the ATS

Your work experience isn’t simply a roster of job titles. It’s an opportunity to highlight the tangible contributions you’ve made in your field, showcasing specific achievements that resonate with potential clients. This strategic approach also improves your resume’s effectiveness for applicant tracking systems (ATS) by making it easier for them to identify relevant qualifications.

To make the most of your work history, tailor it to align with the freelance writing opportunities you’re pursuing. Begin by thoroughly analyzing the job description provided by the client. Take note of frequently mentioned skills and requirements, then incorporate those keywords into your experience descriptions to improve relevance and appeal.

These examples are pulled from our most-used entries in the resume builder—based on what hiring managers respond to most.

  • Developed engaging content for 10+ clients across diverse industries, increasing client retention rates by 25%.
  • Conducted thorough research and wrote over 50 articles monthly, resulting in a 30% boost in website traffic for clients.
  • Collaborated with graphic designers to create visually appealing blog posts, improving audience engagement.
  • Used SEO tools to optimize content strategy, improving search engine rankings by an average of 15 positions within three months.
  • Mentored junior writers on best practices and effective writing techniques, fostering professional growth within the team.

Example of Skills for Freelance Writers

Including the right skills for your resume demonstrates to employers and ATS that you possess the abilities essential for success in freelance writing. Since resumes are often scanned quickly, ensure that your skills are focused, relevant, and tailored to the job description.

The skills highlighted below reflect what is currently valued in the freelance writing field. These capabilities frequently appear in successful writer resumes and resonate with hiring managers looking for qualified job seekers.

5 Soft Skills for Your Resume or CV

  • Effective communication
  • Time management skills
  • Research skill
  • Attention to detail
  • Flexibility in writing styles

5 Hard Skills for Your Resume or CV

  • Content creation and editing
  • SEO optimization (Google Analytics, Yoast)
  • Research and fact-checking
  • Social media management (Hootsuite, Buffer)
  • Client communication and collaboration

Key Takeaways

  • Tailor your resume to match the job description. Incorporate the language used by the client when detailing your skills and experiences for better alignment with both ATS and human reviewers.
  • Highlight quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your impact. Include metrics relevant to writing (e.g., word count, engagement rates, published articles) to differentiate yourself.
  • Select a resume format that suits your experience level. New writers might opt for a functional or hybrid layout, while seasoned freelancers typically use reverse-chronological formats.

More Resume & CV Examples

Frequently Asked Questions

Last Update:

What resume format should I use for my freelance writer resume?

There are three main resume formats available for freelance writers. Your choice should reflect your experience level and the key skills or projects you want to highlight in your application:

  • Chronological: The chronological resume is the most widely used format, emphasizing your work history by detailing your responsibilities and accomplishments. This structure particularly benefits job seekers whose relevant experiences reinforce their qualifications, showcasing a consistent career trajectory that adds credibility to their job applications.
  • Functional: The functional resume, or skills-based resume, prioritizes your qualifications and an expanded skills section over chronological work history. This format is particularly beneficial for those lacking relevant experience or facing employment gaps, allowing them to showcase their abilities more prominently.
  • Combination: The combination resume merges the chronological and functional formats, showcasing skills alongside work history. This layout benefits professionals by emphasizing their abilities while also detailing career progression, making it ideal for those transitioning fields or aiming to highlight diverse experiences.
Should I include a cover letter with my resume?

Yes, you should include a cover letter with your freelance writing applications. A well-crafted cover letter allows you to express your enthusiasm for the project and showcase relevant writing samples or experiences that may not be highlighted in your resume. This personalized approach can demonstrate to potential clients that you’re genuinely interested in their needs, giving you an advantage over applicants who submit only a resume.

If you’re unsure about how to write a cover letter that’s compelling, there are many resources available to guide you. You can find comprehensive guides specifically for freelance writer positions, as well as examples illustrating various styles and formats suitable for different niches within writing. Exploring these resources can help you identify the best way to present your skills and expertise.

To make the process easier, consider using a cover letter generator, which provides templates and suggestions tailored for freelance writing opportunities, helping you create a polished and professional document quickly.

How long should a freelance writer resume be?

For freelance writers with less than 10 years of experience, a one-page resume is typically ideal to showcase relevant projects, skills, and education. Highlight your writing style, notable publications, and any specialized training that distinguishes you from other job seekers.

Conversely, seasoned writers or those with niche expertise may extend their resumes to two pages if the content remains relevant. Focus on presenting a clear narrative of your career progression, emphasizing significant achievements while eliminating unnecessary filler to maintain reader engagement.

What keywords should I include to pass applicant tracking systems (ATS)?

To maximize your resume’s effectiveness in passing an ATS screening, incorporate keywords and phrases directly from the job posting. Use specific terms like “content creation,” “SEO optimization,” or “copywriting” to reflect the role you’re applying for. Highlight any relevant certifications, such as Google Analytics or HubSpot Content Marketing, and mention technical tools you’re proficient in, like WordPress or Adobe Creative Suite.

By tailoring your resume with these targeted keywords and showcasing your qualifications, you increase your chances of catching the attention of hiring managers and advancing to the interview stage.

Should I include volunteer writing on my resume?

Yes, especially if you have limited formal experience. Including volunteer projects showcases your writing skills and versatility. It demonstrates your ability to meet deadlines and engage with diverse topics, making you more attractive to potential clients.

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Toni Frana Career Advice Expert

Toni Frana is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches, and career expert who empowers job seekers to take control of their career paths using Monster’s comprehensive job search and resume tools.

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