Freelance Web Developer Resume Template With Cover Letter & Guidelines

What Is a Freelance Web Developer?

A freelance web developer works on their own to create and maintain websites and applications for customers. Upwork data shows over 115,000 freelance web developers worldwide, making up 20% of freelancers. Average rates range from $50-150/hr based on experience. Developers have a lot of experience with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and Python. They also stay up to date on React, Angular, and other frameworks. Over 50% know JavaScript, the most used language. 

Beyond coding, top skills include communication, time management, creativity, and problem-solving. 67% have computer science degrees, while many are self-taught, constantly enhancing skills through online courses.

What Does a Freelance Web Developer Do?

The primary role of a freelance web developer is to take website design concepts and turn them into fully functioning end products. Their day-to-day tasks typically include:

• Coding and programming website interfaces, features, and applications using languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery.
• Translating UI/UX design wireframes and mockups into actual code.
• Implementing responsive design to optimize sites for mobile and desktop.
• Integrating various plugins, APIs, libraries, and databases into sites.
• Troubleshooting and debugging code to fix issues.
• Ensuring cross-browser compatibility across platforms.
• Collaborating with clients, designers, and back-end developers throughout the project.
• Creating technical documentation for reference.
• Performing speed and performance optimization.
• Carrying out web performance tests.
• Maintaining and updating existing websites.
• Advising clients on technical aspects and feasibility of design ideas.
• Staying updated with the latest web technologies like WebAssembly, WebGL and development best practices.
• Implementing accessibility standards for improved UI/UX.
• Deploying finished products to servers or hosting platforms.
• Providing post-launch technical support and maintenance.
• Optimizing page load speeds and overall site performance.
• Establishing ongoing relationships with clients for future web work.

Freelance Web Developer Resume Writing Tips

For freelance web developers, having a stellar resume is the key to opening doors to exciting new projects. This intro guides you in crafting a resume that captivates clients by spotlighting your specialized expertise in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, databases, responsive design, and other technical capabilities.

This section provides tips for creating a tailored, attention-grabbing resume highlighting your technical abilities. Follow the strategies to optimize content, formatting, and presentation so your resume stands out to potential clients.

Applying these tips will improve your resume whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, making you more appealing for web development work.

Choosing the Best Resume Format for a Freelance Web Developer

When creating a freelance web developer resume, selecting an optimal format that highlights your specialized skills and work history is key. The chronological and skills-based resume formats are two excellent options:

Chronological: This format lists your professional experience in reverse chronological order, with your most recent job first. It works well if you have a consistent and progressive career history as a web developer. The chronological format lets you showcase how your responsibilities, achievements, and technical skills have developed.

Skills-Based: Also known as a functional resume, this format highlights your technical skill sets and proficiencies as a web developer rather than focusing on your work timeline. It works well if you are changing careers or have gaps in recent employment. The skills-based resume lets you feature your expertise in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, Python, frameworks, databases, and other relevant hard and soft skills.

Create a Professional Freelance Web Developer Resume Header

The header introduces you professionally to potential clients viewing your resume. For a freelance web developer’s resume, the header should include:

• Your Full Name
• Professional Title: Freelance Web Developer
• Contact Information: Email address, Phone number
• Portfolio or Website Link
• Location (City, State/Country)

This presents a clean, organized header that lets clients quickly retrieve your contact and online profile details to contact you regarding projects.

Write a Freelance Web developer’s Resume Summary or Objective

The resume summary or objective provides a short overview highlighting your skills, experience, and career goals as a web developer.

• Summary: This is a 2-3 sentence paragraph summarizing your qualifications and expertise as a web developer. It works well if you have relevant professional experience to showcase.
• Objective: This is a 2-3 sentence statement outlining your skills, knowledge, and career aspirations as a web developer. It’s ideal if you are new to freelancing or changing careers.

Example Summary:

“Expert freelance web developer with over 5 years of experience building and maintaining responsive websites for SMBs and startups. Specializing in front-end development using the latest HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks like React and Vue.js. Be able to work closely with clients and other project participants at all stages of project development and implementation. Passionate about establishing business needs into good user experiences.”

Example Objective:

“Dedicated and analytical web developer with training in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, WordPress, and UX principles. Eager to join a quality-focused web development team to apply technical and collaboration skills on impactful client projects. Seeking to obtain real-world experience and grow as a contributor.”

Highlight Your Freelance Web Developer Skills

This section should feature both the hard/technical skills and soft skills relevant to your expertise as a freelance web developer.

Hard/Technical Skills:

• Programming languages: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, Python, etc.
• Frameworks and libraries: React, Angular, Node.js, jQuery, Bootstrap, etc.
• Databases: MySQL, MongoDB, Firebase, etc.
• CMS Platforms: WordPress, Joomla, Drupal
• Developer tools: Git, Terminal, Webpack, etc.
• Responsive web design
• Cross-browser compatibility
• Web accessibility standards
• Agile methodologies
• UI/UX design principles

Soft Skills:

• Communication and client management
• Time management and organization
• Creative problem solving
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Attention to detail
• Analytical thinking
• Adaptability and learning mindset

Including a tailored skills section allows clients to quickly see your specialized expertise as a web developer at a glance.

Add Your Work Experience to the Freelance Web Developer Resume

In this section, highlight your relevant work experience as a freelance web developer. Include:

• Position Title: Freelance Web Developer.
• Employment Dates: e.g. Jan 2022 – Present.
• List notable clients/companies you have worked with.
• Describe your role, responsibilities, and achievements in projects, focusing on web development tasks.
• Mention specific programming languages, frameworks, and databases used.
• Emphasize instances of meeting deadlines, improving performance, collaborating with teams, etc.
• Quantify your accomplishments with numbers/data if possible.

Example:

Freelance Web Developer, Self-Employed (Mar 2019 – Present)

• • Developed custom WordPress sites for 15+ small business clients, including widgets, themes, custom post types, and secure admin dashboards
  • Coded REST APIs in PHP and integrated payment gateways like Stripe for 2 e-commerce startups
  • Collaborated closely with client teams throughout the production process through the deployment
  • Optimized page load speeds by 45% on average by implementing image compression, caching, CDNs

Add Your Education Sector to the Freelance Web Developer Resume

List any relevant degrees, certifications, courses, or training in the education section. Include:

• Degree name and major/specialization
• College or university name
• Graduation date and GPA if applicable
• Relevant coursework such as web development, programming languages, software engineering, etc.

Example:

BSc in Computer Science, University of ABC, Graduated Jan 2019

Relevant Coursework:

• • Web Application Development
  • Database Management
  • Software Engineering
  • Java and JavaScript Programming

This provides credentials and foundational knowledge to support your specialized web developer skills.

Add Other Sections to the Freelance Web Developer Resume

Additional sections you can include to strengthen your freelance web developer resume:

• Technical Proficiencies: List specific software, tools, operating systems, and platforms you have experience with.
• Personal/Freelance Projects: Briefly describe 2-3 standalone development projects you have worked on, including languages and technologies leveraged.
• Languages: List any foreign languages you have proficiency in besides English.
• Honors and Awards: Call out any notable achievements like academic honors, grants received, or industry awards.
• Volunteer Work/Leadership: Curated examples of volunteer work you have done, focusing on technical contributions or leadership roles.

Freelance Web Developer Resume Example

Here is an example of a freelance web developer resume template designed to help you understand what a strong resume looks like: 

Cover Letter Writing Tips for a Freelance Web Developer

A well-written cover letter introduces your skills and experience and showcases your professionalism and expertise. Here are some useful tips to help you write a powerful cover letter:

• Understand the Job Requirements: Tailor your cover letter to highlight how your skills align with the specific needs outlined in the job description.
• Personalize Your Introduction: Address the recipient by name whenever possible to demonstrate your attention to detail and research.
• Showcase Relevant Experience: Emphasize projects where you’ve utilized web development skills, programming languages, and relevant technologies.
• Highlight Achievements: Quantify your accomplishments, such as the number of websites developed or the impact of your work on metrics like website traffic or user engagement.
• Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills: Provide examples of how you’ve solved complex problems and implemented innovative solutions in previous projects.
• Showcase Communication Skills: Highlight your ability to effectively communicate technical concepts, collaborate with stakeholders, and provide updates.
• Express Enthusiasm and Passion: Convey genuine excitement for web development and the opportunity.
• Keep it Concise and Clear: Avoid long paragraphs and unnecessary jargon. Focus on the most relevant information using clear and straightforward language.
• Proofread and Edit: Check carefully for spelling and grammar mistakes to ensure your writing is polished and professional.
• Follow a Professional Format: Use a formal salutation and closing, choose a clean and readable font, and create a visually appealing layout.

Freelance Web Developer Cover Letter Example

You can follow this example to create a cover letter to help you get hired as a freelance web developer:

Frequently Asked Questions about Freelance Web Developer Resume Templates

How can a Freelance Web Developer Resume Template benefit me?

Our Freelance Web Developer Resume Template is a game-changer for your career. It’s meticulously crafted to showcase your unique skills and experiences in a visually appealing manner. With this template, you’ll make a lasting impression on potential clients and stand out in a competitive field.

Can I customize the template to match my personal brand?

Absolutely! The template is designed to be your canvas. You can easily tailor the fonts, colors, and layout to align with your individual style and brand. It’s all about presenting yourself authentically while maintaining a professional edge.

How can this template showcase my freelance experience effectively?

Your freelance journey deserves the spotlight. The template features a dedicated “Freelance Projects” section where you can spotlight your standout ventures. From client names to project outcomes, this section encapsulates your freelance narrative.

Can I demonstrate my technical skills with this template?

Absolutely! The template includes an “Expertise” section where you can lay out your technical prowess. Whether it’s coding languages, frameworks, or tools, you’ll have the space to impress potential clients with your tech-savvy side.

Will this template help me create a strong first impression?

Without a doubt. The template begins with a powerful “Introduction” section, setting the stage for your remarkable skills. It’s your chance to captivate readers and entice them to explore further.

What if I need guidance while using the template?

No worries at all. We’ve included a comprehensive user guide. From navigating sections to crafting the perfect summary, our guide is your trusted companion, ensuring you make the most of the template.

Can I use this template even if I’m not a full-time freelancer?

Absolutely. While the template is designed with freelancers in mind, its versatility makes it a valuable asset for anyone in the web development field. Whether you’re freelancing, consulting, or seeking employment, this template adapts to your story.

Is this template suitable for various web development niches?

Absolutely. Whether you’re into front-end magic, back-end wizardry, or full-stack mastery, the template’s adaptable sections cater to a range of web development specializations. It’s engineered to amplify your expertise, no matter your niche.

INCLUDES:

• Cover Letter Template (can also be used as a thank you letter)
• Microsoft Word (.docx) files
• Apple Pages (.pages) files
• Photoshop (PSD) Files
• Illustrator (EPS) Files
• Detailed Instructions file
• A4 Paper Size Included
• Links to free fonts used
• 24/7 hours Fast and friendly customer service