Creative Freelancer Resume Template: Example & Guideline

What Is Freelancing and How Does It Work?

Freelancing is a type of work arrangement where an individual provides services to clients on a per-job or per-task basis, rather than being employed by a company. Freelancers are self-employed and work independently, providing services based on their skills and expertise.

Here are some key points about how freelancing works:

• Freelancers negotiate with clients directly or indirectly via third-party freelance marketplaces.
• Freelancers can work for multiple clients simultaneously, providing services based on their skills and expertise.
• Freelancers are responsible for managing their own business operations, including invoicing, taxes, and client communication.
• Freelancers can work from home or non-traditional workspaces, and they have control over their work schedule, allowing for a better work-life balance.
• Freelancers can find work through third-party platforms like Fiverr, 99designs, or Upwork or use their personal network to find clients.

What Does a Freelancer Do? (Duties and Responsibilities)

A freelancer is an independent contractor who gets paid for each job or task they do, usually for short-term work. Here are some key points about what a freelancer does:

1. Independent Work: Freelancers work for themselves rather than for a company. They have the freedom to choose their clients and projects.
2. Short-Term Projects: Freelancers typically take on short-term tasks or projects, which can vary in duration and scope.
3. Multiple Clients: Freelancers often work with multiple clients simultaneously, providing services based on their skills and expertise.
4. Self-Employment: Freelancers are self-employed and responsible for managing their own business, including setting work hours, tracking time spent on projects, billing clients, and paying their own taxes.
5. Flexibility: Freelancers enjoy the flexibility to work from home or non-traditional workspaces, and they have control over their work schedule, allowing for a better work-life balance.
6. Variety of Services: Freelancers offer a wide range of services based on their skills and expertise, such as writing, graphic design, web development, consulting, and more.
7. Networking and Marketing: Freelancers often use networking and marketing to find new clients and projects. They may use online platforms or their personal network to secure business opportunities.
8. Business Ownership: As freelancers are self-employed, they are responsible for managing their own business operations, including marketing, invoicing, and client communication.

Overall, freelancers have the freedom to choose their work, clients, and schedule, allowing them to pursue their passions and have more control over their professional lives.

Key Sections To Highlight In a Freelancer’s Resume

When creating a freelancer resume, it’s important to highlight the sections that showcase your skills, experience, and achievements relevant to the specific freelance projects or industries you’re targeting. Here are key sections to include and highlight in a freelancer’s resume:

• Contact Information:
  • Your full name
  • Phone number
  • Email address
  • Professional website/portfolio (if applicable)
  • Relevant social media profiles (LinkedIn, GitHub, etc.)
• Professional Summary/Objective:
  • A concise overview of your experience, skills, and what you can offer as a freelancer.
  • Tailor this section to align with the specific freelance projects you’re pursuing.
• Skills:
  • List relevant technical and soft skills that are in-demand for the type of freelance work you specialize in.
  • Include both hard skills (e.g., programming languages, design software) and soft skills (e.g., communication, problem-solving).
• Experience:
  • Highlight your relevant freelance work experience, including project-based work or contracts.
  • Include the client or company names, project titles, duration, and a brief description of your responsibilities and accomplishments.
  • Emphasize achievements and quantifiable results whenever possible.
• Portfolio/Projects:
  • Showcase your best work examples or projects that demonstrate your skills and expertise.
  • Include links or attachments to relevant work samples, websites, or other deliverables.
  • If applicable, mention any awards, recognition, or positive feedback received from clients.
• Education/Certifications:
  • List your educational background, including degrees, certificates, or relevant courses.
  • Include the institution name, degree/certificate earned and graduation year.
• Client Testimonials/References:
  • Include positive feedback or testimonials from previous clients in this section if you have received positive feedback or testimonials.
  • Provide contact information for references who can vouch for your work ethic and skills.
• Additional Sections (optional):
  • Depending on your specific freelance niche, you may include additional sections such as:
    • Publications or articles you have written
    • Speaking engagements or presentations you have given
    • Volunteer work or community involvement related to your field

How to List Freelancer Work on Resumes?

When listing freelance work on a resume, showcasing relevant skills and accomplishments is important. Here are some tips on how to list freelance work on a resume:

1. 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.
2. List your position/role: List your position or role in the freelance opportunity. Use a consistent job title throughout the section.
3. Add start and end dates: Add the start and end dates of the freelance opportunity. This helps provide context for the duration of the project.
4. Add the company/client: Add the name of the company or client that requested your services. This helps provide credibility and context for the project.
5. Provide a detailed summary: Provide a detailed summary of what was done during the job/project duration. Highlight your responsibilities, accomplishments, and any positive outcomes.
6. Showcase your skills: List 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.
7. Use consistent formatting: Use consistent formatting throughout the section. Use bullet points or a visually appealing format to make your experience stand out.

Dos and Don’ts in Freelancer’s Resume

Dos:

• Do create a dedicated section for your freelance work experience.
• Do use clear and precise language to make your points throughout your resume.
• Do accurately describe your responsibilities in each freelance role.
• Do highlight positive achievements and outcomes from your freelance projects.
• Do showcase relevant transferable skills.
• Do use consistent formatting throughout the section.
• Do tailor your resume to each specific job or project.

Don’ts:

• Don’t use vague or generic language to describe your freelance work.
• Don’t include irrelevant information or experience.
• Don’t use inconsistent formatting or font styles.
• Don’t list every single freelance project you’ve worked on.
• Don’t forget to proofread your resume for errors or typos.

Freelancer Resume: Design and Formatting Tips

When designing and formatting a freelancer resume, here are some tips to follow:

Use a clear visual hierarchy: Design your resume so that it has a clear visual hierarchy. Use the inverted pyramid method by getting right to the most important information.

Use a clean-looking header: Make sure to add a professional header that prominently features your name and contact information, along with links to your portfolio. Your name should be the largest text on the page and placed at the top.

Use a resume summary: Include a summary statement at the top of your resume to provide a brief overview of your skills and experience. This section should briefly overview your expertise and what you can offer to potential clients or employers.

Use bullet points: Use bullet points or a visually appealing format to make your experience and skills stand out. This makes it easier for potential clients or employers to skim and pick up on important pieces of information.

Use consistent formatting: Use consistent formatting throughout the section. Use the same font style and size, and ensure that your spacing is consistent.

Tailor your resume to each specific job or project: Research the job descriptions or projects you’re interested in to identify the key skills required. Ensure those skills are prominently featured in your resume.

Creative Freelancer Resume Example

Here is a freelancer resume sample that you will find in this template package:

Freelancer Cover Letter: Design and Formatting Tips

When designing and formatting a freelancer cover letter, here are some tips to follow:

Use a professional and clean layout: Use a professional and clean layout for your cover letter. This includes using a standard font like Times New Roman or Arial and a font size between 10 and 12.

Address the recipient by name: Address the recipient by name, if possible. This shows that you have done your research and are serious about the position.

Use a clear and concise opening: Use a clear and concise opening that states your interest in the position and how you found out about it.

Highlight your skills and experience: It’s important to emphasize your relevant skills and experience that match the requirements of the position. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise.

Use bullet points: Use bullet points or a visually appealing format to make your experience and skills stand out. This makes it easier for potential clients or employers to skim and pick up on important pieces of information.

Use a professional closing: Use a professional closing that thanks the recipient for their time and consideration. Include your contact information and a call to action, such as requesting an interview or follow-up call.

Proofread your cover letter: Proofread your cover letter for errors or typos. Have someone else read it over as well to ensure it is error-free and professional.

Creative Freelancer Cover Letter Example

Here is a freelancer cover letter sample that you will find in this template package:

INCLUDES:

• Cover Letter Template (can also use 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