Best Freelance Resume: Examples & Templates

Freelancers are considered “contractors" as they take on contract work for companies and organizations instead of being employed as company staff.

It’s common for them to work on multiple jobs or projects at one time, but some may be restricted to one certain project. The fields that hire the most freelancers may include computer & IT, writing & editing, translation, design, marketing, etc. 

As a freelancer, you get to be your own boss and set your own hours. No wonder the idea of becoming a freelancer is very appealing and makes this job type highly competitive in recent years. 

The key to landing your desired freelance job is to build a winning freelance resume that showcases your core competencies, experience, and skills.

Regardless of what field of freelance work you're in, e.g. you're preparing a freelance photographer resume, a freelance translator resume, or a freelance video editor resume, the top priority is conciseness and readability. 

5 standards you might consider to secure a great layout for your freelance resume: 

🔎 Read about the key differences between a CV and a resume to make sure you don't mix up these two terms. 

🔎 ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is a software application that provides recruiting and hiring tools for companies, such as collecting, screening, and filtering job applications.

Here comes the next important and challenging step - opting for the right freelance resume format among 3 types of resume formats to best fit your professional level. 

Now you may find your own answer below.

Obviously, the personal information (or resume profile) section is your first opportunity to introduce yourself. Get it wrong at this early stage and you can miss the chance of getting an interview.

So, what personal details should or should not be included in your freelance resume? 

Labeling yourself with a well-branded title can mark you as a strong candidate. 

How? By stating your professional level and expertise in the field. This way, you are starting on the right foot and properly introducing yourself to the client/employer.

This part is well-worth your time and effort as the reader can find it more convincing to dive into your freelance resume after reading the summary statement.

What to put in a professional freelance resume summary:

• The summary of freelancing experience you've obtained 
• Outstanding accomplishments
• Freelancing skills 
• Relevant certifications

Your freelancing core skills are divided into three basic types: 

• Hard skills are technical knowledge or training that can be taught and measured, such as how to use certain software or tool. 
  
• Soft skills are personal traits that make you a good member and colleague in the workplace, such as behaviors, communication, leadership, etc. 
• Others: They can be any linguistic ability, knowledge, and hobbies you have. 

Below are key skills to put in a freelance software developer resume: 

Hard skills

• JavaScript  
• HTML 
• CSS
• Adobe InDesign
• Adobe Photoshop

 Soft skills 

• Attention to detail
• Active listener 
• Communication
• Result-driven 
• Critical thinking 

Languages

• English (native)
• French (professional)
  

When listing freelance work on a resume, note the following things: 

• Provide an accurate but brief description of what projects you worked on (job title, client name, date of starting and ending, and job duties).
• Quantify the results that you've achieved in your last jobs. 
• Mention and tailor relevant work experience to the specific job.
• Use action verbs and keywords from the job description.
• Include references or testimonials to gain trust from the clients/recruiters.

Does your freelance resume need an education section? Of course, it does! But don't panic if your educational background is irrelevant to the freelance job you're applying for. You can also add any relevant training and online courses.

Go the extra mile to make your freelance resume stand out from the competition by adding any of the extras: 

• Linguistic abilities 
• Certifications 
• Hobbies and interests
• Volunteer work
• Awards
• Side projects
• References

At its most basic, the cover letter for freelance work is no different from a generic one.

You will need to cover the following information in your freelance cover letter: 

• Contact information: Full name, email, personal website (if any)
• Introduction: Who you are and what freelance job you're seeking 
• Motivation: Why you intend to apply for this freelance work
• Qualification: What skills and work experience you have that make you qualified for this job
• Closing: Express an appreciation for the reader's time.