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Freelance Writer Resume: Example & Writing Guide for 2024

As a freelance writer, your resume is your first impression. It’s your calling card, your brochure, and your personal branding statement all in one. The importance of having a well-written resume cannot be overstated, especially in a crowded marketplace where every freelancer is trying to stand out.

That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide on how to create a winning freelance writer resume. In this article, we’ll cover everything from the basics of resume format and structure, to how to showcase your skills and experience in the most effective way possible.

Whether you’re just starting out as a freelance writer or you’re looking to take your career to the next level, this guide will provide you with the insights and strategies you need to create a standout resume that will help you get noticed and land more gigs.

So, let’s get started by exploring the importance of a well-written freelance writer resume and what you can expect to learn from this article.

Understanding the Basics of a Freelance Writer Resume

As a freelance writer, having a well-crafted and attention-grabbing resume can make all the difference in winning clients and securing lucrative projects. But what exactly is a resume? And what are the key parts and types to keep in mind when crafting your own?

Definition of a Resume

A resume is a document that outlines your professional experience, education, skills, and accomplishments. It’s typically used as a tool for job applications, but can also be useful for freelancers looking to showcase their expertise and attract potential clients.

Parts of a Resume

There are several key parts of a resume that you’ll want to include:

Contact information.  This should go at the top of the page and include your name, phone number, email address, and website or portfolio.

Summary or objective statement.  This is a brief, 1-2 sentence introduction that highlights your key strengths and what you have to offer potential clients.

Professional experience.  This section should list your past positions, companies you’ve worked for, and your job duties and accomplishments.

Education.  Include your highest degree earned, the name of the institution, and any relevant coursework or certifications.

Skills.  This section can highlight any unique or in-demand skills you have that are relevant to your freelance work (such as proficiency in a certain software program or language).

Types of Resume

When it comes to the types of resumes you might use as a freelance writer, there are a few to keep in mind:

Chronological resume.  This is the most traditional type of resume, where you list your work experience in reverse chronological order (starting with your current or most recent position). This is a good choice if you have a strong and consistent work history.

Functional resume.  A functional resume focuses on your skills and abilities rather than your job history. This is a good choice if you’re changing careers or have gaps in your work history.

Combination resume.  This type of resume combines elements of the chronological and functional formats. It might begin with an overview of your skills and then list your work experience in chronological order.

The key to a strong freelance writer resume is to tailor it to the specific needs and preferences of potential clients. Keep it concise, highlight your unique skills and accomplishments, and showcase your experience in a way that positions you as an expert in your field.

How to Make a Professional-Looking Freelance Writer Resume

Your freelance writer resume is your first impression, and it needs to make an impact. The style and layout of your resume can help you stand out from other candidates, so it’s important to choose the right format and design. Here are some tips for making a professional-looking freelance writer resume that will help you land your dream gig.

Choosing the Right Format

There are many different resume formats, but the most popular for freelance writers is the chronological format. This format lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent role. This way, employers can see your most relevant experience first. If you have gaps in your work history or are changing careers, you may want to consider a functional or combination format.

Tips for Writing a Winning Resume

When it comes to writing your freelance writer resume, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:

Keep it concise: Your resume should be no more than two pages long. Use bullet points and short, punchy sentences to get your point across quickly.

Focus on accomplishments: Rather than just listing your job duties, highlight your accomplishments. What did you achieve in each role? Did you meet or exceed your goals? Use specific numbers and metrics to showcase your success.

Customize for each job: Tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for. Use keywords from the job description and highlight the experience and skills that are most relevant to that position.

Include a summary or objective: A summary or objective can help employers quickly understand your experience and career goals.

Design Considerations

Your resume’s design can make a big difference in whether or not you get hired. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Use a clean, professional font: Your font should be easy to read and not too flashy. Stick with classic options like Times New Roman or Arial.

Organize your content with headings: Use headings to break up your resume into clear sections. This makes it easier for employers to scan and quickly find the information they are looking for.

Use white space: Don’t overcrowd your resume with text. Use white space to make it more visually appealing and easier to read.

Include a pop of color: Adding a pop of color can help your resume stand out, but make sure it’s tasteful and not too over-the-top.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to create a professional-looking freelance writer resume that effectively showcases your skills and experience. Remember to customize your resume for each job you apply for and keep it concise and visually appealing. Good luck!

Freelance Writer Resume Example

In this section, we will provide a detailed example of a winning freelance writer resume. We will analyze each section to give you a better understanding of how to create an effective freelance writer resume.

Analysis of Each Section

The header includes your name, contact information, and a link to your portfolio. It is important to make sure your name is easily visible and that your contact information is up-to-date. You also want to make it easy for potential employers to access your portfolio by providing a direct link.

2. Professional Summary

The professional summary should be a brief statement that highlights your skills and experience as a freelance writer. It should be tailored to the specific job you are applying for and should grab the reader’s attention.

In this section, you want to highlight your skills as a freelance writer, such as writing, editing, and research skills. You can also include any additional skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for, such as social media marketing, SEO, or content management.

4. Work Experience

The work experience section should list your previous writing experience, including the dates, job titles, and companies you worked for. You also want to highlight your achievements and responsibilities in each role.

5. Education

In this section, you want to list any degrees or certifications that are relevant to the job you are applying for. If you don’t have a degree, you can list any workshops, courses, or training programs you have completed.

6. Awards and Achievements

If you have received any awards or achievements as a freelance writer, you should include them in this section. This can include awards for specific articles or projects, as well as recognition from industry organizations.

Essential Elements of a Freelance Writer Resume

A well-crafted freelance writer resume can set you apart from the competition and help you land more writing gigs. Here are some essential elements to include in your freelance writer resume:

Contact Information

The first section of your resume should include your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn URL. Use a professional email address, preferably one that incorporates your name, and a LinkedIn URL that leads the reader to your LinkedIn profile.

Objective Statement

While not always necessary, an objective statement can give the reader an idea of your goals and what you hope to achieve by working as a freelance writer. Keep it brief and specific to your career aspirations.

Professional Summary

A professional summary is a powerful way to showcase your strengths and experience in a concise manner. Use this section to highlight your most impressive achievements and mention how your skills and experience can add value to a client.

Skills Section

This section should include a list of your relevant skills, such as writing expertise in a certain niche, knowledge of SEO or social media, and proficiency in certain software or tools. Be sure to mention any specialized skills that set you apart from others in your field.

Work Experience

Use this section to list your previous writing projects, including the name of the client, the name of the project, your role in the project, and the outcome. Use bullet points to make it easy to read and highlight your accomplishments.

List your educational background, including your degree, major, and any relevant coursework. If you have written any academic papers or articles, make sure to highlight them in this section.

Certifications/Licenses

If you have any relevant certifications or licenses, such as a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) or a freelance writing certificate, include them in this section.

Achievements/Awards

List any notable achievements or awards you have received, such as being published in a reputable publication or winning a prestigious writing award.

If you are fluent in any languages besides English, list them here. This could be a valuable asset for clients looking for writers who can write in a specific language.

Volunteer Work

If you have volunteered your writing services, list the organizations you worked with and the projects you worked on. This shows that you are willing to use your writing talents for a good cause and adds value to your resume.

A well-crafted freelance writer resume can make all the difference in getting noticed by potential clients. Follow these essential elements and make sure to tailor your resume to the specific job or client you are applying for. Best of luck in your freelance writing endeavors!

Tailoring Your Resume to a Specific Freelance Writing Job

As a freelance writer, landing a job opportunity can be a challenging task. One way to stand out from the competition is to tailor your resume to the specific job description. Here are three essential steps to follow:

Keyword Research

Before you start customizing your resume, it is essential to conduct keyword research. What kind of keywords are the employers looking for? What skills and qualifications are vital for the specific job? You can find relevant keywords by studying the job posting, the company website, and the industry publications.

Including relevant keywords shows the employer that you have done your homework on the project, and you have the necessary skills that match the job description. Use action verbs and quantify your experience using numbers, percentages, and analytics to show your achievements.

Company Research

One crucial aspect of personalizing your resume is to do research on the company you are applying to. Find out what the company culture is like, the tone and voice of the content on their website or social media pages, and what issues or values they care about.

By doing so, you can tailor your skills, interests, and experience to match the company’s needs. For instance, if the company’s tone is conversational and informal, you can adjust your writing style accordingly, catering to their preferred style.

Customizing Your Resume to the Job Description

After completing your keyword and company research, it’s time to customize your resume to the specific job description. Highlight the skills and qualifications that match the job’s requirements and omit irrelevant information.

Use bullet points to make your resume easy to scan, and keep in mind that employers typically spend only a few seconds looking at resumes. Include a summary or objective section that is tailored to the job, highlighting your relevant experience, and what you can bring to the table.

Tailoring your resume to a specific freelance writing job is a crucial step in landing your dream job. Take time to research and customize your resume by using relevant keywords, researching the company, and customizing your resume to the job description. By doing so, you stand a much better chance of achieving your career goals as a freelance writer.

Avoiding Common Mistakes in Freelance Writer Resume Writing

When it comes to crafting a freelance writer resume, there are several common mistakes that job seekers can make. Here are some of the most frequent errors and how to avoid them:

Common Errors

Grammatical and spelling errors : While you are a freelancer writer, and not an editor or proofreader, it’s still important to ensure that your resume is well-written, formatted, and error-free. Grammatical and spelling errors can make you appear unprofessional and careless.

Including irrelevant experiences : Some job seekers may include every single job they’ve ever had, even those unrelated to their freelance writing career. This can make your resume seem cluttered and detract from your experience in the field.

Not highlighting your unique strengths : As a freelance writer, you likely have unique strengths and skills that set you apart from other candidates. Failing to highlight these strengths could cause you to blend in with the crowd.

Tips for Catching Mistakes

To ensure that your freelance writer resume is error-free and highlights your strengths, here are some tips:

Proofread multiple times : Before sending out your resume, proofread it multiple times to ensure that there are no spelling or grammatical errors. Consider having someone else review it as well.

Tailor your resume for each position : Rather than sending out a generic resume for every job you apply for, tailor your document to the specific position. Be sure to highlight relevant experience and skills.

Use numbers to demonstrate achievements : Rather than simply listing your job duties and responsibilities, use numbers to quantify your achievements. For example, instead of saying “wrote articles for company blog,” say “wrote 50 articles for company blog, resulting in a 20% increase in website traffic.”

By avoiding common mistakes and following these tips, you can craft a freelance writer resume that showcases your strengths and lands you the job you’re after.

How to Include Freelance Writing Experience in Your Resume

As a freelance writer, it’s important to showcase your experience in your resume to land your next gig. In this section, we’ll discuss the importance of including freelance writing work and how to showcase it effectively.

Importance of Including Freelance Writing Work

Including freelance writing work in your resume is crucial for several reasons:

• Demonstrates your experience: Freelance writing work shows your experience in writing for different industries, topics, and audiences. This demonstrates your versatility and expertise as a writer.
• Highlights your skills: By including your freelance writing work, you can showcase your writing, editing, and research skills. This gives potential employers a preview of your capabilities.
• Shows your work ethic: Freelance writing work requires a great deal of self-motivation, time management, and accountability. By including this work in your resume, you’re demonstrating your strong work ethic.

How to Showcase Your Freelance Writing Experience

To effectively showcase your freelance writing experience, consider the following tips:

• Include a separate section: Create a separate section on your resume titled “Freelance Writing Experience” or “Selected Writing Projects.” This helps to showcase your experience and ensure it doesn’t get lost in your general work experience section.
• Highlight your most relevant projects: Choose your most relevant freelance writing projects that highlight your skills and expertise. These can include articles, blog posts, white papers, case studies, and more.
• Quantify your impact: Where possible, quantify the impact of your freelance work. This can include the number of clicks, views, social media shares, or leads generated by the content you created.
• List your clients: List the names and industries of the clients you’ve worked with. This shows your ability to write for diverse audiences and industries.
• Include a portfolio link: Finally, include a link to your online portfolio or writing samples. This makes it easy for potential employers to view your work and see your writing style.

By following these tips, you can effectively showcase your freelance writing experience on your resume and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. Remember to tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for and keep it concise and clear. Happy job hunting!

Writing a Cover Letter for Your Freelance Writer Resume

As a freelance writer, your resume is often your first point of contact with potential clients. However, to make the right impression and secure that dream job, it is important to also write an effective cover letter.

Purpose of a Cover Letter

The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce yourself, highlight your skills and achievements, and convey your enthusiasm for the job opportunity. A great cover letter should be customized for each job and show the employer why you are the best candidate for the role.

Tips for Writing an Effective Cover Letter

To make your cover letter stand out, follow these tips:

• Address the hiring manager by name
• Show enthusiasm for the job, and enthusiasm for the company
• Highlight your experience, skills and achievements
• Be concise, no longer than one page
• Tailor your cover letter for the job

Sample Cover Letter

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to apply for the freelance writer position at XYZ Company. Your mission to create high-quality content for clients aligns with my passion for producing compelling and engaging writing. I am confident that my seven years of experience in freelance writing, along with my attention to detail, makes me a perfect candidate for the role.

In my previous work, I have written articles for various clients across a range of industries, including technology, health and wellness, and finance. I have also worked on marketing and social media campaigns, as well as writing and editing copy for websites.

I have a strong portfolio that showcases my writing style, which is suitable for different audiences and purposes. Additionally, I have experience in conducting research, interviews, and using SEO strategies to create content that ranks well online.

I am passionate about what I do and would love the opportunity to contribute to your team. Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my resume for review.

[Your Name]

Writing an effective cover letter is vital for securing freelance writing jobs. Tailor each cover letter to the job, keep it concise, and highlight your skills and experience. By following these tips, you can make a great first impression and land your dream job.

Handling Gaps in Your Freelance Writer Resume

Strategies for explaining employment gaps.

As a freelance writer, it is common to have gaps in your employment history. However, it is important to be able to explain these gaps to potential clients or employers. Here are some strategies for handling employment gaps on your freelance writer resume:

Be honest and upfront: If you have a gap in your employment history, it is best to be honest and upfront about it. Address the gap in your cover letter or introduction email and explain the reason for the gap.

Focus on your skills and achievements: When explaining an employment gap, focus on your skills and achievements during that time. For example, if you took a year off to travel, mention how this experience improved your writing skills and broadened your perspective.

Utilize freelance work: Freelance work can fill employment gaps on your resume. Include your freelance work and highlight the skills you developed during that time.

Consider continuing education: If you have gaps due to education, consider highlighting the courses you took during that time and how they have improved your writing skills.

Dealing with Lack of Experience

If you are a new freelance writer, you may not have much experience to include on your resume. However, there are still ways to demonstrate your skills and abilities to potential clients or employers. Here are some tips for dealing with lack of experience on your freelance writer resume:

Highlight relevant coursework or training: If you have taken writing courses or training programs, include them on your resume to show your commitment to improving your writing skills.

Emphasize writing samples: Include writing samples that showcase your writing abilities. Make sure they are relevant to the type of writing you want to do for clients or employers.

Volunteer your writing skills: Volunteer to write for non-profit organizations, newsletters, or local newspapers. This will allow you to gain experience and build your portfolio.

Leverage transferable skills: Many skills are transferable to freelance writing such as research, editing, and project management. Highlight these skills on your resume to show your versatility.

By being honest and upfront about employment gaps and focusing on skills and achievements, and finding ways to showcase your skills even if you lack experience, you can create a successful freelance writer resume that will impress potential clients and employers.

Preparing Your Freelance Writer Resume for Online Applications

As a freelance writer, online applications are crucial to land new clients and secure projects. Online applications allow you to quickly and easily send your resume and writing samples to potential clients without ever leaving your home. However, with so many people applying for freelance writing jobs online, it’s important to ensure your application stands out from the rest.

Here are some tips for preparing your freelance writer resume for online applications:

Importance of Online Applications

Online applications offer several benefits to freelance writers. For starters, they allow you to apply to numerous jobs quickly and easily. You can even set up alerts for job postings and apply as soon as they become available. Additionally, online applications allow you to showcase your writing skills by uploading writing samples or providing links to published articles.

Online applications are also becoming increasingly popular with clients who are looking for freelance writers. By offering a streamlined application process, clients are able to review applications quickly and easily, which means you have a better chance of getting noticed.

Tips for Preparing Your Resume for Online Applications

When preparing your resume for online applications, make sure to follow these tips:

Keep it concise: Clients are busy and don’t have time to read through lengthy resumes. Keep it to one or two pages.

Highlight your writing experience: Make sure to showcase your writing experience at the top of your resume. This will capture the client’s attention and make them want to read more.

Include writing samples: Provide links to your published articles or upload writing samples directly to your application. This will demonstrate your writing skills and show the client what you’re capable of.

Use keywords: Many online applications use applicant tracking systems, which means keywords are important. Make sure to use relevant keywords throughout your resume.

Customize your resume: Tailor your resume to each job you apply for. This demonstrates that you’ve read the job posting and shows the client that you’re genuinely interested in the position.

Common Online Application Systems

There are several online application systems that clients use to receive resumes from freelance writers. Here are some of the most common:

Upwork: Upwork is a popular platform for freelance writers that allows you to create a profile and bid on job postings.

Freelancer: Freelancer is another popular platform that allows you to create a profile and bid on job postings.

LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a professional networking site that allows you to search for freelance writing jobs and apply directly to the client.

Indeed: Indeed is a job search engine that allows you to search for freelance writing jobs and apply directly to the client.

Your own website: Creating your own website is another way to showcase your writing skills and make it easy for clients to contact you.

By following these tips and utilizing online application systems, you’ll be well on your way to securing more freelance writing projects. Remember, the key is to showcase your writing skills and make sure your resume stands out from the rest.

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5 Freelance Writer Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Your freelance writer resume must showcase your mastery of language and ability to communicate effectively. Demonstrate your proficiency with varied writing styles and tones. Highlight your experience with SEO and content management systems. Employers value a freelance writer who can seamlessly blend creativity with technical skills.

All resume examples in this guide

Resume Guide

Resume format

Resume experience

Hard and soft skills

Education and certifications

Resume summary or objective

Additional sections

Key takeaways

If you're reading this, chances are you understand what it takes to earn $5,000 a month  as a writer. This level of income typically involves a hefty amount of copywriting, proofreading, and content repurposing—key tasks for a freelance writer. One of the greatest perks of this job is the freedom it offers: you get to choose when, where, and who you work for. The hardest part? Pitching and selling your work to potential clients.

This guide will equip you with all the essential tools to market your skills. Assuming you've already put together a portfolio, your next move is to create a resume. Never overlook the power of a well-crafted resume. In most professional contexts, having both a portfolio and a resume really lets you show off what you can do, like a pitch that sells your story.

So, this is what we’ll be covering in today’s freelance writer resume guide:

• The best way to format your resume so it passes ATS scanning and recruiter scrutiny with flying colors.
• How to tailor your resume experience section to both the job description and the specific market needs.
• How to display the versatility and breadth of your skills across different styles, formats, and subjects.
• Which technologies and certifications might serve you to level up your freelance writer application.
• What to include in your resume summary to not only communicate your achievements but also let employers assess the quality, tone, and fit of your work.
• Which additional resume sections can boost your pitch and land you a job..

For those who need more specific insights, our specialized resume guides for writers are just the resources you need.

• Content Marketing Resumes
• Copywriter Resumes
• Technical Writer Resume
• Writer Resume
• Freelance Copy Editor Resume
• Content Editor Resume
• Editor Resume
• Freelance Writer Cover Letter

Let’s dive in.

How to format a freelance writer resume

The structure of your resume not only reflects your organizational skills but also your ability to adapt to different roles. Whether you're applying to a specialized niche or a more generalist position, your resume should clearly demonstrate your clarity, organization, and storytelling abilities.

Let's talk about the three common resume formats. The reverse-chronological resume  lists your experiences starting from the most recent and working backwards. Then we have the functional (or skill-based) resume  which is great for candidates with limited or no experience. However, for freelance writers, the most suitable resume format is the combination (hybrid) resume. It blends the chronological with the functional layout, giving equal justice to both your work history and your skills.

Here are the advantages of using a hybrid resume :

• Showcases diverse skills : Freelance content writers typically have a diverse set of writing skills, from technical writing to creative storytelling. The combination resume allows you to highlight these varied skills right at the top in a dedicated skills section. This immediately showcases your breadth of expertise.
• Highlights specific achievements : This format allows you to connect specific skills with concrete achievements. For instance, under each job or project, you can detail accomplishments like, say, increased blog engagement. This method directly links your skills to measurable outcomes.
• Flexibility in presenting experience : Excellent for freelancers who manage multiple projects, allowing you to group similar work under categories like "Freelance projects" or by client, detailing specific roles and achievements within.
• Address gaps clearly : The hybrid structure helps explain gaps in employment in a positive light by focusing more on your achievements rather than the exact timeline.
• Tailor for different audiences : The combination resume is perfect for adapting to various job applications across different industries or media types, allowing you to highlight the most relevant skills and experiences for each role.

Choosing the right header for your freelance writer resume

As a writer, choosing the perfect words and providing accurate information should come naturally. The same goes for the header. You have a single line, get the attention of hiring managers by exceeding their expectations.

The resume header  is a great opportunity to leverage your copy skills and customize everything (including the title). For example, adding “Marketing Freelance Writer” to your title instead of “freelance writer” makes a huge difference.

Your header should also include your name, location, email address, and a link to your personal website or portfolio. Look at the example below.

Notice how the candidate skillfully incorporated additional ATS-friendly keywords  into the title. This shows their ability to apply their knowledge even to something as simple as a header. Plus, it highlights their expertise, making it easier for employers to recognize their qualifications.

A good writer will do his or her research about your organization to try to determine what type of writing you need and talk in depth about their relevant (and specific) experience to convince you that he or she is right for you.

Kelly Wilhelme, Marketing Manager, Weidert Group

Resume design tips

Below are the best practices for building a well-organized and skimmable resume for freelance writers:

• Choose the right font : Stick to professional, easy-to-read fonts  like Arial, Calibri, Rubik, or Lato, size 10-12. Many industries, including publishing, often require the use of Times New Roman, so it’s a perfectly suitable option for your resume, too.
• Set proper margins : Use standard margins between 0.5 and 1 inch  on all sides, (with a general consensus among Redditers  favoring 0.75’’). This ensures your resume looks organized and provides enough white space to make the content easily digestible.
• Choose a simple template : Select a clean, modern resume template  with a logical flow. A cluttered design can distract from the essential content. Simple templates highlight your achievements without the fuss.
• Use an appropriate file format : Save your resume as a PDF  to maintain formatting consistency across different devices and platforms. PDFs are universally accessible and look the same on any screen, unlike Word documents which can vary.
• Naming convention : Name your resume file  clearly. Use your full name followed by your title and the word 'resume'. For example, 'MarkGrant_Ghostwriter_Resume.pdf'. This helps hiring managers easily identify and retrieve your file from a pool of applications.
• Proofreading : This should be a hygiene factor for you. Always proofread your resume  multiple times. Typos and grammatical errors can make you seem careless and this can be a deal breaker for a writer.

Is your resume good enough?

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

Now, consider the must-have sections for a writer’s resume.

The top sections on a freelance writer  resume

• Header with a writing portfolio link  to showcase your published work.
• Relevant writing skills  to highlight specific abilities.
• Professional experience  focused on your past achievements.
• Certifications  relevant to writing to demonstrate expertise.
• Personalized summary  reflecting your writing style and fit.

Each of these sections helps recruiters quickly determine your potential to contribute to their organization.

What recruiters want to see on your resume

• Diverse portfolio : Recruiters prioritize seeing a range of writing styles and formats to evaluate adaptability and breadth of skills.
• Relevant experience : Specific experience related to the job, such as blogging or technical writing, shows you can handle the tasks required.
• Proven results : Examples of successful projects, like increased website traffic or published articles, demonstrate effectiveness and expertise.
• Skills : Recruiters value familiarity with cloud-based data sharing, graphic software, or web page creation tools.
• Certifications : Certifications in areas like SEO or content marketing provide concrete evidence of specialized skills and ongoing learning.

How to write your freelance writer resume experience section

If you want to be the next Nicole Dieker , you need to be very strategic about your career. Challenges like job security, irregular income, and contract negotiations are among the many battles you’ll be fighting. So, to build a robust client base, you should be able to effectively communicate your level of expertise. And continuously prove it.

The experience section  of your resume is the best place to do that. Note that if you write while holding a full-time job or as a side gig, it’s worth dedicating a separate section for your freelance projects. It would look like a traditional resume section, only the section title would be different.

Let’s compare two examples of a freelance writer experience section and see what works and what doesn’t.

• • Secured grant funding from a variety of sources
• • Increased funding for key projects.
• • Improved grant application success.
• • Worked with program managers to meet grant requirements.

These entries are too vague and lack specific details that showcase the impact and scale of the writer’s achievements. Without concrete numbers or outcomes, it's harder for others to grasp the extent of their contributions.

• • Secured over $3 million in grant funding from various sources, including government bodies, foundations, and private donors.
• • Increased funding for critical projects by 40% year-over-year, contributing to expanded services in 5 additional countries.
• • Enhanced grant application success rate by 35% through strategic storytelling and alignment of proposals with funders' objectives.
• • Collaborated with program managers to ensure compliance with grant requirements and successful project implementation.

These statements work well because they show much more than good writing skills. Here are a few advantages:

• Specificity : Mentioning that over $3 million was secured from varied and reputable sources provides clear evidence of fundraising capabilities and credibility.
• Quantifiable results : Increasing funding by 40% year-over-year and contributing to expansion in 5 additional countries shows makes the achievements concrete and relatable.
• Demonstrated improvement : Enhancing the grant application success rate by 35% shows an effective approach to problem-solving and highlights skill in persuasive communication.
• Team collaboration : Stating collaboration with program managers highlights teamwork and the ability to work within organizational frameworks, which are valuable skills in any professional setting.

By enriching your bullet points as shown in the example, you provide more content for ATS to analyze. These systems search for keywords from the job description  within your resume. The more detailed and specific you are, the better your chances of landing an attractive job offer.

Start your bullet points with action verbs  like authored , composed , edited, published , collaborated  to demonstrate proactivity and self-motivation.

How to quantify impact on your resume

You might be great at writing, but your resume needs to demonstrate that skill convincingly. As a writer, numbers might not be your forte, but incorporating them strategically into your resume can make such a big difference. Let's explore a few ways you can quantify your successes  and show potential employers your value.

• List the percentage increase in readership or traffic due to your content contributions, demonstrating your ability to engage and expand an audience effectively.
• Quantify the number of social shares or comments your articles or posts received, indicating the impact and reach of your writing in social media spaces.
• Specify the revenue generated from affiliate links or sponsored content you've written, showcasing your prowess in writing for monetization and business gains.
• Highlight the number of recurring clients you have, which reflects client satisfaction and your reliability as a freelance writer.
• Mention the growth in newsletter subscriptions due to your email campaigns, providing concrete evidence of your skill in driving marketing initiatives.
• Indicate the reduction in content turnaround time you achieved, showing your efficiency and ability to meet tight deadlines without compromising quality.
• Report the number of SEO keywords you consistently ranked for in your articles, underlining your expertise in SEO and content optimization.
• Detail the number of industry-specific publications that have featured your work, highlighting your authority and credibility within niche markets.

Remember to list only contract work  that is relevant to the job you're applying for. Including quantified achievements with this information improves your chances of successfully passing through ATS scanning.

How do I write a freelance writer resume with no experience

If you are a freelance writer, trying hard to make it big, tweak your resume to focus more on the writing work you did as a part of your portfolio— it will cover for the lack of experience.

The next step is to emphasize transferable skills  and activities involving creative writing. Here are some tips:

• Emphasize education:  If you've taken any courses in writing, journalism, communications, or related fields, highlight these. Include any relevant coursework  or projects that demonstrate your writing skills and knowledge.
• Include unpaid work:   Job shadowing  and internships on a resume  can showcase your commitment, work ethic, and ability to collaborate. Highlight roles where you contributed to newsletters, blogs, or social media content.
• Feature non-professional writing:  This shows your initiative in developing your writing skills independently. Blog posts, contributions to school magazines, participation in writing contests, or any online content can be included (samples of these should be in your portfolio).
• Objective statement:  Since you don’t have professional experience, use a resume objective at the top of your resume to outline your writing skills, your passion for content creation, and your commitment to learning and growing in the field.
• Testimonials or references : If you've done any informal or freelance work, even for friends or family, ask for testimonials. If appropriate, list these people as references.
• Professional development : Mention any writing workshops, seminars, or conferences you've attended to demonstrate your dedication to professional growth.
• Affiliations : Mention any professional associations you might be a member of, such as the National Association of Independent Writers & Editors . This shows you take matters seriously and are a part of a strong professional community.
• Tailored advice : Read our guide on building your first resume .
• Online presence:  Include links to your professional  social media profiles and any personal blogs or portfolios. This gives potential employers a direct route to see your writing style and skills.

Use social media wisely. While it’s great for networking and finding potential clients, it’s also true that 92% of hiring managers use it during the hiring process . Read our detailed article on the topic, How to Harness the Power of Social Media to Find Your Dream Job .

How to list your hard and soft skills on your resume

Freelance writers often need to adapt to various niches and client demands. This adaptability is crucial as it allows you to craft content tailored to different audiences, from technical whitepapers to engaging blog posts. Mastering this flexibility  not only broadens your potential client base but also enhances your skill set, making you more marketable.

Hard and soft skills  are both essential components of a well-rounded professional profile.

Starting with practical skills —the ones you develop through training and education, these directly impact your effectiveness. They include proficiency in writing and editing, knowledge of different writing styles and formats, and the ability to use various content management systems (CMS) and digital tools, to name a few. Explore the list below to see what else you can include in your skills section.

The best hard skills for your freelance writer resume

• SEO optimization
• Copywriting
• Technical writing
• Content management systems (CMS)
• Adobe InDesign
• Google Analytics
• Editing and proofreading
• Grant writing
• Research methodologies
• Social media platforms
• Email marketing tools
• Data analysis
• E-commerce writing
• Scriptwriting for video content
• Blogging tools
• Keyword research tools
• Generative AI tools

As to soft skills , they’re crucial for building strong client relationships, handling feedback constructively, and maintaining productivity under tight deadlines. The best way to showcase soft skills on your resume is by giving specific examples from your work history. Instead of simply listing them, explain how you've used them in the experience section.

For example, you could describe a time when your strong communication skills  ensured a project's success or how your ability to adapt helped you handle several writing assignments at once.

The best soft skills for your freelance writer resume

• Time management
• Problem-solving
• Critical thinking
• Client relations
• Negotiation
• Self-motivation
• Organizational skills
• Attention to detail
• Reliability
• Conflict resolution
• Listening skills
• Dealing with objection

How to list your education and certifications on your resume

Companies don’t hire writers based solely on their literature degree, but having a relevant background can certainly help (especially true if your alma mater is well-known).

We’d recommend keeping things simple and removing extracurriculars, your GPA , or anything extraneous.

Your education section  should include:

• University/college name plus its location
• Degree type, plus your major and any related minor(s)
• Graduation year

If your educational background is not relevant to writing or publishing, you should definitely include certifications  that prove you’re constantly learning and honing your skills.

The certifications below could be valuable assets for your resume.

Top certifications for freelance writers

• HubSpot Content Marketing Certification
• Certified Technical Writer
• SEO Fundamentals Certificate from SEMrush
• Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) - Digital Marketing
• Copyblogger Certified Content Marketer
• Certified Grant Writer
• Medical Writing Certification

If you only hold a couple of certificates that are relevant to a specific job advertisement, consider placing them in your resume header or the summary. The next section of this guide will show you how.

How to write a freelance writer resume summary or objective

For freelance writers just breaking into the writing world, consider using a  resume objective . This requires you to balance your career goals with those of the prospective employers.

Did we mention that the objective needs to be no more than 3 sentences long? As a writer, you can easily find the exact words to do it. (Hint—include keywords from the job description).

If you’ve been writing content for more than 3 years, then consider a  summary statement . It can span up to 5 sentences and focuses on your strengths, achievements, and the value you’ll bring to the company.

So how are you going to get your freelance writer resume to the top of the pile? Consider these two examples.

Now, look at this resume objective, that’s perfect for aspiring freelance writers.

Here’s what these career statements have in common:

• They mention essential certifications at the beginning, establishing a sense of credibility.
• They use industry-specific keywords that will help them pass ATS scanners.
• They include positive buzzwords  (increased, eager, enhance, leverage, expertise, committed) as well as strong adjectives  (seasoned, skilled, strong, engaging).
• They avoid personal pronouns , which helps maintain a professional tone, particularly important for newcomers.

Additional sections for a freelance writer resume

Additional sections can enhance your client pitch by showcasing the breadth of your skills, professional interests, and personal initiatives. Here are some other resume sections to consider:

• Professional memberships : Being part of professional organizations, such as Content Marketing Institute , can indicate your active involvement in the writing community and your commitment to staying current with industry standards and networking.
• Awards : Any awards or recognitions  you have received for your writing or related achievements can be a strong testament to your skill and success. This section adds prestige and validation of your expertise and creativity.
• Testimonials : Including a few short testimonials from clients or collaborators can provide social proof of your professionalism, skill, and reliability. This can be particularly persuasive, as it comes directly from those who have previously engaged your services.
• Publications : If you've contributed to significant publications  or have been featured in notable blogs, magazines, or books, list these to highlight your presence and authority in the field.
• Clips : Your writing samples  are a crucial part of your pitch. While they should primarily be housed in your portfolio, if you have particularly relevant examples, consider featuring them in a dedicated section of your resume. This can act as a hook, encouraging employers to explore the rest of your work more thoroughly.
• Books : If you’ve authored whitebooks, guides, textbooks, or anything long-form, consider listing it separately.
• Languages : Are you bilingual or write in multiple languages ? You certainly need to mention it on your resume.

Here are the main insights from this guide on optimizing your resume as a freelance writer. By following the strategies below, you’ll not only polish your resume but also boost your visibility in a competitive job market.

• Choose the right resume format : Consider the hybrid resume format to effectively showcase both your skills and work history. This format caters specifically to freelance professionals like you, highlighting your versatility.
• Quantify your achievements : Be specific in your experience section by quantifying your accomplishments. Demonstrating the tangible impact of your writing projects with solid numbers can make a significant difference.
• Showcase relevant skills and certifications : Highlight specific hard and soft skills relevant to freelance writing and list certifications that enhance your credibility. This shows potential employers that you’re equipped with the right tools for the job.
• Craft a compelling summary or objective : Kick off your resume with a powerful summary or objective. This section should spotlight your key qualifications, certifications, and the unique value you bring to the table.
• Expand with additional sections:  Consider adding sections for professional memberships, publications, or significant projects. These additions provide deeper insights into your expertise and engagement in the writing community.

Looking to build your own Freelance Writer resume?

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Freelance Writer Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

• Resume Examples
• Resume Text Examples

How To Write a Freelance Writer Resume

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

Freelance Writer Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

Jessica Lang (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | Nashville, TN 12345 | www.linkedin.com/example

Self-directed freelance writer with strong recent academic and work experience. Resourceful and motivated to generate high-quality copy that meets and exceeds client expectations. Demonstrated success balancing concurrent projects and assignments.

• Complex problem-solving
• Copy editing
• Microsoft Word, Excel
• Proofreading
• Research and fact-checking
• Task prioritization
• Time management
• Writing and editing

Professional Experience

Freelance Writer, Nashville, TN | April 2021 — present

• Write, edit, and proofread quality content for diverse clients of several agencies
• Praised for 100% on-time delivery of assigned writing projects

Writer and Proofreader, Internship, GHI Times, Nashville, TN | Summer 2019

• Reviewed newspaper articles for spelling, grammar, and parallel structure
• Appointed to take on additional writing duties due to high work quality

Bachelor of Arts (BA) — English University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN | 2021 3.6 GPA | cum laude

Aliya Jackson (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | Miami, FL 12345 | www.linkedin.com/example

Resourceful and diligent freelance writer with over five years of experience. Collaborator skilled at building positive relationships with virtual teams and writer networks. Focused on finding new ways to optimize writing efficiency and quality.

• Client relations
• Content development
• Pages (Apple)
• Process streamlining
• Team collaboration

Freelance Writer, Miami, FL | April 2020 — present

• Currently ranked fifth out of 45 in virtual writer network, based on Q1 client satisfaction surveys
• Built a reputation as a valued partner to key clients. Frequently consulted on new content strategies and ideas
• Adopt standard procedures to ensure consistent project quality and timely communication with colleagues

Writer, KLM Content Services, Inc., Miami, FL | April 2017 — April 2020

• Member of team that increased weekly article production by 23%
• Helped define new copy editing protocols that improved service quality and client retention
• Coached and mentored junior writers

Bachelor of Arts (BA) — English University of Florida, Gainesville, FL | 2017

John Bergsen (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | Detroit, MI 12345 | www.linkedin.com/example | Portfolio

Freelance writer and editor with over 10 years of experience. Set and execute strategies for high-quality content that resonates with target audiences. Recently demonstrated success in a mentor role. Passionate about sharing valuable writing tips and strategies with new writers.

• Content strategy development
• Microsoft Word
• Peer mentoring

Freelance Writer, Detroit, MI | April 2018 — present

• Write, edit, and proofread quality content for diverse clients of a broad writing services network
• Serve as mentor and coach for 10 new writers. Introduced training resources the wider organization adopted
• Established a portfolio of over 40 recurring clients with extensive annual content update needs

Writer, LMN Company, Corp., Detroit, MI | April 2012 — April 2018

• Conceptualized and wrote press releases and marketing copy that helped the company expand to lucrative new markets
• Member of the content development team that won several industry awards for innovative copy and ad campaigns
• Gained a strong foundation in diligent proofreading and fact-checking

Bachelor of Arts (BA) — English, Creative Writing University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI | 2012

To develop a good freelance writer resume, you must show you can turn out high-quality text while meeting or exceeding client expectations. Display your skills in drafting, copy editing, researching, and proofreading various types of content. The tips and examples below will help you capture this skill on your resume so it gets you interviews for your next freelance writing job.

1. Write a brief summary of your freelance writer qualifications

Your resume profile should catch hiring managers’ interest by giving the top reasons you excel as a freelance writer. How do you make your written content engaging and informative for readers? How have you built positive relationships with the people or organizations you’ve written for? Do you have any advanced degrees or credentials, such as a Master in Creative Writing? Brainstorm and jot down your answers to these questions, then choose three to five points most relevant to the writing work you’re seeking.

Entry-Level Profile Example

Mid-career profile example, 2. outline your freelance writer experience in a compelling list.

View the professional experience section as a chance to give examples of your success researching, writing, and editing top-caliber content.

Review your recent work history , brainstorm, and choose relevant duties or highlights to add under each writing job. But also consider the importance of any non-writing positions. Maybe you had a customer-facing job where you developed strong service and collaborative skills or a project management role that gave you a great sense of work scheduling and prioritization. Since freelance writing jobs are often unsupervised, companies want evidence that you’ll stay on-task regardless of how much daily or weekly contact you have with them.

Mid-Career Experience Example

Freelance Writer , Miami, FL | April 2020 — present

Senior-Level Experience Example

Freelance Writer , Detroit, MI | April 2018 — present

• Serve as mentor and coach for 10 new writers. Introduced training resources that the wider organization adopted

3. Add freelance writer education and certifications

With the education and certifications sections, you can show hiring managers you draw on a strong knowledge base in your field. Feel free to specify your college major, minor, or select courses if they were on English, journalism, or a subject you’d now like to write about. Also, consider including any certificates or training on customer relations – these can help show employers you have the service mindset and work ethic to be a reliable contributor.

Below are templates and examples to help you format your education and certification details. Note: optional template areas appear in [brackets].

• [Degree Name]
• [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Year]
• Bachelor of Arts (BA) English
• University of Florida, Gainesville, FL | 2017

Certification

• [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
• Service Excellence Certificate, VCU Advanced Solutions | 2023

4. List key freelance writer skills and proficiencies

Add a key skills section to show the various ways you can deliver high-quality work as a freelancer. These might range from hard technical skills or publishing programs to soft skills like client relations and cross-team collaboration. Aim for variety in this section, but make sure each term overlaps with your expertise and the freelance gigs you’re pursuing. Consider including any of the terms below:

5. Omit needless words and more

Dust off your copy of “The Elements of Style.” The famous writing guide’s direction to “omit needless words” carries extra force on a resume. That’s because resumes use a style called “tight writing,” which leaves out pronouns, most articles, and some short phrases allowed by even the leanest regular prose. Adopt this style to keep your resume concise enough.

Member of a content development team that won several industry awards for innovative copy and ad campaigns (Short for “I was a member of a content development team that…”)

6. Link to online writing samples

If you have writing samples or an online portfolio, provide a link on your resume so hiring managers can better understand your past work. You can include the link as part of your contact header.

John Bergsen

(123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | Detroit, MI 12345 | Portfolio

How To Pick the Best Freelance Writer Resume Template

As with most vocations, freelance writers should use a resume template that’s clear and straightforward. Opt for a visual design that lets the hiring manager quickly review your best career details. Select a traditional resume font , and avoid any template with colorful or elaborate design. Also, ensure the template is compatible with applicant tracking systems (ATS) used by employers to screen resumes.

Frequently Asked Questions: Freelance Writer Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for freelance writer resumes -.

Even with an above-average vocabulary, you may run out of action verbs to describe your work. We put together the following list of strong resume verbs for freelance writers.

How do you align your freelance writer resume with a job posting? -

The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that jobs for writers and authors will increase by about 4% (or 5,900 positions) between 2021 and 2031.

You can get more interviews in this field if you tailor your resume for each application. Take a close look at any job posting that intrigues you. Does it call for any qualifications you possess but haven’t featured on your resume yet? Consider adding those to your resume’s profile or key skills section. Taking this extra step will make your resume more focused on the job and, therefore, more likely to attract the hiring manager’s notice.

What is the best freelance writer resume format? -

In nearly all cases, use a combination (or hybrid) resume because it’s easiest for hiring managers to learn about your pertinent skills and experience – it’s also simplest to align with your job goals.

With the combination format, you highlight your most relevant skills and experience in your experience or work history section and an intro section. (This combination of work history and intro content is where the format gets its name.) Your resume intro should usually include a profile summary and key skills section, but you may also add a career highlights or awards section. By carefully choosing the details for these intro sections, you can (a) position yourself for your target job and (b) give hiring managers a clear, quick view of what you offer.

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To increase your chances of an interview, write and submit a strong cover letter. The key to an effective letter is tailoring it to each job opening. Read our cover letter guide to learn how. For other related examples, see our editor cover letter examples .

Jacob Meade

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, ACRW)

Jacob Meade is a resume writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience. His writing method centers on understanding and then expressing each person’s unique work history and strengths toward their career goal. Jacob has enjoyed working with jobseekers of all ages and career levels, finding that a clear and focused resume can help people from any walk of life. He is an Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) with the Resume Writing Academy, and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

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Freelance Writer Resume: Tips and Ideas

Don’t let writer’s block get in the way of landing a Freelance Writer job. Use our tips and tools to impress hiring managers.

If you’re wondering “What should I put on my resume for freelance writing?”, we’ve got the answers!  

Whether you specialize in blogs, articles, or any other type of publication, you’ll need to make your skills and experience stand out right off the bat.

We’ve got just the right strategies to ensure your resume not only captures interest but also opens doors to new opportunities, whether you’re experienced or just starting out . 

In this guide, you’ll discover:

• Essential skills every Freelance Writer should list on their resume
• Effective ways to include your portfolio
• Strategies for highlighting client testimonials
• Key performance indicators (KPIs) that can set you apart
• Content Writer resume examples to review

Plus, use our AI builder tools to get advanced suggestions in seconds , guaranteeing your resume is perfectly aligned with the needs of the company you want to write for.

Ready to transform your Freelance Writer resume into a powerful tool for your career advancement? Let’s get started!

Experienced Freelance Writer Resume Sample

If you have a few years of experience as a Content Writer, then the recipe for success is simple:  

• Highlight your accomplishments 
• Show off your work history 

However, correctly demonstrating your professional background is key, so take a look at the following sample to understand how to structure your resume:

Jane Smith Freelance Content Writer Los Angeles, CA 90001 Phone: (555) 123-4567 Email: [email protected]

Highly creative and results-oriented Freelance Writer with over 10 years of experience across digital media and print publications. Skilled in creating compelling content that increases engagement and drives SEO results. Proven track record of enhancing online visibility for brands, with articles leading to a 30% increase in website traffic. Passionate about developing original, insightful, and impactful storytelling that resonates with diverse audiences. Looking to bring dedication and advanced content creation skills to innovative media outlets or content-driven companies.

• SEO and analytics-driven content creation
• Strong proficiency in CMS tools (WordPress, Joomla)
• Expertise in social media marketing and engagement strategies
• Ability to produce a wide range of content types (articles, blogs, newsletters, white papers)
• Use of AI chatbots (ChatGPT, Jasper)
• Fluent in AP and Chicago Style guidelines
• Multilingual: Proficient in English and Spanish

Senior Freelance Content Writer | Various International Clients | January 2015 – Present

• Developed and executed content strategies that increased organic search traffic by over 40% for several mid-size online retailers.
• Authored a monthly column for a major tech magazine, contributing to a 50% growth in the digital subscription base.
• Led a team of writers for a large-scale project creating an e-learning platform, which has since won multiple industry awards for educational content.

Freelance Writer and Editor | Various Online and Print Media | March 2010 – December 2014

• Produced and edited articles for lifestyle sections in high-profile magazines, consistently meeting tight deadlines and editorial standards.
• Collaborated with SEO teams to optimize content, achieving top rankings for key targeted keywords across multiple projects.
• Created compelling marketing copy that doubled engagement rates on social media platforms for several small businesses.

Bachelor of Arts in English Literature | University of California, Los Angeles | 2009

Certifications

• Certified Content Marketer – Content Marketing Institute
• Google Analytics Certified

Awards & Honors

• Best Feature Article of the Year – Online Media Awards, 2018
• Top Freelance Contributor – LA Writers Guild, 2017

Volunteer Work

Volunteer Editor | Nonprofit Online Forum for Emerging Writers | 2018-Present

• Provide editorial feedback and mentoring for new writers, improving the quality of submissions and encouraging diverse voices in the industry.

Entry-Level Freelance Writing Resume Example

How do you describe freelance writing?

You may be asking yourself this if you’re an entry-level Freelance Writer.

Take a look at the following sample to know exactly what to include:

Emma Writer Freelance Writer Austin, TX 78701 Phone: (512) 555-0198 Email: [email protected] Portfolio: ewritesexample.com

Enthusiastic and creative Freelance Writer with a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of Texas. Skilled in crafting engaging content for blogs, social media, and student publications. Eager to apply my writing prowess and innovative ideas to produce compelling content for diverse audiences. Possesses a keen eye for research and a passion for storytelling.

• Strong writing and editing capabilities.
• Proficient in WordPress, Google Docs, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Basic knowledge of SEO and online content strategies.
• Excellent research, organization, and time management skills.
• Effective communicator and collaborator.
• Social media savvy with platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Bachelor of Arts in English Literature University of Texas, Austin, TX | May 2022

• Relevant Coursework: Digital Content Creation, Media Communications, Creative Writing Workshop.

Content Creator Intern | Austin Lifestyle Magazine, Austin, TX | June 2022 – August 2022

• Assisted in researching and writing articles about local events and lifestyle tips, resulting in a 20% increase in social media engagement.
• Collaborated with the graphics team to align article visuals with content messages.

Volunteer Writer | Books for All Nonprofit, Online | January 2022 – Present

• Contribute monthly blog posts on topics related to literacy and community events.
• Engage with readers through comments and social media to increase visibility.

Freelance Projects

Blog Writer Personal Blog on WordPress | January 2021 – Present

• Create and manage a personal blog focused on book reviews and literary discussion, attracting 500+ monthly visitors.
• Implement basic SEO strategies to enhance content visibility.

Social Media Content Creator | Family-Owned Restaurant, Austin, TX | May 2022 – July 2022

• Developed promotional content and managed social media accounts, increasing follower count by 30% over two months.
• HubSpot Content Marketing Certified | HubSpot Academy, 2022
• SEO Fundamentals Certificate | SEMrush Academy, 2022

Professional Development

• Attended “WriteCon 2022” – Workshop on freelance writing best practices and content marketing trends.
• Participated in a 4-week Creative Nonfiction Writing Course online via Coursera, 2021.
• English (Native)
• Spanish (Intermediate)

Include Your Portfolio With Your Freelance Writer Resume

Simply listing generic qualifications is never enough. 

A well-organized portfolio, which can be done on WordPress or a similar platform, can effectively promote your writing abilities and range , making it a must-have part of your Freelance Writer resume.

To include a portfolio with your resume, focus on your diverse writing sample:

• Select a variety of content : Include samples that show your range, such as articles, blog posts, e-books, and press releases. 
• Showcase niche expertise : If you specialize in certain industries (like technology, health, or finance), make sure your portfolio highlights this expertise. 

Remember to add a link to your portfolio in your resume in your contact information section or within your summary. 

This is how your contact section can look with your portfolio included:

John Writer Freelance Writer Austin, TX 78701 Phone: (512) 555-0198 Email: [email protected] Portfolio: Jwritesexample.com

You can also mention what’s included in your portfolio in your experience section , especially if you are just starting out and haven’t worked for a company or business yet.

Detail the context and impact of each project. For example:

Freelance Writer | Various Online Publications | January 2021 – Present

• Tech Trends Blog: Authored over 30 articles on emerging technology trends, driving an average increase of 40% in web traffic for the platform.
• Global Health E-book: Developed and wrote an e-book on global health innovations for a non-profit organization, which has been downloaded 2,000+ times and praised for its insightful analysis and clarity.

When detailing your projects, always quantify your achievements where possible, such as the increase in readership, shares, or any awards your work might have garnered.

KPIs you can include on your resume

Putting key performance indicators (KPIs) into your resume not only quantifies your achievements but also provides proof of how effective you’ve been . 

You can follow these examples of KPIs to mention and how to include them:

Increase in readership

Mention the percentage increase in readership or traffic your articles or blog posts generated.

Contributed articles that increased monthly website traffic by 18%.

Social media engagement

Detail your success in creating content that boosted social media engagement.

Developed social media content that enhanced user interaction by 50%, increasing followers and shares.

SEO success

Highlight your contributions to SEO improvements in companies you have worked for.

Wrote SEO-optimized content that ranked in the top 10 Google search results for targeted keywords within three months.

Client retention and satisfaction

If possible, include metrics that reflect the clients who have stuck with you.

Maintained a repeat client rate of 75% due to consistent delivery of high-quality content.

How to Include Your Client Testimonials and References

Client testimonials and references can greatly strengthen your credibility . They provide possible clients or employers with proof of your reliability, skill, and professionalism.

Below are some guidelines for including testimonials and references:

• Selection of testimonials : Choose testimonials that speak to your skills, work ethic, and results, with a brief quote from a client that highlights aspects of your work.
• Formatting : Add testimonials to your resume in an endorsements section so that they naturally complement the content. 

You can follow the example of how to add a testimonial:

Freelance Writer | Self-Employed | January 2018 – Present

• Developed content for over 20 websites, enhancing client web presence and increasing user engagement.
• Client testimonial: “Emma’s contributions exceeded our expectations significantly, boosting our SEO rankings and increasing our web traffic by over 40% in just six months.” – John Doe, Marketing Director, Tech Innovations Inc.

As for references, they should only be included when requested . 

If they are, prepare a separate list of professional contacts who can account for your expertise and character.

Make sure they give you the OK to use their names and contact information.

Best Writing Skills to Add to a Freelance Writing Resume

Skills are always key for landing an interview. You want to make sure the skills you mention throughout your resume are relevant to freelance writing and the job description. 

Here are some skills that any Freelance Writer should try to mention:

• SEO and Analytics-Driven Content Creation
• Proficiency in CMS Tools (WordPress, Joomla)
• Social Media Marketing and Engagement Strategies
• Ability to Produce a Wide Range of Content Types (articles, blogs, newsletters, white papers)
• Fluency in AP and Chicago Style Guidelines
• Utilization of AI Writing Tools (e.g., ChatGPT)

Apart from in the skills section, you can add these skills to your experience section or summary statement , like so:

Enhanced web visibility by 25% through strategic SEO and regular content updates using WordPress, leveraging ChatGPT to provide me with different writing styles to broaden audience reach.

If the company has an international audience, it would be a good idea to include your language skills as well.

How to Find Freelance Writing Work and Salary Expectations

When launching your freelance writing career or searching for a new role, explore popular platforms for finding work, such as Upwork, Freelancer, and specialized content websites .

Here’s where you’ll likely find opportunities:

• Personal and professional blogs
• Online magazines and news outlets
• Marketing agencies

According to Salary.com, the average salary for Freelance Writers is $51,258, with typical earnings ranging between $49,025 and $54,969 . 

Salaries can vary widely based on skills, experience, and the types of writing projects you undertake.

Remember, income may vary significantly based on the industry, your experience, and your negotiation skills .

As a Freelance Writer, you can quickly draft a resume that boosts your chances of landing a job if you follow the tips we’ve mentioned and use our tools . 

Simply remember to:

• Highlight your diverse writing skills, including SEO proficiency and expertise in various CMS tools
• Emphasize the ability to produce different types of content and your adaptability to various style guidelines
• Include quantifiable achievements and KPIs to demonstrate the impact of your work
• Promote your portfolio to provide tangible examples of your writing

Also, our AI builder and tools make putting together these parts of your resume much easier.

Once that’s done, simply submit your work and get ready for your interview !

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• Freelance Writer Resume Example

Resume Examples

• Common Tasks & Responsibilities
• Top Hard & Soft Skills
• Action Verbs & Keywords
• Resume FAQs
• Similar Resumes

Common Responsibilities Listed on Freelance Writer Resumes:

• Research topics and develop ideas for articles
• Write original content for websites, blogs, and other online publications
• Edit and proofread content for accuracy and clarity
• Develop content strategies for clients
• Develop content calendars and editorial plans
• Generate ideas for new content topics
• Collaborate with other writers and editors
• Stay up-to-date on industry trends and news
• Monitor analytics to measure content performance
• Develop content for social media platforms
• Optimize content for SEO
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously

Speed up your resume creation process with the AI-Powered Resume Builder . Generate tailored achievements in seconds for every role you apply to.

Freelance Writer Resume Example:

• Researched and developed compelling article ideas, resulting in a 30% increase in website traffic and a 20% growth in reader engagement.
• Collaborated with a team of writers and editors to create high-quality content, leading to a 25% increase in client satisfaction and repeat business.
• Implemented SEO strategies and optimized content, resulting in a 15% improvement in search engine rankings and organic traffic.
• Managed multiple projects simultaneously, consistently meeting deadlines and delivering high-quality content to clients, resulting in a 95% client retention rate.
• Developed content strategies and editorial plans for clients, resulting in a 40% increase in social media followers and a 25% growth in website conversions.
• Monitored analytics and conducted A/B testing to optimize content performance, achieving a 10% increase in click-through rates and a 20% decrease in bounce rates.
• Wrote original content for websites and blogs, consistently exceeding client expectations and receiving positive feedback, resulting in a 90% client satisfaction rate.
• Edited and proofread content for accuracy and clarity, ensuring error-free and polished final deliverables.
• Stayed up-to-date on industry trends and news, incorporating relevant information into articles and establishing credibility as a subject matter expert.
• Excellent research skills
• Ability to develop compelling content ideas
• Team collaboration
• SEO knowledge and implementation
• Content optimization
• Project management
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Content strategy development
• Editorial planning
• Social media strategy
• Analytics monitoring
• A/B testing
• Original content creation
• Editing and proofreading
• Industry trend awareness
• Subject matter expertise
• Client satisfaction management
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Understanding of website conversions
• Ability to decrease bounce rates
• Ability to increase click-through rates
• Ability to increase reader engagement
• Ability to increase website traffic
• Ability to increase client retention rate
• Ability to increase social media followers.

Top Skills & Keywords for Freelance Writer Resumes:

Hard skills.

• Content Writing
• Copywriting
• Editing and Proofreading
• SEO Writing
• Research Skills
• Creative Writing
• Social Media Management
• Technical Writing
• Press Release Writing
• Grant Writing

Soft Skills

• Strong written communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Time management and deadline-oriented
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Research and analytical skills
• Creativity and innovation
• Self-motivated and disciplined
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Organizational skills
• Ability to work independently
• Strong editing and proofreading skills

Resume Action Verbs for Freelance Writers:

• Collaborated
• Interviewed
• Brainstormed
• Synthesized
• Strategized

A Better Way to Build Your Resume

Resume FAQs for Freelance Writers:

How long should i make my freelance writer resume, what is the best way to format a freelance writer resume, which keywords are important to highlight in a freelance writer resume, how should i write my resume if i have no experience as a freelance writer, compare your freelance writer resume to a job description:.

• Identify opportunities to further tailor your resume to the Freelance Writer job
• Improve your keyword usage to align your experience and skills with the position
• Uncover and address potential gaps in your resume that may be important to the hiring manager

Complete the steps below to generate your free resume analysis.

Related Resumes for Freelance Writers:

Freelance content writer, freelance copywriter, content writer, creative writer, seo content writer, junior content writer, content editor.

Freelance Writer Resume Samples

This page provides you with Freelance Writer resume samples to use to create your own resume with our easy-to-use resume builder . Below you'll find our how-to section that will guide you through each section of a Freelance Writer resume.

A freelance writer often requires a “close to perfection” resume. Why? Well, first of all, you are a writer and everyone expect you to be fantastic at writing nonetheless.

Secondly, competition in this industry is extremely high, as you have to battle with thousands and thousands of writers all over the world vying for the position: it’s time to have a great resume that stands out among the crowd and truly draws the attention of the employer!

We have helped many freelance writers like you get the job they have always dreamt of, but it won’t be easy, so make sure you relax and enjoy the journey. Get inspired by the best freelance writer resume sample and let yours shine!

How do I write a Freelance Writer resume?

To write a freelance writer resume, follow these steps:

• Select the right template to highlight your writing skills.
• Write a short freelance writing summary that explains your writing experience and highlights your skills.
• List your freelance writing work experience in a reverse chronological order.
• Create a small portfolio section to showcase your top writing portfolio samples.
• Add your top writing skills in a small section of its own.

Note : Leverage AI to level-up your resume - Try our AI Resume Builder

We are all for freedom with our professional users, but in this case we strongly suggest a functional (or combination) resume format, definitely the best choice to show off your qualifications and experience. The main reason behind this choice is that this format highlights skills over chronological work history and, in a creative job like yours, what you can do is more important than when you did it.

Computer literacy, fast word-per-minute typing and attention to detail are three very important skills freelance writers can have and you have to concentrate on these when creating a resume. Talking about the skills or talents you’re most proud of can be a great way to showcase talents without being too pushy or overconfident.

Start off by choosing a writing style and a font. Fonts might not seem overly important but remember, it’s the first thing people will see when they read the resume and if they don’t think it looks professional they’ll look elsewhere. Choosing a font is simple enough and often it’s the more basic of styles which can be far better. Arial, Times New Roman and Calibri along with many other styles can be good as they are easier to read.

Next, choose a letter size which is suitable for people to read. 11 or 12 can be an appropriate size to choose depending on the type of font being used. Remember, any bigger and it might look a bit stupid.

Don’t forget to include any award or accolades and if you have a professional blog, make sure the recruiter knows about it!

Finally, we strongly suggest you save your resume as a PDF to keep the layout intact - sorry, Microsoft Word!

• The Summary Section

You have a summary for a reason – it sums up the person and the professional you are. Without a good summary your resume can be like all the others and it can often get lost in the sea of resumes employers have on their desks. However, a simple summary can change all that and ensure yours don’t get forgotten.

Our tips below will help you create a simple summary that will definitely grab the attention of the employer.

DO (Summarize your employment)

• Talk about why you believe you are right for the job.
• Include your experience in similar fields.
• Add those talents you have that perfectly fit the job offer

DON’T (Summarize your life)

• Be pompous.
• Try to spill every piece of work history into your summary.
• Talk about jobs that aren’t related to this one.
• Work Experience

As a freelancer, it’s quite likely that you have worked on a lot of projects with different clients. The best option is for you to have a personal website you can link to, or even a portfolio for the recruiter, who will definitely be interested in checking the quality of your work.

At the same time, please be as current as possible about your most recent collaborations and make sure you include the location of your work too - as you know, freelance writers are more flexible as they often are able to choose when and where they work so that appeals to employers. Knowing you are committed to your work can appeal to employers everywhere in the world!

We have a few more secrets to tell you about what to put into your work history:

Do (Summarize your work history)

• Talk about the top career achievements you’re most proud of
• Add responsibilities which make you best for this specific position.
• List any unpaid work taken if you are just starting

DON’Ts (Summarize your relationship history)

• Put in information which doesn’t relate to writing.
• Embellish about your writing experience or history.
• Talk endlessly about your past duties as a writer.

For more tips on writing the best work experience section for a freelance writer like you, check out our detailed resume guide.

A lot of employers expect freelance writers to have an array of fancy degrees or qualifications behind them, but not every writer does. You shouldn’t be ashamed to put down the most basic of education down, because sometimes freelance writers come from very simple backgrounds with just high school educations (but a lot of hard work behind it!) A lack of education doesn’t stop you from being a competent writer and you shouldn’t try to make up things to make you appear a better qualified writer. Stick to the truth! You also need to think about adding the basics to your resume:

• Qualifications or degrees.
• The name of the school you attended.
• The number of years in that education.

Once you’ve talked about the basics of your education you may want to move onto any other further education. It could be you’ve taken several writing courses from proofreading courses to Microsoft Office and beyond and, while you shouldn’t list all the basic skills you have, it’s good for employers to know you’re proficient in many areas. Talk about any education you’ve undertaken for writing, even if it doesn’t come with a fancy degree. It shows people you’re serious as a professional writer.

• Best Freelance Writer Skills

As a freelance writer, your skillset is incredibly broad, when compared to other professions. And while you want to bring out your skills in the resume, you should also be able to identify which ones perfectly fit the job offer and include these only. Sit down, take your time and ask yourself what skills you should prioritize versus the ones you should actually exclude. This is a very important brainstorming exercise that your future employer will highly appreciate and value.

Not sure about these skills? Don’t worry about them, we can help you understand them a little more and in reality they’re far less complicated than you believe.

• Cover Letter: yes or no?

Yes! Make time to add a cover letter to your resume. And if you don’t know where to start from, follow our tips here

Do you think you need some extra-tips that will help you land that dream job of yours? We are here to help you get that job!

DO (make yourself look great)

• Try and be completely honest with employers.
• Keep it simple and be creative, you’re a writer after all
• Focus on those skills that are related to the specific job industry

DON’T (embarrass yourself)

• Don’t use an email address which has bad language in it.
• Rude words will get you nowhere.
• Don’t use different fonts, it can be distracting.

We just went through a standout freelance writer resume sample: now, if you are also looking for the best freelance writer resume templates, you should check this masterpiece we have been worked on : many professionals like you have successfully used it to take their career to the next level.

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Freelance Writer Resume Samples

The guide to resume tailoring.

Guide the recruiter to the conclusion that you are the best candidate for the freelance writer job. It’s actually very simple. Tailor your resume by picking relevant responsibilities from the examples below and then add your accomplishments. This way, you can position yourself in the best way to get hired.

Craft your perfect resume by picking job responsibilities written by professional recruiters

Pick from the thousands of curated job responsibilities used by the leading companies, tailor your resume & cover letter with wording that best fits for each job you apply.

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• Acute knowledge of New York’s food, bar, nightlife and summer events scenes
• Edits video & sound bites both for assigned stories and reporter live shots
• Acute knowledge of DC’s food, bar, nightlife and summer events scenes
• Writes stories and promotion assigned by the executive producer
• Updates scripts as stories change
• Reads wires, internet, social media and monitors other broadcasts
• Write and produce vos, vosot and packages for daily newscasts and digital platform in a timely fashion
• Acute knowledge of Phoenix’s food, bar, nightlife and summer events scenes
• Works closely with Producers, Executive Producers, Reporters and Assignment Desk to relay and receive information for stories
• Works closely with Producers, Executive Producers,
• Works closely with producers and executive producers to ensure all updates get into the newscasts
• Work with reporters to gather elements and information about stories
• Acute knowledge of LA’s food, bar, nightlife and summer events scenes
• Acute knowledge of London's food, bar, nightlife and event scenes
• Create relevant and engaging content based on new and best destinations as assigned and pitched
• Provide media (e.g., original photography, sourced images, etc.) to accompany copy
• Work with Editor to generate ideas for new content topics
• Meet regular submission deadlines
• Acute knowledge of Cleveland's food, bar, nightlife and event scenes
• Deep personal enthusiasm for the best, newest, and coolest places to eat, drink, and have fun
• Appreciation for the Thrillist brand and voice
• BA/BS in English, journalism, communications or comparable job experience
• Feels comfortable working remotely
• Grant and proposal writing experience
• Passion for Writing and Art!
• Can start immediately
• Patient and thorough

7 Freelance Writer resume templates

Read our complete resume writing guides

How to tailor your resume, how to make a resume, how to mention achievements, work experience in resume, 50+ skills to put on a resume, how and why put hobbies, top 22 fonts for your resume, 50 best resume tips, 200+ action words to use, internship resume, killer resume summary, write a resume objective, what to put on a resume, how long should a resume be, the best resume format, how to list education, cv vs. resume: the difference, include contact information, resume format pdf vs word, how to write a student resume, freelance writer resume examples & samples.

• Background in Art History
• Excellent research, writing, editing and rewriting skills
• Flexible schedule
• College degree or sufficient maturity preferred
• Prefer candidate have at least 3-5 years experience in broadcast or print journalism
• Working familiarity with ENG (Electronic News Gathering) and SNG (Satellite News Gathering) operations, iNews, ENPS, Final Cut Pro, Avid and other Newsroom software programs
• Individual could be considered if he or she has experience in another area of television news
• Effective writing skills
• Can perform duties and make decisions under extreme pressure
• Position is needed to fill in during vacation, and leaves
• One year of experience working in news preferred
• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Journalism or related field

Freelance Writer, Charlotte Resume Examples & Samples

• Must be based in Charlotte
• Acute knowledge of Charlotte's food, bar, nightlife and event scenes

Freelance Writer, Philadelphia Resume Examples & Samples

• Must be based in or near Philadelphia
• Acute knowledge of Philadelphia’s food, bar, nightlife and summer events scenes
• Strong photography skills w/ a DSLR camera preferred

Freelance Writer, Cleveland Resume Examples & Samples

• Must be based in Cleveland
• Acute knowledge of Cleveland's food, bar, nightlife and event scenes
• Strong writing skills

Freelance Writer, Houston Resume Examples & Samples

• Must be based in Houston
• Acute knowledge of Houston’s food, bar, nightlife and event scenes
• Ability to meet regular deadlines while working independently
• Must be based in or near Los Angeles
• Acute knowledge of LA’s food, bar, nightlife and summer events scenes
• Strong photography skills w/ a DSLR camera preferres

Freelance Writer, Las Vegas Resume Examples & Samples

• Must be based in or near Las Vegas
• Acute knowledge of Las Vegas’ food, bar, nightlife, and events scenes

Freelance Writer, Phoenix Resume Examples & Samples

• Must be based in or near Phoenix
• Acute knowledge of Phoenix’s food, bar, nightlife and summer events scenes
• Must meet regular deadlines while working independently

Freelance Writer, Pittsburgh Resume Examples & Samples

• Must be based in Pittsburgh
• Acute knowledge of Pittsburgh's food, bar, nightlife and event scenes

Freelance Writer, San Antonio Resume Examples & Samples

• Must be based in San Antonio
• 3+ years experience writing, with focus on local food and nightlife content
• Acute knowledge of San Antonio's food, bar, nightlife and event scenes

Freelance Writer, Toronto Resume Examples & Samples

• Must be based in Toronto
• Acute knowledge of Toronto’s food, bar, nightlife and event scenes
• May have to produce other news programs as assigned
• May be assigned to variety of shifts including weekends and overnights
• May need to perform other duties including but not limited to teleprompter, traffic production, crawl and graphics
• 5+ years of prior work experience as a pro writer and creative whiz
• Content marketing experience, social media experience, a must
• PR agency or corporate communications experience, a plus
• Experience writing for brands to consumers/customers/technical audiences
• Must provide writing samples
• Be able to write accurate and conversational stories that follow the facts and reference video and graphics
• Pay attention to detail, including fact-checking, grammar, spelling
• Be highly organized as well as possess creative production skills
• Use strong editorial judgement
• Be willing and able to train on producing and fill in for producers for various newscasts
• Help cultivate unique story ideas and tips
• College degree in Journalism/Communications/Broadcasting preferred along with prior experience writing and producing for broadcast news
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including nights, holidays and weekends
• Must be able to work under deadlines and have the ability to multi-task
• Must have unrestricted authorization to work in the United States
• Must be willing to submit to a background check

Freelance Writer, Newsedge Resume Examples & Samples

• Bachelor’s degree (preferably in related field)
• Broadcast writing experience at legitimate news organization or news producing affiliate
• Solid news judgment and understanding of fair and balanced journalism
• Strong knowledge of current events
• Ability to work with others under strict pressure to meet imposed deadlines
• Must be willing and able to work flexible hours: overnight, early AM, late night & weekend hours
• Be able to write accurate and conversational stories in broadcast style that follow the facts and reference video and graphics
• Use strong news editorial judgement
• 1-2 years of experience as a news writer or news producer

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Freelancer resume examples & templates

Going solo as a freelancer in 2021 can be exciting and terrifying all at once. While you have the freedom to determine your own hours, rates and projects, you won’t have the safety net of a monthly paycheck to fall back on.

Whether you decided to go freelance because of the health crisis or you’ve been independent for a while now, there are certain things you need to keep in mind when writing a resume as a freelancer. Your resume might not look like those of your friends with full-time jobs and that’s OK. A resume for a freelancer should be flexible and easily adaptable to the different types of projects you apply for.

While this freelancer resume example and guide will cover general tips and guidelines for self-employed people, you can also find field-specific resources in our 125+ resume examples. Make sure to check out the one that most closely corresponds to your job title in order to tailor your resume even further.

In this guide, along with our freelancer resume example, we’ll show you how to:

• Decide which resume format is best for your freelance experience
• Write each of the essential sections for a great resume sample
• Create a professional layout and design that commands attention
• Avoid common mistakes that plague many freelancers’ resume samples

More than two million Americans began freelancing in the past 12 months and it looks like the trend towards independence is here to stay: according to a study by Upwork , more than half of all post-COVID freelancers say they wouldn’t return to traditional employment, not even for top dollar.

What does a freelancer do?

“Freelancer” is a general term that refers to many different professionals who work for themselves instead of a traditional employer. Freelancers may have short or long-term contracts but they are not considered employees of a company and are generally free to choose the type of projects they’d like to work on. 

Some people freelance on nights and weekends while still keeping full or part-time employment. Freelancing can be a great source of supplemental income, and can sometimes even be more lucrative than a steady job.

Freelancers work in a variety of fields, but are often associated with media and other creative professions including:

• Graphic design
• Marketing and public relations
• Content creation
• Translation
• Music and composition
• Film editing
• Web development
• Wedding photography
• Landscaping
• Tourism i.e Guided tours 
• Audio recording 

Statistical Insight: According to Flexjobs , a jobs board for remote work, the top fields for freelance employment are:

• Computer & IT
• Accounting & Finance
• Administrative
• Project Management
• Customer Service
• Medical & Health
• Writing & Editing
• Education & Training
• HR & Recruiting

How to write a freelancer resume

A resume for a freelancer will still include many of the basic sections found on traditional resumes including:

• The resume header
• The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
• The employment history section
• The resume skills section
• The education section

While a traditional resume might not offer much flexibility, as a freelancer, you are able to add, remove and rearrange sections as you see fit and according to the best practices of your industry. You can also switch around these sections based on the type of job you are applying to.

There are a few basic situations in which you might need to create a freelance resume:

• You are a freelancer applying for new freelance work
• You are a full-time employee looking to break into freelancing
• You are a freelancer looking to transition into a traditional full time job

Each of these situations will change your approach to writing your freelance resume. The first two situations will require a resume that focuses heavily on your skills. If you are looking to break into freelancing, you can also mention your previous employment in your summary section.

The third situation will require a resume that’s a bit more in line with what hiring managers are looking for in traditional candidates. You’ll want to focus heavily on work history and organize your freelance experience to show what you can bring to this new company.

Facing the ATS

When applying to traditional jobs via online application portals, you’ll want to keep in mind the presence of pesky resume scanners called Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS.) These algorithms scan your resume sample for keywords and send only the top ranking applicants to be reviewed by the hiring manager. Here are our top tips to get past this obstacle:

• Read the job description closely and look for “keywords” – skills and duties emphasized by the employer
• Insert the keywords using the exact language from the job description.
• Use common heading titles like “Education” or “Skills” so that the ATS can find the information it’s looking for.

Choosing the best resume format for freelancers

Many people who are traditionally employed only know of the reverse chronological resume format. While useful for organizing work history, this is not always the best format for freelancers. Let’s explore your options.

The reverse chronological format is characterized by an employment history section that takes up the bulk of the page. Previous positions are listed from most recent to oldest (hence the name reverse chronological) along with the employer, dates worked and location. Underneath each job title are bullet points with your responsibilities and achievements.

If you have considerable long-term contracts with one company, even as a freelancer, then reverse chronological might still be the best choice for you. However, many freelancers who complete multiple projects in a month would never have the space to list them all out in this format.

In this case, you might want to choose a functional format. This format begins with a skills section that explains the type of work you do and your specialities. You can then create an experience section that lists duties and achievements for different types of projects without necessarily attributing them to an employer.

If you find yourself needing elements of a functional resume and a reverse chronological one, then a combination format is the right choice for you. This structure begins with a skills section and is followed by a shorter employment history section that still allows you to mention any impressive companies you’ve worked for.

Resume summary example

At the top of your resume sample, you may choose to include a summary. This section is particularly useful for freelancers because it allows you to speak directly to the employer and explain your situation. A hiring manager won’t be left wondering why your resume doesn’t look like others once they see that most of your career has been freelance.

In just 3-5 sentences, the summary should offer a taste of everything you have to offer. Mention your job title, your number of years of experience and your biggest achievements. If education is important in your field, you can also note any relevant degrees here. As a freelancer, it’s important that you define who you are and what you do – and the summary is the place to do just that.

Check out the summary from our freelancer resume sample for an idea of how to structure your own:

Dynamic Freelancer specializing in content creation, journalism, entertainment writing, and social media management. Adept in creating engaging, stimulating, and data-driven content that relays powerful messages to targeted audiences. 

Employment history sample

If you’re creating a reverse chronological or combination resume format, you’ll still want an employment history sample that covers all the bases. This section is especially important when transitioning from freelancing back into full-time employment. 

List your relevant positions beginning with your most recent and working backwards until you’ve filled the page (no need to go further back than ten years.) Make sure to include the employer or client name, dates worked and location if relevant.

In the bullet points under each job title, quantify your experience using numbers, facts and concrete information wherever possible. This will help your resume sample stand out to a hiring manager and will demonstrate what you can bring to their company.

Our freelancer resume example offers more insight into this section:

Editorial Content Manager , J&R Media, New York  August 2018 - July 2021 

• Served as a Content Manager for this digital communication platform specializing in entertainment news.
• Researched interesting stories and conducted interviews with persons of interest.
• Oversaw the production of still photography and its layout.
• Effectively coordinated team members and assignments to achieve goals.
• Maintained an editorial calendar and oversaw the execution of content across internal and external channels.    

Freelance Writer, Lower East News, New York  July 2015 - May 2018 

• Wrote over 200 blog articles for this high-traffic news platform.
• Helped to achieve the goal of 200k readers per month.
• Performed in-depth research and content development prior to delivering articles.
• Collaborated with other writers, and mentored new writers in content writing best practices.

Convey energy and mastery of your field by using action verbs when describing your duties and skills. Here are some examples:

• Administered
• Implemented
• Incorporated

CV skills example

As a freelancer, your skills are the value you sell à la carte so naturally, this section is one of the most important on your CV. You may choose to create a bullet point list as is found on many resumes, or you may want to expand this section with descriptions for each skill. 

The skills section can be a great place to include knowledge of software, specialized techniques or other technical abilities that clients and hiring managers want to see right away. This is also the moment to add any foreign languages to your resume along with your competency level.

Here is the skills section from our freelancer resume sample:

• Motivated Attitude
• Content Writing
• Content Research & Development
• Advanced Communication Skills
• Ability to Work Independently

Freelancer resume education example

The education section on your freelancer resume generally varies in importance based on your job title. For example, a freelance programmer may be expected to hold a degree in computer science while a photographer’s portfolio is much more weighty than their educational background.

In any case, you can list the degrees and certifications you hold starting with the most recent first. Include the name of the degree, the school, location and dates attended. If you are completing your degree now, make sure to include an expected graduation date. 

This section is also the moment to list any professional memberships or organizations you are associated with.

Check out the education example from our freelancer resume example:

Bachelor of Science in Media, Culture, and Communication, New York University, New York  September 2011 - May 2015  High School Diploma, The Loyola School, New York  September 2007 - May 2011

Resume layout and design

As a freelancer, clients are counting on your professionalism. That’s why the layout and design of your resume are of the utmost importance. You want to show a potential employer that you can deliver the results they’re expecting. A great layout, especially in creative fields, is one of the first indicators that you do a great job.

No matter how much (or little!) experience you have, your resume should be highly readable. That means a great balance of white space to text, an attractive header and only one or two font styles used throughout. If you work in design, then creating a resume layout from scratch won’t be a challenge. Otherwise, you may want to consider a professional resume template to help make the job easier. Check out our freelancer resume example for ideas on how to create a strong design.

• Keep your resume to a maximum length of one page
• Add a touch of color to make your header stand out
• Adjust your layout based on the application and employer tone
• Stuff the page with too much information
• Deviate from the standard section titles
• Submit a resume without proofreading first

Key takeaways for a freelancer resume

• There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to a freelancer resume – create the document that works best for your needs and experience!
• Carefully consider your formatting options as freelancers are likely to find a functional or combination resume format more useful than a reverse chronological one.
• Take a moment to think about the purpose of your resume and let that dictate how you choose to order the sections.
• Don’t forget to create an attractive header that contains your name and contact information so clients can easily get in touch.
• A great visual presentation can quickly sell you as a professional so put great design first and foremost.

Beautiful ready-to-use resume templates

Freelance Writer Resume Sample

Many people hesitate about ordering their resumes online. There are lots of constraints that prevent them from making this step. First of all, people feel insecure when they share their career history with others. Secondly, many professionals don’t believe that someone can be better at wording when it comes to their career path. Also, customers are rightfully concerned about the safety of their personal data. The list of preventive factors can go on and on.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS, pegs the average freelance author’s salary at $69,510 per year and $33.42 per hour.

Of course, the financial aspect also plays a major role in a client’s decision to place an order. An experienced freelance resume writer provides services that can’t be cheap. Nevertheless, those who after all decide to give it a shot, very rarely regret this decision.

A well-written freelance writer resume is a piece of art that opens the doors to your dream position. It demonstrates the best freelance writer skills combined with experience and talent, which can significantly boost your chances to land an interview.

However, all the hesitations mentioned above are justified. You can’t be sure of freelance resume writing quality until you have a chance to test it. Check our freelance writer resume example in the set containing over 20 samples to help you make the right decision.

How to Write a Freelance Writer Resume

We want to be 100% honest with our clients, so our decision to provide freelance writer resume samples stems from the desire to demonstrate what quality they can expect. Of course, each resume is different because one’s career, accomplishments, and set of skills are unique . Nevertheless, the approach to freelance resume writing remains the same.

If you wonder how to write a resume, here is the answer. First of all, you should analyze your career path, determine your major strengths, and use numbers to talk about your achievements if possible. Also, all your certifications, licenses, and volunteer engagements are important if they are relevant to the position you target.

What does a freelance writer do if I provide them with all the information? You are right to ask this question. They make sure the information you provide is placed and worded in the best possible way as well as guarantee ATS compatibility. They make your resume consistent with the applicant tracking system since it is essential if you want to get more interviews.

A resume freelance writer treats your resume as if it was a piece of art. They write an exceptional freelance writer job description for resume to grab recruiters’ attention and make it stand out. He or she designs the resume for it to look professional and appealing. Moreover, they highlight experiences that can help you to land a job that you want. Freelance resume writers work on every detail thoroughly, knowing how critical it is for the success of a job application.

Choose the Right Template for a Freelance Writer Resume

What is a freelance writer? This is the question your resume should answer in the best possible way. At the same time, it should meet the latest requirements, including but not limited to those of format, length, template, etc. For that reason, a freelance writer description should always be clear and concise while a freelance writer resume template is always easy to scan. Such details are critical for crafting a bot-beating resume that puts you on top of other applications.

Therefore, you must choose simple resume templates that do not distort information while scanning. Tables, WordArt objects, and other nice figures placed in the resume can negatively affect its ATS score. Thus, it is highly recommended to choose black&white ATS-friendly templates instead of trying to impress recruiters with unusual designs and colors. By the way, photos are no longer included in resumes as well.

Write a Freelance Writer Resume Summary or Summary Objective

If you think that your qualification is the only thing that interests a hiring manager, you are wrong. Quite often, a resume of a great employee doesn’t even reach their table. Why? Because of resume-scanning software.

If you order a freelance writer resume no experience , it has a great chance of trumping those created by industry experts if it meets all writing requirements. Even if you have freelance writer jobs no experience, a professional resume writer can create a great resume summary that will hook recruiters.

Your resume should include information concerning your employment goal and how you can contribute as an employee. This is the best way to get an interview or an offer as soon as possible.

After all, freelance resume writer jobs are not counted as formal employment, but it does not prevent experienced writers from getting excellent job offers and beating all their competitors in a job search.

Put Your Education on Resume for a Freelance Writer

ATS bots can block your resume and recruiters will never see it. Why do they do that? Because the number of resumes a recruiter receives is immense. Bots are programmed to filter applicants that do not qualify.

To make your freelance writer resume qualify, include only the most relevant information in your resume. For example, the education section should include certifications highlighting your freelance writer skills. Adding detailed freelance writer bio information won’t do any good. Your resume will look dense without having much meaning.

To find the right balance for your education sections, we recommend checking our freelance writer profile example. So, if you want to write about biological diversity, your degree in Biology is worth mentioning. However, if you are a qualified freelance fashion writer, do not mention your degree in Physics. The same logic should be applied each time when you hesitate whether the information is relevant and actual.

Put Skills on a Freelance Writer Resume

Your freelance writer resume should include as many key skills as possible. They not only stress what competencies you have but also help your resume rank higher in the applicant tracking process. However, it doesn’t mean that you should put all the skills you have.

As a freelance writer, your resume should contain only freelance writer skills. It means these hard and soft skills should be relevant to the position you seek. If you want to write for an online magazine, your public speaking skills would hardly be your asset.

A great freelance writer skills resume is always tailored to the needs of a particular position. Spare another minute to filter your skills based on the freelance writer job description that you have in front of you. The better you tailor your resume to the position announcement, the higher your chances of getting the job are.

Remember that freelance writers with or without experience compete as job seekers equally. If you invest in your career by finding someone to craft a winning resume , your work experience may not be that critical. Instead, the focus will be shifted to your skills and potential rather than previous accomplishments. The better your profile matches the one of an ideal candidate, the higher your chances are.

Add Contact Info to Your Resume

A great resume for freelance writer should include clear and accurate contact information. If you worry about information disclosure, do not put your home address. Instead, mention your city and state.

At the same time, writing your phone number and email address is essential. Have a look at any freelance writer resume sample. They all include detailed contact information. You should give your potential employer several options on how they can contact you. Otherwise, you risk losing an interview.

Also, make sure your phone number and email are spelled correctly. Do not allow any typo to negatively affect your job application.

Add Other Sections to Your Effective Resume

The number of sections that should be added to a successful resume freelance writer should decide on their own. However, many recruiters check applicants’ involvements and interests before they decide to hire them. Thus, it is worth mentioning something about your personality and soft skills.

Add information on your volunteer experiences or community involvement. If not, mention what your hobbies and interests are. If you were on a church mission, include this too. Recruiters evaluate your people skills as well. This can be beneficial for your job search.

Should you be a very experienced freelance writer, list all your successful projects in a separate section. Add the names of referees who can confirm your role in the project. If you have several similar positions in your work experience, you can create the ‘key highlights’ section to place your best accomplishments there.

Check our freelance writer sample resume to get a general idea of how your resume should look. However, it’s you who creates the document, so it’s you who decides what sections it should include.

Use Key Action Verbs

For your resume to get through ATS, resume keywords should be used. You can find them in job descriptions, so it’s always a good idea to highlight them while reading. The more you find, the better. The same words and word combinations should be placed in your resume for it to rank higher in the system.

However, keywords are not the only thing that makes your freelance writer resume more successful. You should use action verbs to demonstrate your value to recruiters. “Was responsible for” and “streamlined” do not sound equal. The first one shows your passive role, the latter makes you active in your duties. The latter makes you an achiever rather than a doer.

Beginner Freelance Writer Resume Sample

Usually, a beginner freelance writer resume is the hardest to complete. The writer only starts their professional path, so there is no professional experience to mention as well as no accomplishments. This is a real challenge for our freelance resume writers. Yet, there is nothing impossible

In this case, the focus should be made on key skills, educational endeavors and achievements. If you studied English Lit at school or participated in school writing competitions, you should include this information in your freelance writer resume.

Add a section where you write about your career expectations. It is usually well-received by recruiters. Tell them what kind of person you are and what you can do for the company they represent. We all once started from the beginning, so having no experience and being a beginner is not your flaw.

A beginner resume is good if it shifts attention from a lack of experience to your being a prospective and aspiring employee. Check our beginner sample freelance writer resume to understand what strategy we apply to help clients land freelance writing positions.

With a professional approach, even career gaps can become your strengths. Let professionals work on your resume to get the best document ever.

More Resume Examples

Freelance Writer Resume Sample

Highlight your best work to land new writing gigs

• Skills & Keywords
• Salary & Benefits
• Letters & Emails
• Job Listings
• Job Interviews
• Cover Letters
• Career Advice
• Work-From-Home Jobs
• Internships

The freelance writer resume probably gets more use than all other career resumes combined. That's because freelance writers are constantly looking for new work. While many writers have contacts they can draw upon, for those new to the profession, a good way to find projects is to join a writer's association that posts jobs on its website and in email blasts.

Before you start looking for work, though, you need to know how to craft a freelance writer resume that will land you plenty of assignments.

Writers Do More Than Just Write

The following sample freelance writer resume (often referred to as a CV, short for Curriculum Vitae) is broken down into several smaller resumes including a writing resume, editing resume, and niche area resume. That's because some writers are straight out writers and some are writers as well as editors. Additionally, many writers are generalists and cover everything from applesauce to abacists, while some focus in a niche area, whether it be the culinary arts or the aerospace industry. Whatever your expertise, always start your CV with an objectives paragraph and then choose the skill set that applies to you from the sample resume below.

Getting Started

The first part of the resume is usually the objective or the summary. This talks less about what you want, and more about what you have to offer as a writer. In other words, what sets you apart from the competition? The importance of this one paragraph cannot be overstated. Note that the writer's summary below talks about their most impressive accomplishments (e.g., their book and radio show) in the lead sentence. In fact, most of this first paragraph is indeed a sort of "name dropping" in order to capture the reader's attention. This is not a place to be shy or overly modest. You'll also notice that the less important items, such as education, are presented later in the paragraph. This section must be kept short. It will only be skimmed over unless the words "magna cum laude" and "Harvard" pop out.

Award-winning writer and managing editor featured in " Example Book" and on the Example Radio Network. Offering over XX years of practice, including XX years of writing for a large online educational network. Additional clients include the Big Name Company, Big Name Company, and Big Name Company. Bachelor's degree awarded in English and Master's degree in process. Niche specializations in Latino issues, education, nonprofit, and health and fitness.

Note that if your college years are far behind you, you may want to move this section to the end of the resume so you can highlight more recent, relevant work experience toward the top.

• XYZ State University: MA in XX (to complete in Month of Year)
• XYZ State University: BA in XX
• Additional education, including seminars and conferences
• Applicable internships

Note that when listing published work in magazines (or other periodicals), you should list the names of the biggest publications first, followed by ongoing contributor work, then one-off articles. Be sure to mention anything notable, such as a cover story. That being said, you don't have to be a cover story feature writer to be of value. Include all work you are proud of including essays, reviews,  blogging , social media, travel writing, grant writing, or film reviews.

• Most recognizable titles
• A regular contributor to XX periodical
• Title of the article published in XX magazine followed by the date 

Copywriting

Because most  copywriting  gigs are done for ongoing clients, this resume lists copywriting efforts by client name. However, if it's a one-off, you have the option to list work by the title of the project, such as "Sales Brochure." Describe the basic nature of your work for each client and any significant benefits your work has provided to them (e.g., "email content delivered a 30% sales increase").

• XYZ Client (contract writer for over XX years)
• Project, Client, Distribution, Reach, Results

Proofreading and Editing

Note the format(s) in which you've edited or proofread, because sometimes publishers ask for specific experience in one type of editing or proofreading, such as Google Docs.​

• Book title, author, publisher, date (beginning with the most recognizable)
• Publication title, editing role, dates
• Experience working in Microsoft Word, Pages, and Google Docs

Subject Matter Expertise

Listing targeted niche areas makes it easy for potential clients to pinpoint exactly why the writer or editor is a good fit. In fact, you should consider moving this area higher up in the resume when submitting to the niche publication or company.

• Published in XX magazine (beginning with the most prestigious)
• Long-term communications employment in XX industry
• Name, title, company, all pertinent contact information

This is completely a subjective decision and is not required unless specified by the client. If you do list your references, make sure you've checked and double-checked that they will give you a good review and that they will be accessible by phone or email.

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