Creating a resume as a freelancer can be time-consuming and complicated especially when you're overwhelmed with a lot of information. A lot of times it’s hard to decide what to include and what to leave out. 

But even if that’s the case, it’s still in your best interest to write a strong resume because it can literally mean the difference between getting or not getting the chance to be interviewed.

Typically, a client or an HR Recruiter will only have less than a minute to review it. If it doesn’t grab attention, their eyes will glide to the next one in view.  

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As an HR Recruiter for more than 3 years now I’ve seen a lot of freelancer resumes. I’ve also gained significant insights into what clients specifically respond to, so I felt I could offer valuable resume writing tips to freelancers. 

1. Know what to write in your basic contact information.

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The basic contact information must include your email address, Skype ID, portfolio, LinkedIn profile, and website link. Cell phone numbers can be added. These pieces of information are used to verify your identity.

There’s no need to put in your complete mailing address. Province and country will do, since most businesses will require you to fill out a contact information form for their reference. 

Picture is optional but if you add it, make sure it’s the same as the one you’ve uploaded in your online profiles so it’s easy for you to be identified. 

2. Have a clear job target. 

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Your resume should be customized to fit the role that you want to pursue. For example, you want to apply as an E-commerce Virtual Assistant. 

It’s possible that you’ve worked in multiple industries in the past. But it’s not necessary to enumerate what you’ve done from your first employment up to the present. 

Only populate your experiences, education, courses, skills, training, and achievements that are relevant to the job posting requirements. 

You would want to present yourself as a freelancer backed with solid industry qualifications. That’s attractive enough. 

3. Put relevant education or courses.

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The educational background on your resume does not need to start from elementary school. If your college education is related to the nature of work you’re aiming for, you can go ahead and mention it, otherwise relevant online courses or training will suffice. 

4. Keep it short.

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A lot of people think that a long resume is impressive. On the contrary, it should not be more than two pages. 

Hiring managers normally receive a busload of them every single day. It’s important that you’re able to seize their attention within a sixty-second window, otherwise you’ll lose them. The key phrase to remember is relevant details. 

5. Choose the right format.

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Traditional format has never lost its appeal as far as hiring managers and clients are concerned. They still appreciate the classic, neat, clean, and simple look. Don’t fret about the colors and intricate design. What matters is that your skills and experience stand out. 

There are 2 formats you can choose from. 

Option 1: Chronological Resume

This is the most common format. As the name suggests, the work experience is listed chronologically, starting with the most recent. 

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Option 2: Functional Resume.

This type highlights skills and work experience rather than  work history. This is better if you have no relevant work experience or if you’re just starting out as a freelancer.

If you have numerous skills, work experiences, and even internships to showcase, you can use this option to organize your details into easy to read sections. There is no need to write a description for each job. You can just group them in a bulleted list. 

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6. Include relevant work experience.

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Highlight the clients and  relevant projects you've worked on. Be selective. Remember that you have a specific client to target  so only showcase your most impressive work.

7. Omit character reference.

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There is no need to include this in your resume but you should always have a list of contact information of a person or two who can vouch for your work ethics in case the client asks for references.

8. Never include an objective statement.

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The objective or “To” statement is so outdated. Instead, create two to three-sentence statements about your skills, relevant experiences, and courses or training. This should demonstrate how you would utilize your expertise to help clients achieve their goals.

An HR Recruiter’s Final Piece of Advice

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Recruiters and clients normally have a limited amount of time to review applicants’ details, you have greater chances of being selected if you can make your resume speak for you in such a convincing manner. 

Remember that just like your cover letter and profile overview, it’s not about how lengthy or awesome your qualifications are, but how you can use them to get rid of their pains and achieve their dreams. 

Make it crystal clear in your resume and you’ll experience more high moments in your freelancing career. 

Want a course that will guide you on your freelancing journey every step of the way including writing cover letters, optimizing profile overview, and handling client interviews? Get started now by signing up to the VA BOOTCAMP COURSE here.