Freelancers are in a unique position on the marketplace. They are quality professionals within their field of work, with a strong entrepreneurial mindset. They are the creator of their reputation – they are the brand itself.
When a freelancer finds himself/herself in a position to apply for a job online, it is often the case that they are required to submit a resume or a CV. However, resume for freelancers is often not the same as the regular "worker" resume. Or at least it shouldn’t be.
Presentation, presentation, presentation
Have you ever tried to look at the resume as a form of self-presentation? Just think about it: a client heard about you and your services but has no detailed knowledge of your expertise. It is extremely tricky when you’re just starting out to provide a rich portfolio of previous works. But you can always use your resume as a way of presenting/introducing yourself to the potential clients.
What things should you consider when writing a resume? Firstly, choose an appropriate style for a resume. It can be formal, informal, chronological or some other type but make sure you follow a certain structure within that style till the end.
Make your CV interesting by using a pre-designed template, like those available on Canva or Visme. It will definitelly help you to stand out in your client’s eyes.
Remember, a resume is your entry-card. Spend some time designing one to look professional and interesting.
You are the service
Freelancers should pay close attention to the fact that they are the service and they should craft their resume accordingly.
Instead of focusing on your previous work experience (if you have any, even during your studies), you should focus on the skills and knowledge you’ve obtained. List all the important projects you have worked on, i.e. creating a website for local pharmaceutical company or conducting a Google Ads campaign for small IT company.
When providing the list of services, be as detailed as possible. Enable your potential client to understand whether you can or can’t offer them the solution they seek. Don’t forget to state the important details regarding the results of your previous services.
How many services should you list on your resume? There are no rules but don’t exaggerate. List two or three services that you are exeptional in delivering.
Be proud of your achievements but don’t brag
Previous achievements, rewards, and accomplishments can help you to present yourself to the client but make sure you don’t sound too braggy about it. Even as a beginner, you should mention your biggest achievements so far, if you have any. A client will be pleased to know those details about you.
Don’t forget to mention your education, in case it’s relevant to the project. If you’re not formally educated in a certain field, mention relevant courses and trainings instead.
Keep it on one page
Long resumes are a real turn-off for clients. No one expects a college essay, with a detail account on your life and work. That’s why you need to keep your resume as short as possible – one page is the optimal length of a professionally looking resume.
It doesn’t mean that you should save on the information about yourself and your experience. Make sure you include your basic info with valid contact information, relevant projects and skills with the notable results, and your offer. Additionally, you can include links to your social media accounts but do so only if those account are related to your profession.
Provide testimonials or references
Let your works speak louder than your words. Ask a previous client or someone who knows you professionally to write a couple of sentences on your work. You will sound more trustworthy to your new potential client, since the word of mouth is still one of the strongest preferences you can get in the freelancing world.
