How to Use Freelance Work to Add Value to Your Resume

Freelancing is a legitimate career path that comes with its own set of advantages and challenges. However, it can be tricky to include this type of experience in your resume.

Should you present it like a traditional job? Where should you mention it? And how do you make it as credible as full-time roles?

Whether you’re a developer, writer, designer, or marketer, putting freelance work on your resume the right way can set you apart from the competition.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to incorporate your freelance experience in a professional way to convey to potential employers and clients that you’re a prime candidate.

Why you should include freelance work on your resume

Adding freelance work to your resume is a great way to demonstrate adaptability, initiative, and a wide range of skills employers look for.

Freelance experience is seen as an indicator of real-world expertise in many industries, such as tech, creative, and marketing. It shows you can communicate with clients, manage projects independently, and achieve results without strict supervision.

Some job-seekers worry that listing freelance projects might make them appear less committed or professional, so they leave them off. But in reality, omitting them can leave hiring managers with unanswered questions about employment gaps.

Where to put freelance work on a resume

Knowing where to list your freelance work is important because it affects how hiring managers perceive you.

Placement depends on:

• How much freelance work you’ve done.
• Whether it’s your main career path or a side hustle.
• How relevant it is to the roles you apply for.

Let’s take a look at three effective options.

Standalone freelance work section

Consider creating a separate section titled “Independent Work” or “Freelance Experience” if you’ve been freelancing for a prolonged period.

This option is ideal if you’ve worked on projects across different industries. It allows you to group previous relevant roles under one category, making it easier for employers to understand your experience at a glance.

Each entry should include a job title, client name, and bullets describing your work and accomplishments.

We used Enhancv’s AI-powered resume builder to create this freelance work section:

Integrated into the professional experience section

If you’re balancing full-time employment with some freelance work, then you can incorporate your side projects into your resume work experience.

This way, you’ll maintain a traditional-looking resume but still strengthen your application with freelance contributions. Include a freelance title, client or company name, accurate dates, and detail your impact with bullets.

Example:

Within a projects section

Another convenient way to list your freelance experience in your resume is to have a dedicated projects section. This option is especially valuable for consultants and creatives who want to highlight specific gigs.

Also, it allows you to move away from the term “freelance” if you’re applying for a role in a traditional organization and you’re worried that side work might be viewed negatively.

Example:

How to format freelance work on a resume

To fit your freelance work seamlessly into your resume, you need to format it properly. Your goal is to present it with the same clarity and structure as traditional employment.

Here’s how:

• Use the same formatting style as with other resume entries.
• Include descriptive job titles that match the specific service you provided.
• Name clients directly if the companies are well-known.
• Specify the timeframe of each project.

Template you can use:

How to describe freelance work on a resume

Once you’ve decided what’s the best way to list your freelance work, the next step is to describe it in an attention-grabbing way.

Each freelance role is an opportunity to show how you created impact, solved problems, and delivered measurable results for your clients.

Here’s what you can do:

How to tailor your freelance experience to a job

Instead of listing every freelance project you’ve ever done, you’ll have more success by using a targeted resume. To achieve this, you need to focus on relevance, language, and impact that aligns with the job.

Here’s how:

• Use keywords in your bullet points taken from the job description.
• Focus on projects related to the industry or tools the hiring company uses.
• Describe results that align with the organization’s goals.
• Include only the most relevant or impressive freelance work.
• Visit the employer’s website and social media profiles to better understand their values and cultures.
• Consider rewording some of your content based on your findings.

The best resume format for listing freelance work

Listing freelance work depends on how central it is to your career and how consistent your experience has been.

There are three primary resume formats you can fit your freelance gigs into.

Frequently asked questions

You still might have a few questions about adding freelance work to your resume. Let’s answer some common ones.

How do I handle NDAs or confidential freelance projects on my resume?

You can use general terms to describe the type of work and results without going into too much detail or naming the client. For example, you can use “Fortune 500 company” instead of mentioning its actual name.

Can I list freelance work under a business name if I have one?

Yes, this is actually a great way to add formality to your freelance work and make it more credible.

Should I list freelance work even if it was only a few months long?

The project is worth including if it’s relevant to the role you’re applying for, especially if it was impactful and required specific skills the job demands.

Can I use client testimonials or quotes from freelance work directly on my resume?

Quotes on resumes take up space. Consider including one in your cover letter or send it upon request.

Conclusion

Freelance work can be a powerful way to show recruiters you’ve got the right skills for the job. Be it full-time or occasional freelancing, presenting it strategically can set you apart from other candidates and boost your chances of landing interviews.