Learn how to list self-employment and freelance experience on your CV

Whether you're a full-time freelancer making marks in the professional world or a side hustler just getting started in the freelance game, a well-written CV is essential to landing your next gig.

In this article, we delve into the intricacies of listing self-employment and freelance work on your CV, including a step-by-step guide to adding work experience, examples of freelance work on a CV, and a freelance CV template.

What is freelance work?

Freelance work is a type of self-employment in which people offer their services to clients on a flexible basis. Rather than being employed by a single employer long-term, freelancers work for their clients. They may offer a variety of services on a monthly retainer or on a project-by-project basis. 

Freelancers can work in various industries, but this type of self-employment is most common in tech, web, design, media, and writing. 

It's important to note that only some people who freelance do so as a full-time career. Many do it part-time as part of a side hustle, enjoying its flexibility alongside other commitments.

How do I list freelance work on my CV?

If you're a freelancer or self-employed, you may need help listing your experience on your CV. The difficulties arise for various reasons. For example, if you're a well-established freelancer, how do you choose which professional projects to list? Alternatively, if your freelancing is just a side hustle, should you list it on your CV at all?

Many job hunters try to twist their freelancing into a full-time position on their CV, but there's no benefit to this. Freelancing is just as credible a way of working as being in an office, but it has to be formatted correctly on a CV to show a potential employer what a great catch you are.  

Follow these steps to list freelance work on your CV and showcase your skills:

1. List your freelancing as a position of employment

List your freelancing as a position of employment like any other in-house role.

Include the dates of your self-employment and your job title. The most appropriate way to structure your title is to choose "consultant," "contractor," or "freelance" combined with your niche or skill. For example, "Freelance Writer" or "SEO Consultant." 

Then, write a short blurb under the dates and title explaining the type of work you do. This helps to set the scene for the recruiter.

If you've turned your self-employment into a limited business, you can also add your business name to your CV. 

2. Choose your impressive projects and clients

Once you've ironed out the overarching details, it's time to get to the nitty-gritty. You can add the substance of your freelance employment history in a couple of ways:

Option one: list key clients and projects

Following your short blurb, zoom in on a few key clients and the projects you completed with them. Use subheadings to introduce the client name or niche, and the start and end dates of the freelance opportunity. Underneath, use bullet points to list your key projects and achievements with each client.

Option two: list your key skills and achievements

Alternatively, you can use subheadings to divide your skills. This is very similar to a functional CV format. For example, if you're a freelance writer, you can divide your skills by the type of writing you do, such as blog articles, editing, and web copy. Underneath your headings, use bullet points to list your achievements (and clients, if you wish) by skill.

If you've worked with many clients, list the clients and projects that relate to the role you're applying for. Don't be afraid to weed out unrelated projects that might mask your expertise.

3. Showcase your portfolio

Give examples of relevant work on your CV by linking to it. For example, if you're a writer, link to an article you wrote. If you're a developer, provide a link to a website you built. If you're an artist, provide a link to your portfolio.

We recommend referencing three to five examples that represent your skill set. By zooming in on your accomplishments, you provide solid, tangible metrics for a prospective employer to assess. This speaks much louder than words on the page.

Freelance work on a CV examples

For your reference, here are two examples of how to list freelance work on your CV:

Example 1: listing key clients and projects

Freelance Writer                 January 2018 - Present

As a Freelance Writer, I specialise in crafting engaging content tailored to various niches and audiences. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, I consistently deliver high-quality written pieces that resonate with readers.

Key projects and clients

Tech Insider Magazine       April 2020 - December 2022

  • Researched and wrote in-depth feature articles on emerging technologies, garnering over 500K views per month.

  • Collaborated with the editorial team to develop content strategies and generate ideas for engaging tech-related content.

  • Conducted interviews with industry experts to gather insights and quotes for articles.

Healthy Living Blog            September 2019 - Present

  • Produced weekly blog posts on nutrition, fitness, and mental well-being topics, driving a 30% increase in website traffic over six months.

  • Developed SEO-friendly content to improve the blog's visibility and ranking on search engines.

  • Engaged with readers through comments and social media, fostering a sense of community and encouraging user interaction.

E-commerce Startup "Organic Bliss"           January 2018 - June 2020

  • Created compelling product descriptions and marketing copy for an organic skincare line, resulting in a 25% increase in online sales.

  • Developed blog content focused on natural beauty tips and eco-friendly lifestyle practices, attracting a loyal customer base and enhancing brand credibility.

  • Collaborated with the marketing team to craft email campaigns and social media posts, driving engagement and brand awareness.

Portfolio showcase

  1. Tech Trends Article - Tech Insider Magazine
  2. 10 Ways to Improve Your Mental Health - Healthy Living Blog
  3. Organic Bliss Product Descriptions

Example 2: listing key skills and achievements

Freelance Writer             January 2018 - Present

I am an accomplished Freelance Writer with a diverse skill set tailored to meet each client's unique needs. My expertise encompasses various forms of writing, including blog articles, editing, and web copy. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to delivering exceptional content, I consistently exceed client expectations and drive results.

Skills

Blog articles:

  • Produced engaging and informative blog posts for a wide range of industries, including technology, health, and lifestyle.

  • Utilised SEO best practices to optimise content for increased visibility and organic traffic.

  • Developed compelling narratives and storytelling techniques to captivate audiences and encourage reader engagement.

Editing:

  • Provided comprehensive editing services, including proofreading, copy editing, and content restructuring.

  • Ensured written materials' clarity, coherence, and consistency, enhancing readability and professional presentation.

  • Collaborated closely with authors and clients to refine content and uphold brand voice and messaging.

Web copy:

  • Crafted persuasive and compelling copy for websites, landing pages, and marketing materials.

  • Captured the essence of brands and products through strategic messaging and impactful language.

  • Implemented persuasive techniques and calls to action to drive conversions and sales.

Portfolio showcase

  1. Tech Trends Article - Tech Insider Magazine
  2. 10 Ways to Improve Your Mental Health - Healthy Living Blog
  3. Organic Bliss Product Descriptions

Templates for adding freelance work to your CV

Use one of the following templates when creating your CV to help you cover all the essential information:

Template 1: listing key clients and projects

Your job title Start date - End date

Short blurb explaining your freelance work

Key projects and clients

Client/project name 1           Start date - End date

  • Achievement 1 related to client/project name 1

  • Achievement 2 related to client/project name 1

  • Achievement 3 related to client/project name 1

Client/project name 2           Start date - End date

  • Achievement 1 related to client/project name 2

  • Achievement 2 related to client/project name 2

  • Achievement 3 related to client/project name 2

Client/project name 3           Start date - End date

  • Achievement 1 related to client/project name 3

  • Achievement 2 related to client/project name 3

  • Achievement 3 related to client/project name 3

Portfolio showcase

Project/Article 1 Title - Client/Platform Name (insert link)

Project/Article 2 Title - Client/Platform Name (insert link)

Project/Article 3 Title - Client/Platform Name (insert link)

Template 2: listing key skills and achievements (functional CV)

Your job title Start date - End date

Short blurb explaining your freelance work

Skills

Skill category 1:

  • Achievement 1 related to skill category 1

  • Achievement 2 related to skill category 1

  • Achievement 3 related to skill category 1

Skill category 2:

  • Achievement 1 related to skill category 2

  • Achievement 2 related to skill category 2

  • Achievement 3 related to skill category 2

Skill category 3:

  • Achievement 1 related to skill category 3

  • Achievement 2 related to skill category 3

  • Achievement 3 related to skill category 3

Portfolio showcase

Project/Article 1 Title - Client/Platform Name (insert link)

Project/Article 2 Title - Client/Platform Name (insert link)

Project/Article 3 Title - Client/Platform Name (insert link)

Craft a standout freelance CV 

Your CV is essential to make a lasting impression on potential clients. With the insights in this guide, you're now well-equipped to showcase your freelance skills and work experience on your CV effectively. 

But why stop there? Take the next step towards career success by submitting your CV for a free review.

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