Freelance and gig work have become increasingly common in today’s economy. Whether you’ve taken on side projects, worked as a consultant, or earned a living through gig platforms, this kind of experience can offer valuable skills and insights. However, many job seekers struggle with how to properly present freelance or gig work on their resume, unsure of how employers might perceive it.
The good news is that freelance work or gig work can be a great asset when presented the right way. It demonstrates initiative, time management, adaptability, and specific expertise. In this article, we’ll explore how to effectively include freelance and gig work on your resume, so it highlights your strengths and catches the attention of hiring managers.
Use a Professional Title
If you’ve worked freelance or participated in the gig economy, you’ve likely worn many hats. However, you should present yourself professionally on your resume with a clear, succinct title that reflects the kind of work you do.
For example:
- Freelance Graphic Designer
- Independent Marketing Consultant
- Freelance Writer and Editor
- Gig Economy Professional (Driver, Delivery, etc.)
This helps you define your role and sets the tone for your experience. Using professional titles also ensures that hiring managers and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) can easily categorize your role. If your freelance work is within a specific industry, mention it in your title to further clarify your expertise.
Create a Company Name for Your Freelance Work
When listing freelance work on a resume, some people get stuck when it comes to the employer section. Instead of leaving it blank or writing “Freelance,” consider creating a brand name for your freelance business. This can give your experience more legitimacy, making it seem like a cohesive business venture rather than disjointed side projects.
For example:
- Owofadeju Consulting, Lagos, Nigeria
Freelance Marketing Consultant
June 2018 – Present
Even if you didn’t formally establish a business, you can use your name or a variation of it as your company title. Just ensure it sounds professional.
Highlight Your Freelance Projects in Reverse Chronological Order
Just like you would with traditional jobs, it’s important to list freelance work in reverse chronological order. This ensures that your most recent experiences are seen first and prevents your resume from feeling outdated.
When listing freelance work, treat each project or set of similar projects like a job under a single role. This way, it feels cohesive and structured, even if you’ve worked for multiple clients.
For example:
Freelance Graphic Designer
January 2020 – Present
- Designed logos, brochures, and digital assets for over 15 clients, including businesses in the retail, education, and technology sectors.
- Collaborated with marketing teams to create visual strategies that increased brand engagement by 30%.
- Completed 50+ custom designs under tight deadlines, consistently receiving positive client feedback for quality and speed.
Focus on Achievements, Not Just Tasks
Employers are most interested in the results you’ve achieved, so instead of simply listing the tasks you performed, emphasize the impact of your work. This applies just as much to freelance work as to traditional employment.
For example:
- Instead of “Designed websites for clients,” say, “Designed websites that increased client’s online sales by 25% over three months.”
- Instead of “Provided social media management,” say, “Managed social media accounts, increasing follower growth by 40% and boosting engagement by 20% within six months.”
Quantifiable results add weight to your experience and demonstrate your value to potential employers. If you have specific data or metrics, be sure to include them to show the measurable impact of your freelance or gig work.
Categorize Freelance Work Appropriately
There are several ways to categorize your freelance experience on your resume, depending on the amount of freelance work you’ve done and how it fits into your overall career. Below are a few options:
- Dedicated Freelance Section
If freelance work makes up a significant portion of your career, consider dedicating an entire section to it. This section can be labeled as “Freelance Experience,” “Independent Work,” or “Consulting Experience.” Group all your freelance or gig roles under this section and treat each project or client like an individual job.
For example:
Freelance Experience
Owofadeju Consulting, Lagos, Nigeria
Freelance Marketing Consultant
March 2019 – Present
- Conducted digital marketing strategies for small businesses, increasing website traffic by 35% through social media campaigns.
- Worked with five startups to develop branding strategies, resulting in the launch of three new products.
XYZ Media Group
Freelance Copywriter
May 2017 – March 2019
- Developed and wrote website content, blogs, and email newsletters for multiple clients in the tech and health industries.
- Increased client website traffic by an average of 20% through search engine optimized (SEO) content.
- Integrated with Professional Experience
If your freelance work complements your traditional work experience, you can integrate it within your main professional experience section. This works well if you’ve done a mix of freelance and full-time work and want to present them side by side.
For example:
Professional Experience
ABC Corporation
Marketing Manager
June 2017 – May 2020
- Led a team of six marketers to develop and execute campaigns that increased lead generation by 50%.
- Managed a budget of $500,000 to optimize advertising across digital platforms, achieving a 20% increase in ROI.
Freelance Marketing Consultant
May 2020 – Present
- Provided consulting services to small businesses, developing marketing strategies that increased client revenues by 30%.
- Designed and implemented social media campaigns that expanded audience reach by 40% in three months.
- Separate by Industry or Skillset
If your freelance experience spans across different industries or skill sets, consider categorizing it into different sections. This is particularly useful for job seekers who want to demonstrate a broad range of expertise.
For example:
Freelance Design Work
Freelance Graphic Designer
June 2018 – Present
- Created brand identities and marketing materials for 10+ clients, including logos, business cards, and websites.
- Collaborated with web developers to produce interactive UI/UX designs that enhanced user experience.
Freelance Writing Work
Freelance Copywriter
January 2019 – Present
- Wrote SEO-optimized blog posts and articles for five clients, improving organic search rankings and boosting website traffic.
- Created email campaigns that increased open rates by 25% and click-through rates by 15%.
Use Descriptive Job Titles
When listing freelance work, the job title you choose can impact how potential employers perceive your experience. Instead of simply listing “Freelancer” or “Gig Worker,” try to use titles that describe the specific type of work you did.
For example:
- Instead of “Freelancer,” write “Freelance Social Media Strategist.”
- Instead of “Gig Worker,” write “Independent Delivery Driver” or “Freelance Web Developer.”
Descriptive job titles help employers understand the scope of your freelance work and how it relates to the role you’re applying for.
Emphasize Transferable Skills
Transferable skills are key when listing freelance or gig work on your resume, as they demonstrate how your freelance work can benefit a potential employer. Freelancing often requires a wide variety of skills that are valuable in a full-time role, such as:
- Time management: Juggling multiple projects for different clients requires excellent organizational skills.
- Client communication: Freelancers often need to communicate clearly and effectively with clients, a skill that’s equally important in a traditional job setting.
- Problem-solving: Freelancers are often faced with unique challenges that require innovative solutions, making problem-solving a critical skill.
- Adaptability: Freelancers must adjust to the needs of various clients, projects, and industries, showcasing their ability to adapt to different work environments.
For example:
“Worked with diverse clients from various industries, showcasing adaptability, strong client communication, and an ability to manage competing deadlines effectively.”
Don’t Forget to Include Gig Work
Gig economy jobs such as Uber, DoorDash, or freelance platform gigs can also add value to your resume, especially if you’re just starting out or if your gig work highlights valuable soft skills.
For example:
Independent Delivery Driver
May 2019 – Present
- Delivered over 300 packages for a high-volume logistics company, consistently maintaining a 98% satisfaction rating from customers.
- Developed excellent time management and customer service skills by handling multiple deliveries per day under tight deadlines.
Even if your gig work isn’t directly related to the job you’re applying for, it can still demonstrate valuable traits like reliability, customer service, and work ethic.
Add Testimonials or Reviews
If you’ve done freelance work for clients, consider including testimonials or reviews from your clients to further validate your experience. While these aren’t always necessary, they can provide additional context for your accomplishments.
You can incorporate short client testimonials into your resume or include links to your online portfolio where these reviews are displayed.
For example:
“Received positive feedback from clients for timely project completion and quality work. One client noted, ‘[Your Name] consistently delivers high-quality designs that exceeded our expectations.’”
Conclusion: How to Include Freelance or Gig Work on Your Resume
Including freelance or gig work on your resume can make you stand out as a versatile and capable professional. By using professional titles, focusing on achievements, categorizing your experience appropriately, and emphasizing transferable skills, you can present your freelance work in a way
that showcases your unique strengths.
Whether you’re transitioning from freelance work into full-time employment or just highlighting side projects, a well-structured resume that highlights your freelance and gig work can open doors to new opportunities and help you stand out in a competitive job market.
