Finding a New 9 to 5: How to Put Freelance Work on a Resume

Freelancers often wear many hats, which is a testament to their adaptability, versatility, and diverse interests. However, many job seekers struggle to put this work on their resumes because it rarely fits in just one box. Whether you’re a freelance copywriter or a graphic designer, detailing this work is definitely more complicated than describing self employment. From listing relevant skills to explaining your employment gap, here’s how to put freelance jobs on your resume.

15 Tips and Tricks for Including Freelance Work on Your Resume

#1 Start by Conducting a Self-Assessment

Creating a functional resume as a freelancer starts with a thorough self-assessment. Take inventory of your hard and soft skills. Make sure you list technical abilities, creative talents, and personal strengths. Reflect on what you enjoy doing most and where your passions lie. This exercise will help you target roles that align with your interests and strengths.

Don’t forget to outline what you value in a job. Maybe you value a specific job title, work-life balance, a high salary, the right company culture, a great location, or opportunities for career advancement that you didn’t have while running your own business. Self-awareness is absolutely instrumental in crafting a compelling freelance resume and cover letter that resonate with potential employers, so don’t skip this step!

#2 Then Research the Job Market

After completing your self-assessment, research the current job market. Examine recent trends within your industry to understand which skills are in demand and what types of roles are most prevalent. By staying informed about market trends, you can tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills and experiences. This makes you a much more attractive candidate to each hiring manager.

Read job descriptions for roles that pique your interest and take note of the required skills, responsibilities, and qualifications. This will give you a clearer picture of what employers are looking for and allow you to match your freelance experience with their expectations. Plus, you’ll identify any gaps in your skill set that you may need to address through additional training or professional development.

Because of this, we recommend researching the job market at least a few months before you start applying to new jobs. That way, you can bulk up your professional experience and education if necessary.

#3 Don’t Specify Part-Time

Many freelancers put in 80+ hours per week juggling multiple clients, but many also work part-time for one client or on a few small projects. That’s the appeal of freelancing versus holding down one job full-time. When detailing your freelance work history on a resume, there’s no need to specify that it was part-time. Instead, focus on the skills you developed, the projects you completed, and the value you provided to your clients. By emphasizing your accomplishments and the impact of your work, you can present a strong case for your capabilities—no matter how many hours you worked.

You are certainly not legally required to say “part-time” ANYWHERE on your resume. However, if you feel compelled to disclose that the work was part-time due to travel, family obligations, or health issues, you can briefly address this in your cover letter. Highlight how you successfully balanced your responsibilities and outline the professional skills you gained during this period. No one should judge you for caring for yourself or family while working part-time.

#4 Highlight Relevant Skills

When transitioning to a traditional 9 to 5 job, you should focus on the skills and experiences gained during your freelance work that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Emphasize how these skills are transferable to the new role. For example, if you developed strong project management skills while freelancing, highlight how these can benefit your new employer.

When writing your resume, freelance work should show employers that you have the expertise and experience needed for the job. By aligning your freelance experience with the job requirements, you present yourself as a well-qualified candidate who can seamlessly transition into the role.

#5 Create a Cohesive Narrative

Frame your freelance experience as a series of professional accomplishments rather than gaps in your employment history. Explain how freelancing has contributed to your professional skills and prepared you for the role you are applying for.

Creating a cohesive narrative helps potential employers see the continuity in your career and understand how your freelance experience has made you a stronger candidate. By connecting the dots between your freelance projects and the requirements of the job, you can demonstrate that your time freelancing was a valuable and integral part of your career journey.

#6 Showcase Specific Projects

Don’t just highlight skills; be sure to showcase specific freelance projects, too. The projects you choose should effectively demonstrate your expertise, problem-solving abilities, and successes. Provide concrete examples of how you added value to your clients through these projects. Detail the challenges you faced, the actions you took, and the results you achieved. This makes your freelance work more relatable and relevant to the job you are applying for.

#7 Quantify Achievements if Possible

Whenever possible, use numbers and metrics to quantify your achievements. For example, mention the percentage increase in traffic you drove to a client’s website or the number of successful projects completed on time and within budget. Quantifying your achievements provides concrete evidence of your capabilities and the impact of your work.

Employers are often impressed by measurable results because they put a box around your effectiveness and contributions. By including these metrics, you can make your resume more compelling and demonstrate that you are results-oriented.

#8 Emphasize Soft Skills

What are soft skills? Oh, just the backbone of freelance work! Soft skills are personal attributes and interpersonal abilities that enhance an individual’s interactions, job performance, and career prospects. They include skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, and emotional intelligence, which are essential for effectively collaborating with others and navigating the workplace.

Freelancers need excellent time management, self-motivation, and communication skills. Highlight these soft skills on your resume and explain how they will be beneficial in a traditional full time job setting. For example, managing multiple freelance projects simultaneously demonstrates your ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

Emphasizing your soft skills can help you stand out—especially if these skills are critical for the job you are applying for.

#9 Build a Portfolio

Create a professional portfolio that shows off your best work. This can be a website, a clickable PDF, or a digital portfolio. Include client testimonials, case studies, and detailed descriptions of your projects. A well-organized portfolio is a powerful supplement to your resume because it helps employers understand your value and potential contributions to their organization. Just be sure to note that you have included a portfolio and referrals in your resume summary.

#10 Use Professional Titles and Terminology

When describing your freelance work, use professional titles and terminology. Instead of just saying “freelancer,” you could use titles like “Independent Consultant,” “Contractor,” or “Project Manager.”

Using professional titles and terminology helps to align your freelance experience with traditional job roles. It makes it easier for potential employers to recognize your expertise and understand the scope of your work. This approach can also help to eliminate any misconceptions about the nature of freelance work and its relevance to the job you are applying for.

#11 Include References

Use your freelance clients as references. Having reputable clients vouch for your work ethic and results can be powerful. Networking with your clients can also open doors to new job opportunities and provide you with insights into the industry.

Including references from your freelance clients adds credibility to your resume and provides potential employers with third-party validation of your skills and accomplishments. It demonstrates that you have a proven track record of delivering quality projects, putting marketable skills to work, and maintaining professional relationships.

#12 Address the Gap

Be prepared to explain why you are transitioning from freelancing to a 9 to 5 job. Whether it’s a desire for stability, a passion for the company, or a new professional challenge, have a clear and positive reason to share. Addressing this transition proactively will reassure potential employers.

#13 Tailor Your Resume to Each Application

Customize your resume for each job application. Highlight freelance experiences that align most closely with the job description and requirements of the position you’re applying for. Tailoring your resume shows that you have taken the time to understand the job and present yourself as the best fit.

This approach can boost your chances of getting noticed by hiring managers. By focusing on the most relevant aspects of your experience and aligning them with the job requirements, you can create a more compelling and targeted resume that stands out from the competition.

#14 Point Out Your Commitment to Professional Development and Continuous Learning

Add any courses, certifications, or professional development activities you’ve undertaken during your freelance period to your new resume. These achievements demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. Employers value candidates who are proactive about their development and staying current in their field.

#15 Prepare for Interviews

During interviews, be ready to discuss your freelance work in detail. Prepare to talk about how you managed clients, handled deadlines, and delivered results. Practice explaining how your freelance experience has equipped you with the skills and knowledge necessary for the job. By confidently discussing your freelance work and drawing connections to the job you are applying for, you can effectively demonstrate your suitability for the role and leave a lasting positive impression.

Final Thoughts on How to Put Freelance Work on Resume Apps

It’s hard to leave freelancing behind, but the right full-time job can make a world of difference for your mental health (and your wallet). The health insurance, 401K contributions, and team culture can certainly make up for the lost independence as long as you still get to be creative!

After reading this article, we hope you feel confident enough to apply for jobs that align with your desires and requirements. Your freelance work has immense value! The independence and versatility you have gained through freelancing have equipped you with a unique skill set that can be incredibly beneficial to your next employer.

By highlighting your diverse experiences, adaptability, and the practical skills developed through managing various projects and clients, you can present yourself as a strong, capable candidate ready to contribute meaningfully to any organization.

Good luck!