How to List Freelance Work on Your Resume: The Complete Guide for 2026

Freelancing is becoming a prominent career choice, with 36% of U.S. workers participating in the gig economy as of 2023. However, many job seekers struggle with how to effectively showcase their freelance experience on a resume. This guide will provide you with specific, actionable strategies and examples to help you stand out in the applicant pool.

Why Listing Freelance Work Matters

Freelance work can demonstrate a variety of skills to potential employers, such as adaptability, project management, and self-motivation. In fact, 70% of hiring managers view freelance work as relevant experience. If done correctly, listing your freelance work can elevate your resume from a simple list of jobs to a compelling narrative of your professional journey.

Step-by-Step Guide to Listing Freelance Work

Step 1: Prepare Your Freelance Portfolio

Before you start writing, compile a portfolio of your freelance work. Include:

• Client Names: If you have permission, use the names of notable clients to lend credibility.
• Project Descriptions: Write 2-3 sentences about each project, focusing on your role and the outcomes.
• Metrics: Gather quantifiable results—did you increase a client's website traffic by 150%? Did you save them $10,000?

Example Portfolio Entry:

• Client: XYZ Corp.
• Project: Developed a digital marketing strategy.
• Outcome: Increased web traffic by 200% over three months.

Step 2: Choose the Right Resume Format

There are three main resume formats: chronological, functional, and hybrid. For freelancers, a hybrid format often works best. This format allows you to showcase both your skills and your work history effectively.

Template Example for Hybrid Format:

## Professional Summary
Dynamic freelance digital marketer with over 5 years of experience helping businesses elevate their online presence. Proven track record of increasing engagement and driving sales.

## Freelance Experience
### Freelance Digital Marketer  
**Self-Employed**  
*January 2021 - Present*  
- Developed marketing strategies for 15+ clients, achieving an average 30% increase in sales.
- Managed social media campaigns that led to a 50% increase in audience engagement.

### Marketing Consultant  
**XYZ Corp.**  
*June 2020 - December 2020*  
- Created a comprehensive SEO strategy that improved organic search rankings from page 3 to page 1 within 6 months.

Step 3: Write Compelling Content

When describing your freelance work, focus on your contributions and the impact you made. Use action verbs and quantify results.

Action Verbs to Use:

• Delivered
• Designed
• Executed
• Improved
• Collaborated

Example Achievement Statement:

• “Delivered a comprehensive social media strategy that boosted brand awareness by 75% and increased follower count from 1,000 to 1,750 in six months.”

Step 4: Review and Edit

Don’t underestimate the power of proofreading. Studies show that resumes with typos are 70% less likely to get an interview. Use tools like Grammarly or Hemingway for initial proofreading, and consider asking a colleague or mentor for feedback.

Step 5: Optimize for ATS

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) screen resumes before they reach human eyes. To optimize your resume:

• Use standard job titles (e.g., “Freelance Graphic Designer” instead of “Creative Ninja”).
• Include keywords from the job description.
• Avoid images and complex formatting.

Best Practices for Listing Freelance Work

• Be Specific: Instead of saying “completed projects,” specify what you did and the results.
• Use Metrics: Numbers provide tangible evidence of your success (e.g., “increased sales by $20,000”).
• Stay Current: Keep your freelance experience updated. Review your resume every six months.
• Be Honest: Always represent your skills and accomplishments accurately.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Including Irrelevant Information: Tailor your freelance experience to the job you’re applying for.
2. Using Outdated Formats: Stick to modern, clean layouts.
3. Forgetting to Proofread: Errors can undermine your professionalism.
4. Ignoring ATS Requirements: Ensure your resume is ATS-friendly to avoid being filtered out.

Tools to Help You

To streamline the process of creating a strong resume, consider using tools like Jobfolio's AI-powered resume builder. It guides you on how to list freelance work effectively and can help with ATS optimization.

Try Jobfolio Free →

Final Thoughts

Listing freelance work on your resume doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following these detailed steps and using the provided examples, you can effectively showcase your freelance experience and make a strong impression on potential employers. Remember, your freelance work is a valuable asset—highlight it!

For more tips on resume writing and job search strategies, be sure to check our other articles.

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