Best Freelance Writer Resume Examples For 2024 (Template & Guide)

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Freelance Writer Resume: Choose a Format

The first step in writing a great resume is to choose a format. Choosing the right format for your freelance writer’s resume is essential to effectively showcasing your skills and experience.

The format you select can highlight your strengths and emphasize how your experience aligns with the job requirements.

When creating a resume for a freelance writer, there are three formats to consider: chronological, functional or combination. Each format has its benefits and potential drawbacks, so let’s look at each one closely!

Chronological Resumes for Freelance Writers

A chronological resume format is ideal for freelance writers with a steady work history. This format lists your work experience chronologically, starting with your most recent job. It allows potential clients or employers to see your career growth over time.

To create a chronological resume, start with your most recent position, detailing your responsibilities and achievements, then move backward through your career.

This format is highly compatible with applicant tracking systems (ATS), which increases your chances of having your resume seen by the right people!

Chronological resumes can be particularly effective for writers who have worked with well-known clients or companies because they emphasize your previous experience as a writer.

However, if you don’t have previous freelance writing experience, a chronological resume can also draw attention to that.

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Functional Resumes for Freelance Writers

A functional resume format emphasizes your skills and qualifications over your work history. This approach can work well for freelance writers who have gaps in their employment or those transitioning into writing from another field.

Functional resumes are structured around detailed skill categories, allowing you to highlight your writing expertise, technical skills, and other relevant abilities.

For instance, you could create sections for “Content Creation,” “SEO Knowledge,” and “Client Management.” This format draws attention to what you can do rather than where and when you did it.

However, functional resumes are not very compatible with applicant tracking systems. That doesn’t mean you can’t use this format for a freelance resume, but if you’re applying online, it might hurt your chances.

Combination Resumes for Freelance Writers

A combination resume merges elements of both chronological and functional formats. This type is perfect for freelance writers with solid work experience and diverse skills to showcase.

In a combination resume, you’ll start with a skills summary, followed by a chronological list of your work experience.

This format allows you to highlight your expertise while still providing a clear career timeline. It’s ideal for writers who want to feature specific skills prominently but also want to show their professional journey.

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Choosing a Resume Format

Choosing a resume format is a critical step in the resume-writing process. If you’re unsure which resume format to choose, a chronological resume is always a great choice.

Employers are familiar with this format, making it easy for them to see your career progression. Plus, it’s ATS-friendly, so your resume is more likely to get noticed.

A chronological format can work well, even if you don’t have previous freelance copywriting experience. You can customize your resume to highlight your transferable skills. Think about the relevant achievements and responsibilities from your past roles.

For instance, if you’ve worked in marketing, emphasize your experience with content creation, managing campaigns, and engaging with audiences. This shows that you have the skills needed for freelance writing and reassures potential clients or employers that you’re up for the job.

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How to Write a Freelance Writer Resume

Once you have chosen your resume format, you can focus on your resume content!

Knowing how to write a resume for a freelance writing position involves presenting your skills, experience, and qualifications clearly and compellingly.

There are five essential sections for a freelance writer’s resume outline:

• • • • • Contact Information
        • A Resume Summary or Objective Statement
        • Work History
        • Skills
        • Education

You can also provide additional sections, such as volunteer work or professional affiliations, as long as they are relevant to the freelance writer job description and don’t take up valuable space.

Each section is like a chapter in your professional story. We’ll walk you through how to make the most of each section and grab the attention of potential clients!

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Summary or Objective

Next, you will write a brief introduction to your resume. This is your chance to show off your ability to engage the reader quickly while also highlighting your most relevant qualifications. This introduction can be in the form of a resume summary or an objective statement.

A resume summary is ideal if you have significant experience in freelance writing. It provides a quick snapshot of your qualifications, focusing on your skills and past achievements.

To write a strong summary, briefly mention your experience, highlight key skills, and showcase what sets you apart. This is your chance to quickly grab the reader’s attention and make them want to learn more about you.

For example, an experienced freelance writer’s resume summary might say something like this:

“Creative and detail-oriented freelance writer with over 7 years of experience crafting compelling content across various industries, including technology, health, and finance. Expert in SEO, copywriting, and content strategy, with a proven track record of increasing organic traffic and engagement. Passionate about storytelling and dedicated to producing high-quality, engaging content that drives results.”

On the other hand, an objective statement is better suited if you’re newer to the field or looking to pivot your career into freelance writing.

An objective focuses on your career goals and what you aim to achieve in the role you’re applying for. When writing an objective, emphasize your enthusiasm for the role and how your background can contribute to the company’s success. This helps to show your commitment and eagerness to grow in the field.

For example, an aspiring freelance writer might write an objective statement like this:

“Passionate freelance writer with a background in communications and a strong foundation in creative writing. Eager to apply my skills in content creation and storytelling to produce engaging and impactful content. Seeking opportunities to collaborate with clients and contribute to their success while gaining valuable experience and developing my writing career.”

No matter which option you choose, be sure to include keywords from the job description to make your resume more ATS-friendly.

Pick out the specific skills and qualifications mentioned in the job ad and weave them naturally into your summary or objective. This small step can significantly boost your chances of getting noticed by both ATS and hiring managers.

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Work History

The work history section of your freelance writer resume is your opportunity to showcase your professional journey and achievements.

First, list your previous jobs in reverse chronological order and include freelance projects. Each job entry should include your job title, employer’s name and location, and the dates of employment.

Then, beneath each job entry, write at least three bulleted sentences describing your experience. Describe your responsibilities and accomplishments for each role, emphasizing details that show your alignment with the job you are applying for.

Show off your writing prowess by using strong action verbs to grab the reader’s attention. Use words like collaborated, achieved, or developed to convey a proactive approach to your work.

Additionally, quantify your accomplishments with numbers, percentages, or other metrics to provide context and demonstrate your impact. For example, you can note the number of articles you wrote or a percentage of the increase in website traffic.

With all that said, a job entry on a freelance writer’s resume might look like this:

Freelance Writer
ABC Content Agency – Columbus, OH January 2020 – Present

• • • • • Created over 100 SEO-optimized articles and blog posts for a diverse range of clients, increasing organic traffic by 35%.

• • • • • Managed and coordinated content calendars, ensuring the timely delivery of all projects.

• • • • • Collaborated with editors and marketing teams to develop engaging and effective content strategies.

• • • • • Conducted thorough research to produce well-informed articles, enhancing client satisfaction and engagement.

• • • • • Edited and proofread content to ensure high quality and adherence to client guidelines.

By following this approach, you’ll present a clear and compelling work history that highlights your skills, experiences, and contributions as a freelance writer.

This helps potential clients or employers understand your capabilities and see the value you can bring to their projects.

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Skills

Next, you will create the skills section of your resume. Highlighting your skills is essential for showcasing your qualifications as a freelance writer.

Your skills section should feature your technical skills, like research, search engine optimization and project management. However, it should also include soft skills like collaboration, communication and attention to detail.

By showcasing a mix of hard and soft skills on your resume, you provide a comprehensive view of your capabilities as a freelance writer.

This combination highlights your technical expertise and personal attributes, making you a more attractive candidate to potential clients and employers.

For inspiration, here are some of the most sought-after hard skills and soft skills for a freelance writer’s resume:

Top 5 Hard Skills for Freelance Writer Resumes

• • • • • SEO (Search Engine Optimization): Optimizing content for search engines is crucial for increasing visibility and driving organic traffic to your clients’ websites.

• • • • • Copywriting: This skill is vital for creating persuasive and engaging marketing materials that capture the audience’s attention and drive conversions.

• • • • • Content Management Systems (CMS): Familiarity with CMS platforms like WordPress is an important computer skill that helps you efficiently publish and manage online content, making you more versatile and efficient.

• • • • • Research: Strong research skills are essential for producing accurate and informative articles, ensuring the credibility and quality of your work.

• • • • • Technical Writing: Creating clear and concise documentation is essential for writing user manuals, guides, and other technical materials that require precise communication.

Top 5 Soft Skills for Freelance Writer Resumes

• • • • • Time Management: Excellent time management is crucial for meeting deadlines and juggling multiple projects, ensuring you can deliver high-quality work consistently.

• • • • • Communication: Strong communication skills are necessary for effectively collaborating with clients and editors, understanding their needs, and providing updates on project progress.

• • • • • Adaptability: Being adaptable allows you to handle different writing styles and client requirements, making you a versatile writer who can cater to various niches and industries.

• • • • • Creativity: Creativity is essential for generating unique and engaging content that stands out and captivates the audience, making your work more appealing and impactful.

• • • • • Attention to Detail: A keen eye for detail ensures your writing is error-free and polished, maintaining high standards of quality and professionalism.

For example, the skills section of a freelance writer’s resume might look like this:

Skills

• • • • • SEO
        • Copywriting
        • Content Management Systems (CMS)
        • Research
        • Technical Writing
        • Time Management
        • Communication
        • Adaptability
        • Creativity
        • Attention to Detail

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Education

Next, you will provide your educational background by listing your degrees. You can also include any relevant coursework or certifications in this section. However, you can also provide those details in additional sections to help your unique qualifications shine.

List your highest level of education first, including the degree earned and the name and location of the institution you attended.

Here’s an example of a typical entry in an education section of a resume:

Bachelor of Arts in English
University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA

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Additional Sections

Once you complete the first five essential sections of your resume, you can consider including some optional sections if space allows. Some sections that can enhance your freelance writer resume are:

• • • • • Certifications
        • Awards
        • Publications
        • Professional Associations
        • Languages
        • Volunteer Work

When considering including an optional section, make sure it is relevant to the job you are applying for. For example, including awards you have received for your writing demonstrates your abilities.

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Top Certifications for Freelance Writers

Including certifications can boost your credibility and demonstrate your commitment to professional development. Sometimes, special training to earn professional certifications can compensate for a lack of relevant job experience.

Here are some of the top certifications for a freelance writer:

• • • • • Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC): This certification validates your technical writing skills and lets employers know you are skilled in writing about technical or specialized topics or creating manuals or other written instructions.

• • • • • Content Marketing Certification: Demonstrates proficiency in content marketing strategies by taking this free course to craft appealing, share-worthy content that captivates your audience.

• • • • • SEO Certification: Prove your expertise in optimizing content for search engines by completing a course in search engine optimization.

• • • • • Copywriting Certification: Enhance your persuasive writing skills and validate your copywriting abilities by getting certified in copywriting. Consider specialized certifications in digital copywriting, creative copywriting and more.

• • • • • Advanced Google Analytics: Shows your ability to analyze and optimize content performance using Google’s measurement tools.

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10 Tips For Writing A Freelance Writer Resume

Tailor your resume: Customize your resume for each job application to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the specific freelance writing job. For example, if you’re applying for a position focused on technical writing, emphasize your experience with technical documentation and related projects.

Showcase your portfolio: Include links to your best work to give potential clients or employers a taste of your writing style and versatility. You can link to your personal website, a portfolio on platforms like Contently or LinkedIn, or directly to published articles that showcase your skills.

Use keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description to improve ATS compatibility. For example, if the job description mentions “SEO content creation,” make sure to include that phrase in your resume to show that you have the required skills.

Be concise: Keep your resume clear and to the point, avoiding unnecessary jargon. Focus on the most important aspects of your experience and skills. For example, instead of saying, “I managed various content-related tasks,” say, “Managed content calendars and produced SEO-optimized articles.”

Highlight achievements: Focus on your accomplishments rather than just listing job duties. For example, instead of writing “Wrote articles for a blog,” write “Wrote 20+ articles per month, increasing blog traffic by 30%.”

Use action verbs: Start each bullet point with a strong action verb to convey your impact. For example, use verbs like “developed,” “created,” “optimized,” and “collaborated” to make your contributions stand out.

Quantify results: Whenever possible, use numbers to demonstrate the success of your work. For example, instead of saying “Improved website traffic,” say “Increased website traffic by 20% through targeted content strategies.”

Proofread: Ensure your resume is error-free to showcase your attention to detail. Typos and grammatical errors can be a red flag for a freelance writer, so double-check your resume and consider asking a friend or colleague to review it as well.

Include relevant skills: Emphasize both hard and soft skills that are crucial for freelance writing. For example, highlight your proficiency in SEO, ability to meet deadlines, and communication skills.

Keep it professional: Your resume should maintain a professional tone and format. It should also use a clean, easy-to-read layout and avoid overly casual language. For example, instead of saying, “I’ve got a knack for writing,” say, “Possess strong writing skills with a focus on creating engaging content.”