There are many professionals who engage in freelancing throughout their career. It may be their main source of employment, or it could be a side job for extra money or experience. Whatever the reason, it can be a valuable addition to their resume to highlight skills and accomplishments as well as show initiative. However, some job seekers are concerned about how to list their freelance experience on their resume, especially if it encompasses multiple short-term assignments. They question whether it makes their history look too choppy and unstable. How you present your freelance experience can make a difference.
- Create a separate section for sporadic or short-term work
If listing your freelance work chronologically will cause confusion or make it look like you have jumped from job to job, consider creating a separate section. Here you can list the work that you have done and add necessary details, but it does not interfere with the presentation of concurrent professional experience. This can be beneficial if you are holding down a full-time job and doing freelance work on the side. You can also choose to list those assignments which you feel have the greatest impact and will make a strong impression.
- Integrate longer positions into professional experience
When freelance roles are contract positions or ongoing work that you have managed for a prolonged period of time, it may fit well into your professional experience. Contract positions can be listed just like traditional roles with the company name, position, and then your accomplishments. You can also specify that it was a contract position to clear up potential confusion about the duration of time spent there. Employers recognize that these roles are usually for a specific amount of time.
- Combine freelance work under an independent title
If you regularly work as a consultant or freelancer, consider listing your work together under a heading with your business name (if you have one) or your personal name. You can list the years as spanning all of your work rather than individually identifying the time periods for specific projects. When elaborating on your work, highlight your strongest accomplishments and projects that are related to the type of role you are applying for. Keep this section updated as you continue working to reflect current achievements or assignments.
Freelancing can be a great way to build experience and keep yourself busy. Some people like the change of pace from their regular job and the option to take on projects that interest them. Others prefer contract positions because they are driven to achieve results and then move on and do the same at the next company. There are many options and opportunities available.
Let your freelancing work to your advantage and position you as a strong candidate for your next job.
This article was syndicated from Business 2 Community: Incorporating Freelance Work Into Your Resume Without Looking Like A Job Hopper
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