Freelance Writer Resume Examples

Essential Components of a Freelance Writer's Resume

A Freelance Writer's resume is a critical tool for showcasing their talents, experiences, and professional background to prospective clients. It serves as a first impression and can be instrumental in securing writing opportunities. Crafting a resume requires attention to detail and an emphasis on relevant aspects of freelance writing. Below, we discuss the various sections of a Freelance Writer's resume, their significance, and what to include, along with tips for making each section more impactful.

1. Contact Information

Contact information is the cornerstone of your resume, and for a freelance writer, it's particularly crucial. It's typically the first thing recruiters look for when they need to contact you, so it should be prominently displayed on your resume.

Include your full name, phone number, and a professional email address in your contact details. Adding your location (city and state) is beneficial, particularly if the job targets a specific region. Also, consider listing your LinkedIn profile or personal website that hosts your writing portfolio.

For remote freelance writers, mentioning your time zone or availability can inform clients of the best times to reach you.

Ensure your email address is professional, ideally containing your full name or initials, and avoid using casual or unprofessional handles.

In today's digital landscape, including social media profiles in your contact information is common. If you do so, ensure your profiles present you professionally.

• Full Name
• Phone Number
• Email Address (Professional)
• Location (City & State)
• Social Media Handles (If applicable)

Before submitting your resume, double-check your contact details to avoid missing out on potential opportunities due to errors.

2. Professional Summary or Objective Statement

The professional summary or objective statement is a pivotal element of your resume. It's often the first section read by potential clients or employers and sets the tone for the rest of your resume. It should be tailored to highlight your writing skills, experience, and specialization areas.

In your professional summary, succinctly present your career highlights and the skills that qualify you for the job. If you have expertise in areas like SEO content writing or technical writing, this is the place to showcase it. The summary should also reflect your understanding of the client's or employer's needs and how you can meet them.

An objective statement, on the other hand, focuses on your career goals and how the job aligns with them. For freelance writers, this might involve expressing a desire to work on diverse projects or explore new writing styles.

Whether you opt for a professional summary or an objective statement depends on your personal preference and career stage. Experienced writers may prefer a summary, while those new to freelance writing or transitioning to a different writing niche might find an objective statement more useful.

• Professional Summary: Ideal for seasoned writers with extensive experience.
• Objective Statement: Suitable for newcomers to freelance writing or those pivoting to a new writing domain.

This section should be concise yet compelling, encouraging readers to explore your resume further. Keep it updated as your skills and career goals evolve.

Related: Top Freelance Writer Resume Objective Examples

3. Skills and Competencies

The "Skills and Competencies" section is a showcase of the unique abilities and knowledge that qualify you for writing roles. It should align with the skills required for the job or project you're targeting.

• Writing Skills: Fundamental to any freelance writer is the ability to write with clarity and precision, adapting style and tone to fit various client needs.
• Research Skills: The capacity to conduct thorough research and source accurate information is essential for writing on diverse topics.
• SEO Knowledge: Understanding SEO principles, including keyword research and link-building strategies, is increasingly important in the digital age.
• Time Management: Effective time management is crucial for juggling multiple projects and meeting deadlines.
• Communication Skills: Clear communication is necessary for understanding client requirements and providing effective feedback.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with specific software, platforms, or coding languages can be a significant asset, depending on your writing focus.
• Creativity: The ability to generate original ideas and present them engagingly is a valuable skill for any writer.
• Editing & Proofreading: A keen eye for editing and proofreading ensures the quality of your work before submission.
• Adaptability: Flexibility in responding to changing client needs or industry trends is a key quality for a freelance writer.
• Subject Matter Expertise: Specialization in certain topics or industries can provide a competitive edge.

While listing these skills is important, providing examples or evidence of their application in past roles will strengthen your resume.

Related: Freelance Writer Skills: Definition and Examples

4. Work Experience/Portfolio

The "Work Experience/Portfolio" section is critical for demonstrating your writing style, topic versatility, and quality of work. It provides tangible proof of your writing expertise.

Detail your relevant writing positions, starting with the most recent. Include job titles, client or company names, dates of employment, and a summary of your responsibilities and achievements.

• As a Freelance Writer for XYZ Company (Jan 2018 – Present), I authored over 50 articles on technology, health, and finance, resulting in a 30% increase in website traffic.
• As a Content Writer at ABC Agency (Jun 2016 – Dec 2017), I developed content strategies for clients, leading to a 25% increase in social media engagement.

Maintain an updated portfolio with samples of your best work in various formats. If you've contributed to well-known publications or brands, highlight these in your portfolio.

An online portfolio on personal websites or platforms like LinkedIn can facilitate easy sharing of your work. Organize your samples by theme or type for easy navigation.

Including client testimonials can add credibility to your work experience and portfolio. Positive feedback about your professionalism or ability to meet deadlines can significantly enhance your profile.

Customize this section to match the job description. If SEO writing experience is required and you have it, ensure it's prominently featured.

This section is not just a list of past jobs; it illustrates how your experiences make you a prime candidate for future freelance writing assignments.

5. Education and Certifications

The "Education and Certifications" section provides insight into your academic background and any specialized writing qualifications you may possess.

• Education: List your highest level of education, such as a bachelor's or master's degree. Degrees in English, Journalism, or Creative Writing are particularly relevant, but all educational backgrounds can contribute to your writer's profile.
• Certifications: Highlight any additional certifications that enhance your writing skills, such as content marketing courses or technical writing certifications.
• Writing Workshops/Seminars: Participation in workshops or seminars demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and staying current with industry trends.
• Online Courses: Mention any relevant online courses you've completed from platforms like Coursera or Udemy.
• Relevant Coursework: If you've completed coursework directly related to the job you're applying for, list it separately in this section.

While formal education and certifications can bolster your resume, they are not always essential for success. A portfolio that displays high-quality writing samples is often more influential than academic credentials alone.

Related: Freelance Writer Certifications

6. Awards and Achievements

The "Awards and Achievements" section highlights your professional recognitions, providing concrete evidence of your capabilities. It's an opportunity to distinguish yourself as an exceptional writer.

Include any writing-related awards, commendations, or recognitions you've received. These could range from writing contest victories to industry accolades or client commendations for exceptional work.

Also consider including significant milestones such as published works, successful completion of major projects, or high client satisfaction ratings.

Provide the name, date, and issuer of each award or achievement, along with context for what you did to earn it, enhancing the understanding of your skills.

Ensure all listed awards and achievements are genuine, as false claims can damage your reputation.

This section adds credibility to your resume by demonstrating that your skills have been recognized by others, helping you stand out from candidates with similar qualifications but without such accolades.

7. References or Testimonials

References and testimonials are integral to a resume, providing tangible proof of your skills, background, and work ethic to potential employers. In the competitive freelance writing market, strong references or testimonials can give you a competitive advantage.

Your references could include former clients, editors, or colleagues who can speak to your writing skills and professionalism. If you're starting out, consider using academic mentors or instructors as references.

Testimonials are endorsements from past clients that highlight the quality of your work. They can be highly persuasive to prospective employers, as they demonstrate client satisfaction.

• Always obtain permission before listing someone as a reference or including their testimonial on your resume.
• Keep your references up-to-date to ensure they can provide an accurate assessment of your abilities.

In summary, references and testimonials enhance the credibility of a freelance writer's resume by offering third-party validation of their expertise. They signal to potential employers that you are a respected and reliable professional, increasing the chances of being considered for their projects.