Freelance Writer Resume: Example & Tips
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A freelance writer undertakes writing assignments on a project-by-project basis with tasks including research, writing, editing and proofreading content, and in some cases, checking the work of other freelancers. To succeed in this position requires proficiency with different writing styles as well as being organized, goal-oriented and deadline-driven.
To create a freelance writer resume that gets you noticed and hired, use these pro tips and resume examples.
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Freelance writer example (text version)
Name: NADY RUTHERFORD
Address: City, State, Zip Code
Phone: 000-000-0000
E-Mail: email@email.com
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Accomplished Freelance Writer enthusiastic about writing engaging, compelling copy for diverse clients. Ready to leverage expertise and fresh background in the field to provide exceptional work.
WORK HISTORY
- e Partnered with marketing team to translate product features into customer value propositions to be used in consumer messaging.
- Communicated with customer representatives for feedback and distribution.
- Analyzed developments in field to update instruction literature.
- Proofread copy written by colleagues to correct spelling, punctuation and grammar.
- Utilized exceptional writing, editing and proofreading skills to produce engaging and error-free content.
- Completed thorough research into assigned topics.
- Completed proposals and set up contracts.
- Marketed services through social media platforms and advertising services.
- Discussed projects and completed assignments by utilizing email and telephone communication.
SKILLS
- Investigative research
- Professional copywriting
- Story development
- Service marketing
- Interviewing
- Self-publishing experience
- Editing documents
EDUCATION
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Freelance Writer Resume FAQ
1. What are the skills you should emphasize for this specific job?
The following technical and soft skills are worth mentioning in your resume:
| Technical skills: | Soft skills: |
| Content management systems (CMS) | Ability to work productively under deadline |
| Interviewing skills | Team player |
| Excellent writing and proofreading skills | Prompt and dedicated to work |
| Research abilities | Keen learner |
| Project management | Excellent communication and interpersonal skills |
| Drafting user manuals | Persistence |
| Managing article databases | Time management |
| Search engine optimization (SEO) | |
| Utilizing social media | |
| Ability to use different citation styles | |
| Specialty in specific subject matter (e.g., technical writing, grant writing) |
| Technical skills: |
| Content management systems (CMS) |
| Interviewing skills |
| Excellent writing and proofreading skills |
| Research abilities |
| Project management |
| Drafting user manuals |
| Managing article databases |
| Search engine optimization (SEO) |
| Utilizing social media |
| Ability to use different citation styles |
| Specialty in specific subject matter (e.g., technical writing, grant writing) |
| Soft skills: |
| Ability to work productively under deadline |
| Team player |
| Prompt and dedicated to work |
| Keen learner |
| Excellent communication and interpersonal skills |
| Persistence |
| Time management |
2. How should you format your resume?
The amount of job experience you have will determine your format. A combination resume is best for applicants who can show steady progression in freelance writing over a number of jobs and projects, while a functional resume is ideal for those with limited work experience, as it focuses more on the skills you already have. Whatever your resume format, be sure to include links to portfolio sites or noteworthy writing examples, under a “Credits” category, as well as any recognition you’ve received for your work (e.g. contributing content to a site that won a Webby Award).
3. What are some examples of training and certifications that fit this specific resume?
In addition to a bachelor’s degree in English literature, Communications or Journalism, look to add professional writing certifications as well as courses in areas that can help you in your professional career, such as digital marketing, SEO tools or even a foreign language. The more range and background you have in certain areas, the more attractive your resume will be.
4. How should you craft your resume if you’re looking to take the next step forward in your career?
Add these experiences and qualifications to your resume:
- Projects that demonstrate your ability to turn in quality work in a variety of different fields, on time
- Projects where you take a leading role in content ideation and execution
- Opportunities to create content strategies to meet different goals
- Professional memberships (e.g., membership in the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) that give you more opportunities for networking
Do’s and Don’ts for Your Resume
- Do include soft skills as well as hard skills Intangible skills are as crucial as hard skills for a freelance position, as you will be counted on to work independently and efficiently. Be sure to mention abilities such as flexibility, a strong work ethic, effective time management, and the ability to take direction but also be proactive.
- Do proofread your resume For employers, few things look worse than a freelance writer resume that contains typos and grammatical errors. Make sure you present yourself as a writer who cares about accuracy and attention to detail by applying the same standards to your document, and double-checking your work.
- Treat your summary like an “elevator pitch” Your summary is the first thing employers will read on your resume — make sure you grab their attention from the get-go by making it an elevator pitch. Keep it to a few short, sweet sentences, and describe your best qualities, your background, and your career experience so far. Look at the employer’s job description to determine what their prime needs are, and gear your summary to address their needs. For example, if the employer needs someone who can write on spec, you could write: “Diligent freelance writer experienced in technical writing on spec. Well-versed in handling assignments for large corporations and boutique firms.”
- Don’t use the same resume for different job opportunities No freelance writing job is quite the same as another, and your resume should reflect that. Create different versions of your resume by adjusting your summary, skills and work history to best meet the requirements of each job. For example, if the job calls for creating content that performs well on social media, update your work history to feature projects where you’ve successfully done so.
- Don’t use flashy designs What might be eye-catching to one person is another person’s eyesore. Don’t gamble on unusual resume fonts or resume layouts for your document; stick to a clean layout that isn’t cluttered up with graphics or dense text. Concentrate on presenting your skills, experience, and education in succinct fashion.
- Don’t use passive language to describe your achievements Use strong action verbs to frame your accomplishments, such as “managed,” “oversaw” or “assigned,” rather than passive phrases such as “was responsible for.” Action verbs help present you as a proactive employee who takes the initiative.
Top 4 Characteristics of a Best-in-Class Freelance Writer Resume
Summary
Your summary should provide a quick scan of your best qualifications and work experience. Inform recruiters of specialized areas where you excel, such as subject areas like marketing, advertising or branding. For example: “Experienced freelance writer with five years of experience in content writing and marketing for print and internet media.”
Skills
Review the job description, and feature the skills you have that best describe what the job needs. Mention technical skills such as following quality assurance processes, or proficiency in SEO or content management systems, along with critical soft skills like effective communication and collaboration, or time management.
Work history
As a freelancer, emphasize your best projects, especially those which display your range and ability to varied clients. Make particular note of assignments that received recognition or resulted in major success for the organization. For example: “Wrote over 200 job search advice articles for website, gaining additional 1 million readers per month.” If you’re just beginning in freelancing, consider adding a portfolio or blog link.
Education
Apart from your degree in English, Communications or Journalism, mention professional writing certification and training you’ve undertaken, such as completing a MediaBistro course in Content Marketing, to add weight to your resume.
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Freelance Writer Resume Example
Nilda Melissa is a Certified Professional Resume Writer who has written for The Washington Post and Latina Style Magazine. She has a master's in Journalism from Columbia University and is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.
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