How Do You See Your Resume?

Preparing a freelance writer’s resume is a bit different from a standard one. If you were looking for a job where you are working for an employer as opposed to offering your services as a self-employed professional writer, your goal would be to make the employer interested enough in you to invite you to come in for an interview. It can be a little different when you are applying for freelance writing gigs.

I’ve only had one client where I had to go through a formal interview process before being hired. The other people I’ve worked with (so far) have made a decision, given me the assignment, and our working relationship started. Since freelancers may not be asked to interview for a gig and the client may make a decision based on the resume and your samples only, you need to give the potential client all the information they need to make a decision based on the content of this important document.

One important part of a freelance writer’s resume is sharing your accomplishments with the potential client. If your web copy has improved sales for a client, mention this detail. You can also share the fact that articles that you have written are on top-ranked web sites. If you have successfully pitched an article idea to a magazine, then by all means include the details on your resume. If you are relatively new to freelancing, then share accomplishments from your other work.

As a freelancer, how do you see your resume? Is your goal to get the potential to want to learn more about you, or do we need to adopt a higher standard since we may not be interviewed in a traditional sense before being hired?