• $5K Freelance Writing
  • Career Tips | Blog
    • Launch Your Career
    • Grow Your Career
    • Freelance-Life Balance
    • Freelance Writing Community
      • Drinking Coffee With Writers
      • The Weekly Drip
  • FB Group
  • About
  • Nav Social Icons

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • $5K Freelance Writing
  • Career Tips | Blog
    • Launch Your Career
    • Grow Your Career
    • Freelance-Life Balance
    • Freelance Writing Community
      • Drinking Coffee With Writers
      • The Weekly Drip
  • FB Group
  • About
  • Mobile Menu Widgets

    Connect

    Search

Freelance Writing Cafe - Community & Resources for High Income Remote Writing Success 4

Freelance Writing Cafe

Launch & grow your freelance writing career... even if you don't have experience!

Freelance Writing Resume Mistakes - How to create a freelance resume - Freelance Writing Cafe

Stop Making These Mistakes on Your Freelance Writing Resume

January 11, 2018 · In: Grow a Freelance Writing Career, Launch a Freelance Writing Career

Confused about what to put on your freelance writing resume? Start here. We’re covering what NOT to include, from headshots to BS summaries.

 

Be honest: When was the last time you dusted off that outdated resume? And do you really think you need one as a freelancer?

The answer to that is, yes, you do… sometimes.

You may be getting work through cold calling, Upwork, or other methods, where resumes never come up in conversation. Or, if you’re a little more experienced in the freelance game, you may treat your services as business offerings.

Once again, during a B2B conversation, no one asks for a resume. Maybe this is why so many freelancers are guilty of not keeping our resumes up to date!

And I’m going to be real with you: I don’t even bother looking at mine unless I’m considering corporate freelance gigs, more traditional remote jobs, or other special projects.

But hey—why not be prepared?

 

A properly groomed resume sitting on your hard drive will ensure you’re ready for whatever opportunity may pop up. Unfortunately, resumes have this unique potential to be the most awkwardly mistreated document one ever encounters in their professional career.

If you’ve ever hired for a job, you know what I’m talking about. On the whole, they’re bad.

Most people have no idea how to represent themselves on paper. This isn’t surprising because most of the advice out there on resumes is pretty misleading.

You’re a writer, though, so you’ve gotta get it together on this one!

Since it’s so hard to find solid advice on creating a non-crappy resume, we put together a helpful, no-BS guide for you to follow. Dive in and learn how not to create your freelance writing resume.

 

Banish the double-pager

 

Writer fam, let’s repeat this together: Keep. It. Short. When it comes to representing yourself on paper, being short, impactful, and memorable will help you stand out.

One page is enough unless you have over a decade of experience (that’s 100% relevant to the job you’re applying for). We don’t even want to go there, though. Just keep it to one page.

What’s the logic behind this? Most companies are combing through hundreds of resumes when they post a job. Not only do they literally not have time to look at more than one page, but they don’t want to. Accept the challenge. Convince them you’re the ultimate candidate in one page.

 

Forget the headshot

 

While I was checking out some resume templates on Etsy recently, I saw that a lot of them have a place for a headshot

“Yikes,” I heard myself say under my breath… 😂

In our Insta-obsessed world, it might be tempting to put your cutest selfie or your headshot in that little square next to your name. After all, most of us have photos on LinkedIn and on our Facebook pages, right?

Outside of the entertainment industry, however, I struggle to conjure up a reason why your resume would need a photo of your face.

If you’re a blogger/influencer and you really want to show off your mug, link to your blog or media kit at the bottom of the page.

Just know that for most writing jobs, you’re not helping yourself by using up this precious real estate.

The client will see your photo when they proceed to stalk you on LinkedIn.

 

Trim the clutter

 

It’s time to streamline! We’ve already recommended keeping your resume to one page, but you’ve probably seen single page resumes that are packed from margin to margin. This isn’t a smart strategy. It’s time to narrow down the information you include.

Information should be divided into sections and easy to skim. Your colors, fonts, and spacing should be uniform. Headlines should guide the eye through your credentials with ease.

Sometimes it’s hard to edit yourself, so you might want to start with a template that doesn’t allow for clutter in the first place. In fact, a sleek template can save you some major frustration when it comes to planning your presentation.

Luckily, some talented graphic designers have taken care of this. You can visit sites like Creative Market for templates and pre-made resume documents that will help you stand out in the glossiest (yet least fussy) way possible.

 

Avoid to irrelevant info

 

I know, I know.

You’re proud of that internship you did eight years ago with that super cool magazine.

The truth is, if it’s not relevant to the job you’re applying for, you probably shouldn’t include it. Again, the person looking at your resume has very little time. Respect them by curating your work history to be hyper-relevant.

Dying to let your future employer know how well-rounded and awesome you are? You can always chat about your experience in other industries or side projects when you get them on the phone or talk to them in person.

Sidebar: The only exception to this rule is if you’re at the very beginning of your freelance career. If you don’t have writing experience to include, find ways to make other work relevant.

For example, project management and organization skills you stocked up on during your role as an office admin could benefit you in just about any job. Another thing to keep in mind?

Niche knowledge about a specific industry could give you a major advantage.

I landed my first-ever writing jobs in fashion without professional writing experience because I’d just graduated from a fashion design program. I used that knowledge to leverage entry-level positions and build up my experience.

Don’t be afraid to draw parallels like this in your work history if you don’t have writing experience to share.

 

Leave out social media links…

 

… unless they are professional profiles. Or the job you’re applying for is a social media writing gig, and you’re linking to examples of YOUR OWN accounts that showcase as your best work.

They might not get looked at, but a curious client could also be delighted to see that you can walk the walk. For vanity’s sake, however, this is a no-go.

I include my Linkedin because it fills in work experience gaps (I have way too many gigs to list on one page), but I leave out the rest.

You don’t need to show personal Instagram and Facebook profiles to a client (nor relevant business accounts).

As a sidebar… If they’re curious, they’ll search you out and see what you’ve been posting, so be sure any public-facing content is optimized for impressing potential clients rather than scaring them away.

 

Skip the “summary”

 

That summary at the top of your old resume? Lose it!

You need no more than a sentence (or less) to convey your objective and specialty. A professional title is all you really need, which can go below your name. This is followed by your work history, skills, and education.

Honestly, with one page of information, do you really need to write a paragraph summarizing your skills at the top? (No.)

Anything you were going to say there should be reflected clearly elsewhere on the page.

 

Avoid fake (novelty) job titles

 

I have sad news… You are not a magic copy unicorn. You are not a word-weaving wizard. You are not an SEO ninja or a blogging supernova.

I mean, fine. Maybe you are those things! But that doesn’t belong on your resume.

Yes, late adopters are still doing stuff like this. It became wildly popular in the startup and online business space (initiated by a fabled species called homo computatrum, which is Latin for tech bro) to differentiate yourself through the use of novelty terms no one can actually decipher.

But that era has ended. We need to let it die, bury it, and move on.

Even if you get a little kick out of writing a cute title on your resume, the tactic will likely draw nothing but eye rolls.

Even worse, you’ll run the risk of confusing prospects. Remember: If people aren’t 100% sure what you do, they are not going to hire you.

Clients are looking for someone who can help them fix a problem and hit their business goals. If they’re not sure how wizards, unicorns, and ninjas factor in, they’re just going to move on.

Clarity should always take precedence over cleverness.

Always.

 

Kick the cliché self-congratulatory phrases

 

Leave out the stale cliche words like “team player”, “self-starter”, and “detail-oriented”.

Not only are these so overused that they don’t mean anything anymore, but the person reading your resume isn’t going to be phased. You’ll probably even inspire another eye roll.

The idea is to show these qualities without saying them. The descriptions of your achievements and responsibilities within work experience will reflect the qualities that make you hirable.

Labeling yourself a team player is just a silly way to waste precious real estate on that all-important single page.

Show instead of telling.

 

Forgo the references…

 

…and don’t even say they’re “available upon request”. This is just more unnecessary page filler. If the client wants references, they will ask for them. Don’t let this offering take up precious space on your one-page resume.

Now, this is not to say you don’t need references! Sometimes it helps to have social proof on your side, and while references are typically requested for more traditional roles, some clients may want to see them, too.

If they want to call a few people to see if you’re up to snuff, you should graciously slide them a list of people who absolutely freaking love you. 

Have your references prepped in a document with the same letterhead as your resume, or ready for takeoff within in a simple email draft.

Having them prepared will save you the time and stress of reaching out to random clients and potentially sounding desperate to use them as leverage. Not a good look. It could also take days to hear back from them.

We went on a bit of a tangent there! However, the point is to be prepared without adding this information directly to your resume. And! While we’re on this topic, remember to update your references regularly and give them a heads up before you pass their info to a potential client.

 

Remove irrelevant interests & skills

 

I cannot imagine why you would want to list your interests on a resume, but I’ve seen people do it.

This seems like a cheesy thing out-of-touch guidance counselors would ask you to do.

Avoid, please.

Of course, you want to be human, but you’ll bring up interests and fascinating tidbits about yourself when it makes sense.

For example, when you’re opening up or winding down a client call and shooting the shit, you could give them a glimpse of your life outside writing. IE:

 

Client: Hello, Belinda, how are you today?

You: Hi Marzipan! I’m doing great! Just took 2nd place at the world badminton championships and I spent the morning polishing my trophy. How are you?

 

See? Seamless. 😉

As for skills, trim them down to those relevant to the gig.

Again, you can talk about additional skills as it comes up in your conversations with the client. This will happen when you dig into specifics, and it won’t be something you list on the phone arbitrarily.

You may also want to consider that your skills will be clearly communicated (not necessarily listed) as the services you provide on your website and in your cover letter, as they pertain to the job.

Think about how someone interacting with your online presence will learn about you—and don’t try to chock every touchpoint with your qualifications.

While we’re at it, leave out those little bars that indicate approximately how skilled you are at something.

Do you really want to say “I’m a 7-out-of-10 at social media management”? This kind of cute graphic representation of skills is not working in your favor.

 

Leave out the half-truths

 

If you lie on your resume, it will catch up to you, and you don’t want a scarlet letter on your freelance reputation.

Just because you’re applying for work outside of the corporate world doesn’t mean false claims on your resume won’t be tracked, verified, and blow up in your face.

I mean, woah. If you didn’t write copy for a specific brand, don’t pretend you did. If you didn’t help someone double their revenue with your email marketing prowess, don’t claim that you did.

If you can’t pull stats to prove an epic claim, don’t make it just to create intrigue.

Half-truths and blatant lies might get you an “I’m impressed!” look during an interview and even land you a position… but what are you going to do once they realize you lied on your resume?

There are entire memes about this! It doesn’t work in your favor in the end.

 

 

I’m confident that our readers aren’t pulling stunts like this (you guys are too smart), but I want to include it in case you’re ever tempted.

Lots of rules, I know, but the resume standard has been archaic for too long! Let’s get up to date and stay there. 😉

And please, if you’re having trouble with your resume, hit us up. We will help you make it non-crappy. We’re in this together and we want to see you succeed.

Got thoughts on the modern resume? Drop a comment below and share!

 

freelance-writing-cafe-optin-001

 

This post originally appeared on Day Job Optional in January 2018. t has been edited for Freelance Writing Cafe.

Share this post:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest

By: Michelle Christina · In: Grow a Freelance Writing Career, Launch a Freelance Writing Career · Tagged: freelance writing resume, freelance writing resume mistakes, how to make a freelance writing resume, what do you put on a freelance writing resume

You’ll also love...

Video: Freelance Writing Q&A | Niches, Swipe Files & More!Video: Freelance Writing Q&A | Niches, Swipe Files & More!
6 Ways To Update Your Freelance Writing Business While Self-Isolating7 Ways To Upgrade Your Freelance Writing Business While Self-Isolating
how-to-write-better-business-emails_freelance-writing-cafeWrite Better Business Emails to Grow Your Freelance Writing Career

Want more from Freelance Writing Cafe?

Sign up for the latest from the blog, remote writing opportunities, and more!

Reader Interactions

Chime in! Cancel reply

Next Post >

7 Ways To Connect with Fellow Writers: An Introvert’s Guide

Primary Sidebar

Get The Weekly Drip

Our weekly newsletter with new blog posts, remote writing job leads, and more.

Join The Conversation

Welcome!

Get tips for launching and growing a high-income freelance writing career (sans-stress). Plus, interviews with freelance writers like you.

Snapshot: The Latest

freelance-writing-cafe_international-womens-day-2022-4

Female Freelancers on Their Biggest Success Secrets

freelance-writing-cafe_international-womens-day-2022-2-1000

These 5 Women Writers Are Sharing Their Best Freelance Career Tips

freelance-writing-cafe_international-womens-day-2022-3

Instant Inspo: Meet the Female Freelance Writers Leading the Way

freelance-writing-cafe_international-womens-day-2022-5

Need Motivation? Get Inspired by These Freelance Writing Women

freelance-writing-cafe_international-womens-day-2022-1000

Celebrating Women! Female Freelance Writers Share Their Top Tips

Rinu Ogundeji, Conversion Copywriter - Drinking Coffee With Writers2

Drinking Coffee With Writers: Rinu Ogundeji, Conversion Copywriter

HOW CAN WE HELP?

Feeling social? Us too!

Need something specific?

Your daily dose of freelance inspo:

@freelancewritingcafe

Do you know how to use Linkedin to find remote wri Do you know how to use Linkedin to find remote writing jobs on demand?

📝 Navigate to the jobs section and search for new jobs (within the past week or month). Be sure to toggle the "Remote" filter—or hybrid, if you're open to being on-site sometimes.

📝 When you find one you're interested in, you can usually apply with one or two clicks. Just make sure your current profile reflects the opportunities you're looking for. 

💡 Hot tip: Many clients who source writers through LinkedIn confess that they get sent hundreds of leads to sort through, made even more daunting by the fact that there aren't cover letters included in the one-click submission model. 

Find ways to stand out, whether you reach out to someone at the company and introduce yourself, engage with their social media, or submit your details through an additional channel.

(Just be sure to follow all submission rules so you don't get an instant rejection.)

#freelancewritingtips #freelancewriters #linkedintips #freelancesuccess #freelancewritingcafe #remotejobs #remotework #remotewritingjobs
We love Mondays! A fresh start, a new week, a new We love Mondays! A fresh start, a new week, a new chance to work toward our goals and live life a little bit better than last week. If you woke up groaning about today, this is permission to flip the script and make this day your own. ☕️✨

Image via @tatianasoash

#freelancewriter #freelancewriting #freelancewritingtips #freelancewritingsuccess #caseofthemondays #mondaymorning
Annoyed by "suggested posts" in your LinkedIn feed Annoyed by "suggested posts" in your LinkedIn feed? Here's another POV...

#freelancewriting #freelancewritingtips #freelancewriters #linkedintips #linkedinsuccess
It's the first day of spring! 🌷 Here are 3 ways It's the first day of spring! 🌷 Here are 3 ways to hit refresh on your writing career.

1️⃣ Audit your offerings
Trying to market everything from email blasts to white paper writing? Try narrowing down to a few premium services. This is a great way to build a strong, niched-down portfolio that makes you an easy "yes" for your ideal client.

2️⃣ Clarify your ideal client
Feeling "off" about one (or more) of your clients these days? Shed any working relationships that aren't working. If you're held in place by a contract, mark the break-up date on the calendar and start looking for leads that feel more aligned while you finish up that project.

3️⃣ Spruce up your space
Don't underestimate the power of a clean desk, fresh air, and your favorite writing tunes. Spend a day making a spring playlist, deep-cleaning your workspace, and maybe even buying a cheery spring candle or two. It can make a big difference!

What's your favorite way to celebrate spring?
🌷💐🌼🌸

#freelancewritingtips #freelancewriters #firstdayofspring #freelancewriting #freelancecareergrowth
We love our clients, obviously! But even high-vibe We love our clients, obviously! But even high-vibe collaborations have those moments... 😅 Here's to resisting passive-aggressive emails, even when you're burnt out at the end of a long week. 

#freelancelife #freelancewriting

Footer

FYI: Do we use AI?

All content published on freelancewritingcafe.com is written by a human. We may use AI to help amplify content, such as when brainstorming, drafting outlines, or expanding on ideas.

Get The Weekly Drip

Sign up for freelance writing gigs & career building tips.

By signing up you agree to our policies and to receive email from us.

Copyright © 2023 Freelance Writing Cafe · Theme by 17th Avenue