7 Freelance Writer Resume Examples

A well-crafted resume is essential for showcasing your unique voice and landing coveted writing gigs. Whether you're a seasoned wordsmith or just starting your freelance journey, this comprehensive guide will provide you with expert insights and freelance writer resume examples to help you craft a standout resume that highlights your writing prowess and professional accomplishments. From mastering the art of the perfect resume objective to showcasing your diverse writing portfolio, we'll explore the key elements that make a freelance writer resume shine. Let's dive into a collection of tailored resume examples and expert tips to help you land your dream writing projects and establish yourself as a go-to freelance writer in your niche.

Freelance Writer Resume Examples

Entry-Level Freelance Writer Resume

This entry-level freelance writer resume example showcases how to highlight your writing skills and potential, even with limited professional experience.

Experienced Freelance Writer Resume

This experienced freelance writer resume example demonstrates how to highlight a diverse portfolio and long-term success in the industry.

Technical Writer Resume

This technical writer resume example showcases how to highlight specialized skills and experience in creating technical documentation.

Creative Writer Resume

This creative writer resume example demonstrates how to showcase your unique voice and diverse writing portfolio.

Content Marketing Writer Resume

This content marketing writer resume example highlights skills in creating strategic, audience-focused content for digital platforms.

Copywriter Resume

This copywriter resume example demonstrates how to highlight your ability to create persuasive, brand-aligned content across various mediums.

SEO Writer Resume

This SEO writer resume example highlights skills in creating search engine optimized content that drives organic traffic and improves search rankings.

How to Write a Freelance Writer Resume

Freelance Writer Resume Outline

A well-structured freelance writer resume should include the following key sections:

• Header: Your name and contact information
• Professional Summary or Objective
• Writing Experience
• Skills
• Education
• Portfolio Highlights
• Certifications (if applicable)
• Awards and Achievements

This outline provides a clear and organized structure to showcase your writing expertise and professional accomplishments. Remember to tailor your resume to the specific writing opportunity you're pursuing, highlighting the most relevant experiences and skills.

Which Resume Layout Should a Freelance Writer Use?

Freelance writers should generally opt for a one-page resume with a clean, professional layout. Consider the following layout options:

• Chronological: Best for writers with a consistent career progression in writing
• Functional: Ideal for writers transitioning from another field or with diverse writing experiences
• Combination: Suitable for experienced writers who want to highlight both skills and work history

Regardless of the layout you choose, ensure that your resume is easy to read, well-organized, and visually appealing. Use consistent formatting, clear headings, and bullet points to make your information easily scannable.

What Your Freelance Writer Resume Header Should Include

Your freelance writer resume header should be concise and professional, providing essential contact information. Here are examples of a well-crafted header and one that needs improvement:

Freelance Writer Resume Header Examples

What Your Freelance Writer Resume Summary Should Include

A compelling resume summary or objective is crucial for capturing the attention of potential clients or employers. It should concisely highlight your writing expertise, specializations, and key accomplishments. Here are some elements to include in your freelance writer resume summary:

• Years of experience as a freelance writer
• Areas of specialization (e.g., technical writing, content marketing, creative writing)
• Notable achievements or publications
• Unique selling points that set you apart from other writers

Freelance Writer Resume Summary Examples

Most Common Freelance Writer Responsibilities

Understanding common freelance writer responsibilities can help you effectively highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Here are some typical duties:

• Researching topics and gathering information from credible sources
• Writing original content for various platforms (e.g., blogs, websites, social media)
• Editing and proofreading content for grammar, style, and clarity
• Optimizing content for search engines (SEO)
• Collaborating with clients to understand their needs and vision
• Meeting deadlines and managing multiple projects simultaneously
• Adapting writing style to suit different audiences and brand voices
• Conducting interviews for articles or case studies
• Creating content strategies and editorial calendars
• Staying updated on industry trends and best practices

When crafting your resume, focus on the responsibilities most relevant to your target clients or writing opportunities. Use strong action verbs and quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your proficiency in these areas.

What Your Freelance Writer Resume Experience Should Include

Your freelance writer resume experience section should showcase your writing projects, clients, and accomplishments. Here's what to include:

• Client names or types of businesses (if not bound by NDAs)
• Duration of projects or ongoing relationships
• Types of content created (e.g., blog posts, whitepapers, marketing copy)
• Specific achievements, such as increased traffic or engagement rates
• Relevant skills utilized in each role
• Any leadership or collaborative experiences

Use bullet points to make your experience easy to scan and focus on quantifiable accomplishments whenever possible.

Freelance Writer Resume Experience Examples

What's the Best Education for a Freelance Writer Resume?

While a specific degree isn't always necessary for freelance writing success, including your educational background can add credibility to your resume. Here's what to consider:

• Degrees in English, Journalism, Communications, or related fields are particularly relevant
• Include any writing-specific courses or workshops you've completed
• List relevant coursework that demonstrates your expertise in specific areas

Remember, your experience and portfolio often carry more weight than your education in the freelance writing world. However, a strong educational background can set you apart, especially when starting out.

What's the Best Professional Organization for a Freelance Writer Resume?

Joining professional organizations can demonstrate your commitment to the craft and provide valuable networking opportunities. Consider including memberships in:

• American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA)
• Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ)
• Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA)
• Content Marketing Association
• International Association of Professional Writers and Editors (IAPWE)

Listing relevant memberships can showcase your professional dedication and industry involvement, potentially giving you an edge over other candidates.

What Are the Best Awards for a Freelance Writer Resume?

Including awards on your resume can significantly boost your credibility. Some prestigious awards for freelance writers include:

• Pulitzer Prize (for journalism)
• National Magazine Awards
• Content Marketing Awards
• Webby Awards (for digital content)
• Local or industry-specific writing competitions

Even if you haven't won major awards, don't hesitate to include smaller accolades or recognitions from clients or publications. These can still demonstrate the quality of your work and set you apart from other candidates.

What Are Good Volunteer Opportunities for a Freelance Writer Resume?

Volunteer work can showcase your passion for writing and community involvement. Consider including:

• Writing for non-profit organizations or charities
• Tutoring or mentoring aspiring writers
• Contributing to community newsletters or local publications
• Organizing or participating in writing workshops
• Offering pro bono writing services for causes you support

Highlighting volunteer work can demonstrate your versatility, commitment to your craft, and ability to use your skills for social good.

What Are the Best Hard Skills to Add to a Freelance Writer Resume?

Hard skills are crucial for demonstrating your technical proficiency as a freelance writer. Some key hard skills to consider including are:

• SEO writing and keyword research
• Content Management Systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
• Editing and proofreading
• AP Style or Chicago Manual of Style proficiency
• Data analysis for content performance
• HTML and CSS basics
• Social media platform expertise
• Proficiency in writing tools (e.g., Grammarly, Hemingway App)

Remember to tailor these skills to the specific writing opportunities you're pursuing, highlighting those most relevant to your target clients or employers.

What Are the Best Soft Skills to Add to a Freelance Writer Resume?

Soft skills are equally important for freelance writers, as they demonstrate your ability to work effectively with clients and manage your workload. Consider including:

• Time management
• Communication
• Adaptability
• Creativity
• Research
• Attention to detail
• Self-motivation
• Client relationship management

When listing soft skills, try to provide brief examples of how you've applied these skills in your writing projects or client interactions.

What Are the Best Certifications for a Freelance Writer Resume?

While not always necessary, certifications can demonstrate your commitment to professional development and expertise in specific areas. Some valuable certifications for freelance writers include:

• HubSpot Content Marketing Certification
• Google Analytics Individual Qualification
• SEMrush SEO Fundamentals Certification
• American Marketing Association Professional Certified Marketer (PCM)
• Certified Digital Marketing Professional (Digital Marketing Institute)

Include certifications that are relevant to your writing niche and target clients. Keep them up-to-date and be prepared to discuss how they've enhanced your writing skills.

Tips for an Effective Freelance Writer Resume

To create a standout freelance writer resume, consider these additional tips:

• Customize your resume for each opportunity, highlighting relevant skills and experiences
• Use strong action verbs to describe your accomplishments
• Include a link to your online portfolio or writing samples
• Proofread meticulously – errors on a writer's resume are particularly glaring
• Use industry-specific keywords to pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS)
• Keep your resume concise and focused on your most impressive achievements

How Long Should I Make My Freelance Writer Resume?

In most cases, a one-page resume is ideal for freelance writers. This length forces you to be concise and highlight only your most relevant and impressive qualifications. However, if you have extensive experience or are applying for a senior-level position, a two-page resume may be appropriate.

Remember, quality is more important than quantity. Focus on showcasing your best work and most significant achievements rather than trying to include every writing project you've ever completed.

What's the Best Format for a Freelance Writer Resume?

The best format for your freelance writer resume depends on your experience level and career trajectory. Here are the main options:

• Chronological: Best for writers with a consistent career progression in writing
• Functional: Ideal for career changers or those with gaps in their writing history
• Combination: Suitable for experienced writers who want to highlight both skills and work history

Regardless of the format you choose, ensure your resume is clean, well-organized, and easy to read. Use consistent formatting, clear headings, and bullet points to make your information easily scannable.

What Should the Focus of a Freelance Writer Resume Be?

The focus of your freelance writer resume should be on demonstrating your writing expertise, versatility, and ability to deliver results. Key areas to emphasize include:

• Your unique writing voice and style
• Specific niches or industries you specialize in
• Quantifiable achievements (e.g., increased traffic, engagement rates, conversions)
• Range of content types you can produce
• Notable clients or publications you've worked with
• Your process for researching, writing, and editing

Remember to tailor your resume's focus to the specific opportunity you're pursuing, highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to the potential client or employer.

Conclusion

Crafting an effective freelance writer resume is an art form in itself, requiring you to distill your diverse experiences and skills into a compelling narrative. By following the guidelines and examples in this comprehensive guide, you'll be well-equipped to create a resume showcasing your unique writing value and help you stand out in a competitive market. Remember to continually update your resume with new accomplishments and skills and tailor it to each specific opportunity. With a well-crafted resume, you'll be ready to land your dream writing gigs and take your freelance career to new heights.

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