Do freelancers need resumes?

You probably won't like my answer

Author

Diana Kelly Levey
February 16, 2025

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I’m frequently surprised when this happens but I had two contacts ask for my resume within the past month when I inquired about doing freelance work for them.

You might think those days of updating your resume are over if you’re a full-time freelancer but I find that I get this request a few times a year.

I think it’s an old-school mentality because people sometimes don’t know how to work with freelancers and they don’t know how to ask for samples or references or past client work.

So they ask for a freelance resume.

Many freelancers will direct these possible clients to their LinkedIn profile or their freelance portfolio — which is curated with their best freelance work and organized samples of course.

I get it. I don’t think freelancers should have to apply for a freelance job by sending their resume but… I also believe in meeting people where they are sometimes.

I also understand that many corporate clients don’t know any other way of “considering a candidate" other than asking for a freelance resume.

But then you’re probably wondering, how do I organize my freelance work?

I understand the stress and overwhelm a freelancer can feel when it comes to creating a freelance resume. I’ve worked with hundreds of clients on many different types of projects and have thousands of samples.

(BTW, if you want help curating your samples and creating a portfolio that pulls in live clips, I recommend Authory. Sign up using my link!)

I found that it’s helpful to list the freelance writing jobs I’ve held the longest on my resume and include some other client mentions in the top overview copy.

If you’d like to see how I formatted my freelance resume, click the link from this page on my website.

I’m also helping freelancers with their freelance resumes on coaching calls.

We go over how to list client work, keywords to include, how to highlight skills and achievements as well as noteworthy attention in their industries.

You might never be asked for your freelance resume but in my experience, someone eventually will if you’re at this long and you’ll want a document that doesn’t need a total overhaul to send them.

If you’d like to go over how to rewrite your resume so it accurately reflects your freelance work, consulting gigs, and professional background, get in touch by replying here or booking a coaching call with me.

Thanks for being a reader.

Diana

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