As a freelancer, you likely have a diverse skill set and experience across multiple industries. That’s a huge advantage! But how do you showcase your freelance work in a way that highlights your expertise—without making it seem like you’ve jumped from job to job?

The key is to present your freelance experience strategically so potential clients and employers see the value you bring. Whether you’re looking to attract new clients on a freelance platform like Cavalry or apply for a full-time role, here’s how to list your freelance work effectively.

Best Practices for Listing Your Freelance Work

1. Use a Clear and Organized Structure

When adding freelance work to your resume or portfolio, follow a structured approach to make it easy to understand:

• Reverse Chronological Order – List your most recent freelance projects first.

• Include Dates – Provide start and end dates to showcase your experience level.

• Summarise Responsibilities – Briefly outline your role and contributions.

• Highlight Positive Outcomes – Showcase measurable achievements, such as revenue growth or increased engagement.

• Tailor Your Resume – Customise your resume for each job application, emphasising the freelance projects most relevant to the position.

2. How to List Freelance Work on a Resume

To make your freelance experience stand out, follow these steps:

• Job Title: Use a professional title that aligns with the role you’re applying for (e.g., “Freelance Graphic Designer” or “Independent Marketing Consultant”).

• Company Name: If you worked with well-known companies, list their names for credibility. Otherwise, you can list “Self-Employed” or your business name.

• Project Descriptions: Highlight key responsibilities and achievements.

• Quantify Results: Employers love numbers. For example, “Increased website traffic by 60% in six months” or “Boosted client sales by 40%.”

• Add Portfolio Links: If applicable, include links to your freelance platform portfolio or website for visual examples of your work.

3. Why You Should List Freelance Work

Some freelancers worry that listing contract or gig work might look unstable. However, when listed properly, freelance work demonstrates:

• Diverse Skill Sets – You’ve gained expertise across multiple industries.

• Initiative & Adaptability – Shows you can manage projects independently.

• Problem-Solving Abilities – Proves you can deliver results for different clients.

• Work Experience Gaps Explained – Freelance work fills employment gaps and highlights your continuous professional growth.

4. Organizing Freelance Work on Your Resume

To keep your resume structured and easy to read:

• Separate Freelance Work from Full-Time Roles – Group them under different sections.

• Prioritize the Most Relevant Projects – Place the most impressive or relevant projects at the top.

• Use Bullet Points for Clarity – Keep descriptions concise and to the point.

5. Showcase Your Work with a Portfolio

If you’re in a creative or technical field, a portfolio is essential. Include links to your:

• Website or Freelance Platform Profile

• Case Studies showing project success

• Client Testimonials for credibility

Listing your freelance work properly ensures that potential employers and clients see the full scope of your expertise. By structuring your resume effectively and using quantifiable results, you’ll stand out as a skilled professional—whether you’re looking to land new clients or a full-time job.