Can you put freelancer experience on a traditional job resume?

Beverly Level X³

April 23, 2014, 2:32 am

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Can you put freelancer experience on a traditional job resume?

For the past ten years, most of my work history has involved freelance writing, SEO and various web building projects. How would I go about putting this experience on a job resume for an offline job to show that I have experience in these things? What type of references can you provide in that situation for 'former employers' when you are essentially self employed?

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Charlotte

Charlotte

Just state that you worked for yourself. You might even give yourself a business name that represents your services. As for the references you could provide the names/sites of those people whom you had worked for over the years. And, provide information on the specific projects such as links to sites you have worked on.

11 years ago

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NaturalWriter

NaturalWriter

If you have regular clients, I would ask their permission to use them as references and if they could provide you with an email that you can put on the resume. Put samples of your work on the resume, even use your own websites, forums, etc as examples.

Tell them about your experiences as a freelancer, and what you have learned from your clients and the articles you wrote for them. This will also make them aware of your flexibility and your dedication to your profession. It will show them you give the job 110%. Be sure to expand on the research you've done to ensure the current information is correct.

It may be helpful to even research the place you are applying for. Showing off your writing skills by creating a neat article surrounding their business and what they provide to their employees.

11 years ago

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Jadster

Jadster

Personally, I don't feel that putting "Freelancer" is something you could put on a traditional job resume, I mean, many people see it as a hobby and not a full time paying job that you can claim to have previous experience on a resume. And I tend to agree because being a freelancer may help you but it doesn't give you the kind of experience that hands on work will give you.

11 years ago

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Miken34

Miken34

I feel that you can. It is work after all and it could be helpful in what you are applying for.

11 years ago

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Jolie

Jolie

Personally, I don't feel that putting "Freelancer" is something you could put on a traditional job resume, I mean, many people see it as a hobby and not a full time paying job that you can claim to have previous experience on a resume. And I tend to agree because being a freelancer may help you but it doesn't give you the kind of experience that hands on work will give you.

If you are a freelance web designer, that means you own your own business, rather than working for an 'employer', so how is that not real work? If you were paid and you did the work, then you own the experience that it brought. Take advantage of that experience.

11 years ago

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Corzhens

Corzhens

If you are applying for a position in the IT department then I guess you can include your relevant online experience particularly SEO work that you have done. I think the IT department will appreciate that skills and experience if they have a website that needs traffic. But for other departments, I don’t think it will be relevant to include your online work experience unless the company is into technical work.

6 years ago

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