Can You Put Freelance Work on Your Resume?

Freelancing has become one of the most common and respected ways to gain experience and earn income. If you’ve been freelancing full-time or part-time, you may wonder:
“Can I put freelance work on my resume?”

Yes and you should. Freelance work can show initiative, independence, and real-world expertise that many employers value just as much as traditional job experience.

Why You Should Include Freelance Work on Your Resume

Freelance experience demonstrates several powerful qualities employers look for:

1. Self-Motivation and Independence
   Freelancers manage clients, deadlines, and projects on their own, showing you can work effectively without constant supervision.
2. Real-World Experience
   Working with different clients helps you gain hands-on experience across industries, tools, and business challenges.
3. Transferable Skills
   Whether you’re a designer, writer, developer, or marketer, freelancing builds communication, time management, and problem-solving skills.
4. Professional Growth
   Employers value people who take initiative to develop their own career paths, especially in today’s flexible, project-based economy.

How to List Freelance Work on Your Resume

When done correctly, freelance experience can look just as professional as any traditional job. Here’s how to do it:

1. Create a Dedicated Job Entry

Treat your freelance work as a formal position.
Example:

Freelance Graphic Designer
Self-Employed | London, UK | 2020 – Present

• Designed brand identities, social media graphics, and websites for over 30 clients across various industries.
• Improved client engagement by creating data-driven designs aligned with marketing goals.
• Collaborated with international clients via Upwork and Fiverr, maintaining 5-star ratings.

This format looks professional, clear, and achievement-oriented.

2. Group Similar Freelance Projects Together

If you’ve done multiple short-term freelance jobs, combine them under one section instead of listing each client separately.
Example:

Freelance Web Developer (Various Clients)
Remote | 2019 – 2025

• Developed responsive websites using React, Node.js, and WordPress.
• Worked with clients from the U.K., Qatar, and the U.S.
• Managed all stages of the development lifecycle — from planning to deployment.

This keeps your resume organized and easy to scan.

3. Use Results and Metrics

Whenever possible, include numbers or measurable outcomes:

• “Increased client website traffic by 40% through SEO improvements.”
• “Delivered 25+ projects with a 100% client satisfaction rate.”

Employers love quantifiable results — they show real impact.

4. Highlight Freelance Work in the Right Section

You can list your freelance work under:

• Experience Section – if it’s your main source of work or career path.
• Projects Section – if it’s occasional or side work.
• Portfolio Link – if your freelance work involves design, writing, or development, link to your portfolio or GitHub profile.

When to Include Freelance Work

Include it when:

• It’s relevant to the job you’re applying for.
• You’ve gained skills or achievements worth showcasing.
• You’ve worked with recognizable clients or on impactful projects.

Leave it out when:

• The work was very short-term or unrelated to your current career goals.
• You can’t verify the experience or provide examples of your work.

How Recruiters View Freelance Experience

Modern recruiters increasingly value freelance experience, especially as remote work becomes the norm. According to recent surveys, over 60% of hiring managers consider freelance experience equal to or better than traditional work experience, particularly in creative and tech industries.

It shows all the key traits in the modern workplace.

Example Resume Entry for Freelancers

Freelance Digital Marketer
Remote | 2021 – Present

• Developed and executed marketing campaigns for small businesses and startups.
• Improved ROI by 50% through targeted social media and email strategies.
• Used analytics tools (Google Analytics, Meta Ads Manager) to measure campaign performance.

Key Skills: SEO, Content Strategy, Paid Ads, Google Analytics, Client Communication

Can you put freelance work on your resume?
Absolutely, and you should. Freelancing reflects initiative, discipline, and a strong professional drive. When presented clearly, it can be one of the most valuable experiences you list.

Employers no longer see freelancers as outsiders, they see them as independent professionals who can deliver results.