ATS-Friendly Resume Examples and Templates
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
A good freelance writer resume focuses on your relevant skills like copy editing, time management, or independent research. Give examples of your past success as a freelance writer or in similar roles, and show your knowledge base by citing any technical training or certificate programs you’ve done. This guide provides expert tips to help you create a results-driven resume showing your best freelance writer qualifications.
Key takeaways:
- Brainstorm details about your work history on a separate document or sheet of paper. Then, identify the most relevant ones to feature in your experience section – this helps you focus your resume so it positions you for the freelance writer role.
- Use bullet points to display your achievements. Start each bullet point with a strong verb like “created,” “researched,” or “enhanced.”
- Spell out the results of your past work as a freelance writer. Describe how your efforts helped clients and readers.
Most Popular Freelance Writer Resumes
Beginner Freelance Writer Resume Example
Why this resume works
Melissa’s resume accents her contributions and results such as a 30% increase in web traffic. Learn how to make your resume stand out here.
Entry-Level Freelance Writer Resume Example
Why this resume works
The document’s simple, straightforward design will help employers quickly see Mina’s strengths as a writer and freelance professional. Learn more about arranging your skills effectively here.
Freelance Content Writer Resume Example
Why this resume works
Raheem’s resume includes detailed achievements, such as boosting traffic by 30% and improving organic rankings, alongside collaborative team achievements. Learn about enhancing your resume content here.
Freelance Grant Writer Resume Example
Why this resume works
Raymond’s resume highlights leadership roles, improved systems, and specific metrics like $3 million in secured funding. Learn how to enhance your resume here.
Freelance Technical Writer Resume Example
Why this resume works
Carla’s resume demonstrates measurable achievements, such as a 25% improvement in user satisfaction and a 30% reduction in project turnaround time. Learn how to quantify your achievements here.
Freelance Blogger Resume Example
Why this resume works
Adam’s resume features clear metrics, such as a 35% increase in traffic and a 50% growth in social shares, showcasing his ability to deliver measurable results. Learn more about tailoring your resume for impact here.
Entry-Level Copywriter Resume Example
Why this resume works
Taylor’s resume showcases their ability to deliver results, like a 20% increase in click-through rates, while emphasizing their brand voice expertise. Learn about starting strong as an entry-level writer here.
Freelance Writer With No Experience Resume Example
Why this resume works
Sophia’s resume demonstrates a proactive approach to building experience through volunteer work and certifications, which adds credibility despite her limited professional background. Learn how to write your first resume here.
Freelance Business Writer Resume Example
Why this resume works
Nathan’s resume combines measurable achievements, like a $5 million funding total, with a strong focus on collaboration and communication. Learn more about writing an effective business writer resume here.
Freelance Resume Writer Resume Example
Why this resume works
Emily’s resume emphasizes her expertise in creating impactful resumes and her success in helping clients secure interviews. Learn about resume keywords here.
Freelance Editor Resume Example
Why this resume works
Jacob’s resume combines technical editing skills with measurable outcomes, like 98% client satisfaction and bestseller results for clients. Learn about creating an editor resume here.
Freelance Social Media Writer Resume Example
Why this resume works
Chloe’s resume highlights audience growth metrics and her ability to boost engagement, which demonstrates her value as a social media expert. Learn more about listing achievements here.
Freelance Ghostwriter Resume Example
Why this resume works
Ethan’s resume showcases versatility in ghostwriting and measurable outcomes like a 95% satisfaction rate, making it a compelling example. Learn more about showcasing expertise here.
Freelance Academic Writer Resume Example
Why this resume works
Rachel’s resume emphasizes academic writing and research expertise, with clear metrics like a 99% approval rate to highlight her reliability. Learn how to showcase your research experience here.
Freelance Marketing Writer Resume Example
Why this resume works
Kevin’s resume highlights clear achievements, such as improved ROI and click-through rates, alongside his expertise in targeted copywriting. Learn about crafting marketing resumes here.
Freelance Content Strategist Resume Example
Why this resume works
Isabella’s resume combines strategic accomplishments, such as a 40% traffic increase, with clear evidence of leadership and content expertise. Learn more about leveraging analytics on your resume here.
Freelance Copy Editor Resume Example
Why this resume works
Olivia’s resume emphasizes her expertise in style guide adherence and her ability to deliver high-quality results, such as reducing errors by 25%. Learn about showcasing attention to detail on your resume here.
Freelance Creative Writer Resume Example
Why this resume works
Daniel’s resume highlights his creative achievements, including published work and film festival recognition, making him stand out in the creative writing field. Learn more about showcasing creative skills here.
Freelance Health Care Writer Resume Example
Why this resume works
Sarah’s resume blends her clinical background with her writing expertise, showcasing how she leverages both to produce impactful health care content. Learn more about tailoring skills for niche writing here.
Freelance Travel Writer Resume Example
Why this resume works
Emma’s resume highlights her ability to captivate audiences and drive engagement through her writing, supported by specific metrics like a 35% readership increase. Learn more about highlighting storytelling on resumes here.
Freelance Writer Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
How To Write a Freelance Writer Resume
Using a template can help you write an effective freelance writer resume. Your freelance writer resume should usually include these sections:
- Contact information
- Profile
- Key skills
- Professional experience
- Education and certifications
Before starting work on your resume, jot down your preferences for your target job duties or industry. These notes will help you determine and emphasize your best career details as you develop each section.
1. Share your contact information
Give your full name, phone number, email address, location, and links to any online professional profiles. Ensure your current contact information so employers can reach you for an interview.
Example
Your Name
(123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | City, State Abbreviation Zip Code | LinkedIn | Portfolio
2. Write a dynamic profile summarizing your qualifications
Impress hiring managers at the top of your resume by giving the three to five primary reasons you can excel as their next freelance writer. These key selling points may include your:
- Main strengths or specialties
- Work style or approach (efficient, diligent, collaborative…)
- College degree(s) or certifications in your field
Example
Freelance writer with a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from the University of Iowa and a Bachelor in English and journalism from UCLA and Columbia University, respectively. Created high-quality content for renowned companies like Adobe Systems, Walt Disney Company, and Sony Pictures Entertainment, significantly increasing web traffic, engagement, and search engine rankings. Expert in client communication, self-promotion, and using search engine optimization (SEO) best practices, with professional writing, content marketing, and grant writing certifications.
3. Add a compelling section featuring your freelance writer experience
View the experience section as a chance to give examples of your work and success in writing roles similar to the one you’re after. For each job in your recent work history, brainstorm your duties and achievements on a separate document or sheet of paper. Then, choose the most relevant details to feature as bullet points in this section.
Example
Freelance Writer, Walt Disney Company, Burbank, CA | December 2022 to present
- Created high-quality content for blogs, websites, and social media, increasing online visibility by 20%
- Conducted thorough research to produce accurate and engaging articles and blog posts, increasing reader engagement by 25%
- Used SEO techniques to optimize content, increasing organic search traffic by 15%
Resume writer’s tip: Quantify your experience
Use relevant performance data and metrics to show the results you’ve achieved as a freelance writer. Hard numbers put your work in context and give recruiters a better sense of your scope and impact.
Do
- "Created and edited original, engaging content for various platforms, helping increase social media followers by 25%"
Don’t
- "Created and edited original, compelling content for various platforms, helping increase social media followers"
Resume writer’s tip: Tailor your resume to each application
For each job posting you respond to, note any details about the hiring organization’s size, industry, customer base, or products and services. How do these areas compare to your recent experience? You can make a stronger first impression on the hiring manager by citing these similarities in your profile.
What if you don’t have experience as a freelance writer?
Don’t worry. As long as the job posting doesn’t strictly require it, you don’t need direct work experience to write an effective resume. The trick is focusing on your transferable skills, which can come from various areas such as your past jobs, internships, volunteer positions, or college courses. By detailing these areas in full on your resume, you can ensure it helps you get interviews for your target job.
4. Include education and certifications relevant to freelance writer
With the education and certifications sections, you can show you have a strong knowledge base in your field. Cite any credentials you’ve earned that speak to your abilities as a freelance writer. The following templates help you organize this information on your resume (note, years are optional).
Education
Template:
[Degree Name], [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Year]
[Relevant coursework or honors]
Example:
Bachelor of Arts in English, University of California, Los Angeles, CA | 2015
Certifications
Template:
[Certification Name], [Awarding Organization] | [Completion Year]
Example:
Certified Professional Writer (CPW), National Association of Independent Writers and Editors
5. List freelance writer-related skills and proficiencies
A separate skills section lets you quickly display the (possibly various) ways you can assist readers, clients, or colleagues. Below, you’ll find some key terms and skills to consider for this section:
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| Adobe Creative Cloud | Client service and relations |
| Content creation | Copy editing |
| Fact-checking | G Suite |
| Grant proposal writing | Independent research |
| Microsoft Office Suite | Project management |
| Proofreading | Reporting and documentation |
| SEO | Time management |
| Videoconferencing (Skype, Zoom) | Writing and editing |
Resume writer’s tip: Use common action verbs
One of the best ways to enhance your resume is by starting each bullet point with a strong action verb. Dynamic verbs help you keep the hiring manager’s attention and show the varied nature of your experience.
The following list can help you find a good mix of action verbs for your freelance writer resume:
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Brainstormed | Conceptualized |
| Created | Decreased |
| Developed | Drafted |
| Edited | Enhanced |
| Fostered | Generated |
| Grew | Improved |
| Increased | Introduced |
| Lowered | Managed |
| Prevented | Proofread |
| Ranked | Reduced |
| Researched | Streamlined |
| Updated | Won |
| Wrote | |
How To Pick the Best Freelance Writer Resume Template
A resume is a simple tool for professional communication and should be formatted accordingly. Choose a clear and straightforward template, and avoid any with elaborate graphics or various colors and font styles. Simple resume design helps a hiring manager scan for relevant information. It also helps you tailor the document to each job application and update your work history.
Frequently Asked Questions: Freelance Writer Resume Examples and Advice
How do you align your resume with a freelance writer job posting?
First, look closely at the job post text and note any repeated or emphasized words. Compare these phrases to the language you’re using in your resume, particularly the profile and key skills sections. Then, seek ways to align your resume language with the job posting while not copying phrases or misstating your background.
For example, if the organization seeks someone collaborative, call out that aspect of your experience in your profile. Or say the company has many non-English speaking customers. Cite your foreign language skills both in your profile and as a separate section farther down the document. With adjustments like these, you can make your resume more relevant to each opportunity.
What is the best freelance writer resume format?
Most freelance writers should use the combination (or hybrid) format. True to its name, this format combines two important features of other resume formats: the chronological format’s experience section and the functional format’s profile section. (The resume examples on this page all use combination format.)
A combination resume offers the best of both worlds by fusing these two features. The experience section lets you outline your recent work history and projects – essential information for most employers. At the same time, the profile section enables you to display your career highlights at the top, whether they’re from that work history or another part of your background.
As a result, you can present yourself clearly and strategically. This format gives hiring managers the best view of your experience and relevant strengths so they can decide to call you for an interview.
Expert advice:
Include a cover letter with your resume
A good cover letter can enhance your job application. To write a standout letter, get specific. Tell the hiring manager why you’re interested in their organization and the freelance writer role they hope to fill.
Check Out Related Examples
Executive Resume Writer and Career Coach
Andrew Stoner is an executive career coach and resume writer with 17 years of experience as a hiring manager and operations leader at two Fortune 500 Financial Services companies, and as the career services director at two major university business schools.
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