writing a resume after being self employed

Money blog: Oasis resale U-turn as official reseller lowers fee amid criticism

The Money blog is your place for consumer and personal finance news and tips. Today's posts include Twickets lowering fees for Oasis tickets, the extension of the Household Support Fund and O2 Priority axing free Greggs. Listen to a Daily podcast on the Oasis ticket troubles as you scroll.

Monday 2 September 2024 20:11, UK

• Oasis resale U-turn as Twickets lowers fee after criticism
• Millions to get cost of living payments this winter as scheme extended
• O2 Priority customers fume as Greggs perk scaled back
• Listen to the Daily above and tap here to follow wherever you get your podcasts

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• 'This job has saved lives': What's it like selling the Big Issue?
• Eyewatering rate hike awaiting anyone coming off a five-year fixed

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Twickets has announced it is lowering its charges after some Oasis fans had to pay more than £100 in extra fees to buy official resale tickets.

The site is where the band themselves is directing people to buy second-hand tickets for face value - having warned people against unofficial third party sellers like StubHub and Viagogo.

One person branded the extra fees "ridiculous" (see more in 10.10 post), after many people had already been left disappointed at the weekend when Ticketmaster's dynamic pricing pushed tickets up by three times the original advertised fee.

Twickets said earlier that it typically charged a fee of 10-15% of the face value of the tickets.

But it has since said it will lower the charge due to "exceptional demand" from Oasis fans - taking ownership of an issue in a way fans will hope others follow. 

Richard Davies, Twickets founder, told the Money blog: "Due to the exceptional demand for the Oasis tour in 2025, Twickets have taken the decision to lower our booking fee to 10% and a 1% transactional fee (to cover bank charges) for all buyers of their tickets on our platform. In addition we have introduced a fee cap of £25 per ticket for these shows. Sellers of tickets already sell free of any Twickets charge.

"This ensures that Twickets remains hugely competitive against the secondary market, including sites such as Viagogo, Gigsberg and StubHub.

"Not only do these platforms inflate ticket prices way beyond their original face value but they also charge excessive booking fees, usually in the region of 30-40%. Twickets by comparison charges an average fee of around 12.5%"

The fee cap, which the Money blog understands is being implemented today, will apply to anyone who has already bought resale tickets through the site.

Mr Davies said Twickets was a "fan first" resale site and a "safe and affordable place" for people to trade unwanted tickets.

"The face value of a ticket is the total amount it was first purchased for, including any booking fee. Twickets does not set the face value price, that is determined by the event and the original ticketing company. The price listed on our platform is set by the seller, however no one is permitted to sell above the face-value on Twickets, and every ticket is checked before listing that it complies with this policy," he said.

Meanwhile, hundreds of people have complained to the regulator about how Oasis tickets were advertised ahead of going on sale. 

The Advertising Standards Authority said it had received 450 complaints about Ticketmaster adverts for the gigs.

Some  expressed their anger on social media , as tickets worth £148 were being sold for £355 on the site within hours of release, due to the "dynamic pricing" systems.

A spokesperson from ASA said the complainants argue that the adverts made "misleading claims about availability and pricing".

They added: "We're carefully assessing these complaints and, as such, can't comment any further at this time.

"To emphasise, we are not currently investigating these ads."

Ticketmaster said it does not set prices and its website says this is down to the "event organiser" who "has priced these tickets according to their market value".

Despite traditionally being an affordable staple of British cuisine, the average price for a portion of fish and chips has risen by more than 50% in the past five years to nearly £10, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Sonny and Shane "the codfather" Lee told Sky News of the challenges that owning J-Henry's Fish and Chip Shop brings and why prices have skyrocketed. 

"Potatoes, fish, utilities, cooking oil - so many things [are going up]," he said. 

Shane also said that he is used to one thing at a time increasing in price, but the outlook today sees multiple costs going up all at once.  

"Potatoes [were] priced right up to about £25 a bag - the previous year it was about £10 a bag," Sonny said, noting a bad harvest last year. 

He said the business had tried hake as a cheaper fish option, but that consumers continued to prefer the more traditional, but expensive, cod and haddock. 

"It's hard and we can we can absorb the cost to a certain extent, but some of it has to be passed on," Shane added. 

After a long Saturday for millions of Oasis fans in online queues, the culture secretary says surge pricing - which pushed the price of some tickets up by three times their original advertised value to nearly £400 - will be part of the government's review of the ticket market. 

On today's episode of the Daily podcast, host Niall Paterson speaks to secondary ticketing site Viagogo. While it wasn’t part of dynamic pricing, it has offered resale tickets for thousands of pounds since Saturday. 

Matt Drew from the company accepts the industry needs a full review, while Adam Webb, from the campaign group FanFair Alliance, explains the changes it would like to see.

We've covered the fallout of the Oasis sale extensively in the Money blog today - see the culture secretary's comments on the "utterly depressing" inflated pricing in our post at 6.37am, and Twickets, the official Oasis resale site, slammed by angry fans for its "ridiculous" added fees at 10.10am.

The growing backlash culminated in action from Twickets - the company said it would lower its charges after some fans had to pay more than £100 in extra fees for resale tickets (see post at 15.47).

Tap here to follow the Daily podcast - 20 minutes on the biggest stories every day

Last week we reported that employers will have to offer flexible working hours - including a four-day week - to all workers under new government plans.

To receive their full pay, employees would still have to work their full hours but compressed into a shorter working week - something some workplaces already do.

Currently, employees can request flexible hours as soon as they start at a company but employers are not legally obliged to agree.

The Labour government now wants to make it so employers have to offer flexible hours from day one, except where it is "not reasonably feasible".

You can read more of the details in this report by our politics team:

But what does the public think about this? We asked our followers on LinkedIn to give their thoughts in an unofficial poll.

It revealed that the overwhelming majority of people support the idea to compress the normal week's hours into fewer days - some 83% of followers said they'd choose this option over a standard five-day week.

But despite the poll showing a clear preference for a compressed week, our followers appeared divided in the comments.

"There's going to be a huge brain-drain as people move away from companies who refuse to adapt with the times and implement a 4 working week. This will be a HUGE carrot for many orgs," said Paul Burrows, principal software solutions manager at Reality Capture.

Louise McCudden, head of external affairs at MSI Reproductive Choices, said she wasn't surprised at the amount of people choosing longer hours over fewer days as "a lot of people" are working extra hours on a regular basis anyway.

But illustrator and administrative professional Leslie McGregor noted the plan wouldn't be possible in "quite a few industries and quite a few roles, especially jobs that are customer centric and require 'round the clock service' and are heavily reliant upon people in trades, maintenance, supply and transport". 

"Very wishful thinking," she said.

Paul Williamson had a similar view. He said: "I'd love to know how any customer first service business is going to manage this."

We reported earlier that anyone with O2 Priority will have their free weekly Greggs treats replaced by £1 monthly Greggs treats - see 6.21am post.

But did you know there are loads of other ways to get food from the nation's most popular takeaway for free or at a discount?

Downloading the Greggs app is a good place to start - as the bakery lists freebies, discounts and special offers there regularly. 

New users also get rewards just for signing up, so it's worth checking out. 

And there's a digital loyalty card which you can add virtual "stamps" to with each purchase to unlock discounts or other freebies.  

Vodafone rewards

Seriously begrudged Virgin Media O2 customers may want to consider switching providers. 

The Vodafone Rewards app, VeryMe, sometimes gives away free Greggs coffees, sausage rolls, sweet treats and more to customers.

Monzo bank account holders can grab a sausage roll (regular or vegan), regular sized hot drink, doughnut or muffin every week. 

Birthday cake

Again, you'll need the Greggs award app for this one - which will allow you to claim one free cupcake, cream cake or doughnut for your birthday each year.

Octopus customers

Octopus Energy customers with smart meters can claim one free drink each week, in-store from Greggs (or Caffè Nero).

The Greggs freebie must be a regular size hot drink.

Make new friends

If you're outgoing (and hungry), it may be worth befriending a Greggs staff member.

The staff discount at Greggs is 50% on own-produced goods and 25% off branded products. 

If you aren't already aware, Iceland offers four Greggs sausage rolls in a multi-pack for £3. 

That means, if you're happy to bake it yourself, you'll only be paying 74p per sausage roll. 

Millions of Britons could receive extra cash to help with the cost of living this winter after the government extended the Household Support Fund.

A £421m pot will be given to local councils in England to distribute, while £79m will go to the devolved administrations.

The fund will now be available until April 2025 having been due to run out this autumn.

Councils decide how to dish out their share of the fund but it's often via cash grants or vouchers.

Many councils also use the cash to work with local charities and community groups to provide residents with key appliances, school uniforms, cookery classes and items to improve energy efficiency in the home.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: "The £22bn blackhole inherited from the previous governments means we have to take tough decisions to fix the foundations of our economy.

"But extending the Household Support Fund is the right thing to do - provide targeted support for those who need it most as we head into the winter months."

The government has been criticised for withdrawing universal winter fuel payments for pensioners of up to £300 this winter - with people now needing to be in receipt of certain means-tested benefits to qualify.

People should contact their local council for details on how to apply for the Household Support Fund - they can find their council  here .

Lloyds Bank app appears to have gone down for many, with users unable to see their transactions. 

Down Detector, which monitors site outages, has seen more than 600 reports this morning.

It appears to be affecting online banking as well as the app.

There have been some suggestions the apparent issue could be due to an update.

Another disgruntled user said: "Absolutely disgusting!! I have an important payment to make and my banking is down. There was no warning given prior to this? Is it a regular maintenance? Impossible to get hold of someone to find out."

A Lloyds Bank spokesperson told Sky News: "We know some of our customers are having issues viewing their recent transactions and our app may be running slower than usual.

"We're sorry about this and we're working to have everything back to normal soon."

We had anger of unofficial resale prices, then Ticketmaster's dynamic pricing - and now fees on the official resale website are causing consternation among Oasis fans.

The band has encouraged anyone wanting resale tickets to buy them at face value from Ticketmaster or Twickets - after some appeared for £6,000 or more on other sites.

"Tickets appearing on other secondary ticketing sites are either counterfeit or will be cancelled by the promoters," Oasis said.

With that in mind, fans flocked to buy resale tickets from the sites mentioned above - only to find further fees are being added on. 

Mainly Oasis, a fan page, shared one image showing a Twickets fee for two tickets as high as £138.74. 

"Selling the in demand tickets completely goes against the whole point of their company too… never mind adding a ridiculous fee on top of that," the page shared. 

Fan Brad Mains shared a photo showing two tickets priced at £337.50 each (face value of around £150, but increased due to dynamic pricing on Saturday) - supplemented by a £101.24 Twickets fee. 

That left him with a grand total of £776.24 to pay for two tickets.

"Actually ridiculous this," he  said on X .

"Ticketmaster inflated price then sold for 'face value' on Twickets with a £100 fee. 2 x £150 face value tickets for £776, [this] should be illegal," he added. 

Twickets typically charges between 10-15% of the ticket value as its own fee. 

We have approached the company for comment.

Separately, the government is now looking at the practice of dynamic pricing - and we've had a response to that from the Competition and Markets Authority this morning.

It said: "We want fans to get a fair deal when they go to buy tickets on the secondary market and have already taken action against major resale websites to ensure consumer law is being followed properly. 

"But we think more protections are needed for consumers here, so it is positive that the government wants to address this. We now look forward to working with them to get the best outcomes for fans and fair-playing businesses."

Consumer protection law does not ban dynamic pricing and it is a widely used practice. However, the law also states that businesses should not mislead consumers about the price they must pay for a product, either by providing false or deceptive information or by leaving out important information or providing it too late.

By James Sillars , business reporter

It's a false start to the end of the summer holidays in the City.

While London is mostly back at work, trading is fairly subdued due to the US Labor (that's labour, as in work) Day holiday.

US markets will not open again until Tuesday.

There's little direction across Europe with the FTSE 100 trading nine points down at 8,365.

Leading the gainers was Rightmove - up 24%. The property search website is the subject of a possible cash and shares takeover offer by Australian rival REA.

The company is a division of Rupert Murdoch's News Corp.

One other point to note is the continuing fluctuation in oil prices.

Brent crude is 0.7% down at the start of the week at $76.

Dragging the cost lower is further evidence of weaker demand in China.

Australia's REA Group is considering a takeover of Rightmove, in a deal which could be worth about £4.36bn.

REA Group said in a statement this morning there are "clear similarities" between the companies, which have "highly aligned cultural values".

Rightmove is the UK's largest online property portal, while REA is Australia's largest property website. 

It employs more than 2,800 people and is majority-owned by Rupert Murdoch's News Corp,.

REA Group said: "REA sees a transformational opportunity to apply its globally leading capabilities and expertise to enhance customer and consumer value across the combined portfolio, and to create a global and diversified digital property company, with number one positions in Australia and the UK.

"There can be no certainty that an offer will be made, nor as to the terms on which any offer may be made."

Rightmove has been approached for comment.

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How to Include Self-Employment on Your Resume

3 key takeaways

• What self-employment is
• Best practices for creating a self-employed job description
• How to put self-employed on a resume using the free Teal AI Resume Builder

If you’ve ever worked as a contractor, a freelancer, or a small business owner, you are someone who has been self-employed.

Thanks to this experience, you know that even when you’re working for yourself, this absolutely counts as real work experience. Beyond what you’d learn in a more traditional job, you’re also growing in areas like time management, taking initiative, and problem-solving.

The key is learning how to take this valuable work history and translate it onto self-employed resumes to increase your chances of landing a job.

Sound like a tall order? Here’s what you need to know about the best method of how to put self-employed work on your resume (with self-employed resume examples included).

Including self-employed on resumes: Why it matters

"Self-employed" is a fairly broad term. At its most basic level, it means that you worked independently, for yourself (rather than, for example, working with one specific company). But the life of a self-employed professional can vary widely, looking like:

• Freelancing: With freelance work, your schedule is highly flexible, working with multiple clients (whom you choose) on short-term projects. 
• Sole proprietorship: Most freelancers are sole proprietors. In other cases, sole proprietors are considered business owners who can do things like hire employees.
• Contract work: An independent contractor generally has a working relationship with a single client on longer, fixed-term projects.
• Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurs make money by starting and building a business.
• Partnership: A partnership is the next step up from a sole proprietorship. It’s a business owned by two or more people.
• Consulting: Consultants are often independent contractors—people who offer expert advice to private companies. 

While these are all types of self-employed experiences, many of these terms carry some overlap. If you don’t know which one best describes your work and employment history, fall back on “self-employed.”

Should you put self-employment on your resume?

Absolutely!

Including career-focused experiences—such as freelance writing on the side, contract work between full-time jobs, or even opening a small business—can help prove your flexibility and resourcefulness. (But remember, listing every job title or experience you’ve ever had might not be relevant. Hiring managers probably don’t care about that lemonade stand you had in middle school.)

Outside of more general job skills (like interpersonal skills), people who are self-employed also commonly specialize in a certain type of work. You can showcase any technical competencies or hard skills in the " About Me" section of your self-employed resume and beyond.

Practical guide: Listing self-employment on your resume

In many ways, adding self-employed work to your resume will look the same as adding any other job or work experience on your resume . You’ll want to include:

• A job title (that clearly signals you were self-employed)
• A company name
• The dates you started and ended each position or gig (dividing up certain freelance projects, for example)
• Bullet points with compelling descriptions of what you did
• A well-written resume summary
• Additional skills, certifications , or successes 

But figuring out what to put for the company name when self-employed can be tricky. One option is to include a header that says “Freelance” or “Contract” and list multiple independent contracting clients as subheaders under that:

• Freelance Writer 
• XYZ Company
• ABC Company

Another is to name your job title and the client or company on the same line, with further description underneath:

• ABC Company — Freelance Graphic Designer

If you have your own business, you can include your business name. Just make sure to denote that you’re an entrepreneur rather than an employee.

Finally, if you don’t have much space to include your self-employed experience, it’s okay not to name any companies at all. Simply say “Consultant” or “Freelancer” with a couple of brief sentences about your self-employed work experience, mentioning specific personal projects where you achieved results:

• Freelance Developer: Helped five clients design and maintain websites, lowering bounce rate to 30% and increasing conversion rate to 3%. Worked with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP.

Write your self-employed resume with Teal

The Teal AI Resume Builder offers one tool to create, optimize, and manage your resume. You can build one from scratch or upload an existing resume (or your LinkedIn profile!) to get started. Then, use Resume Analysis and Matching Mode to bridge any gaps between your self-employed experience and each unique role you apply for.

Articulating your self-employed role: Creating a compelling job description

Once you’ve figured out a good header, the next step is writing a self-employed job description for a resume that explains exactly what you did as your own boss. 

This means adding relevant bullet points (with metrics, wherever possible); using strong action verbs (achieved, exceeded, generated); and staying honest about what you did or didn’t do

But as you list self-employment experiences on a resume, you’ll want to specifically highlight any self-employed skills you acquired or honed during those experiences that you might not have gotten during a traditional 9-5. For example, did you:

• Improve your time management and organizational skills by working on multiple new client projects at once?
• Market yourself and your personal brand on social media to gain more clients?
• Adapt your work to fit the different guidelines of each company you worked with?

These are all great details that you should weave into a self-employed resume summary.

Should you put your small business on your resume? Sure! If you’ve ever started your own small business, this is a great detail to include on your resume—this is something that not everyone has done. Describe yourself as business owner, CEO, or manager, whichever one feels most appropriate for you as a self-employed professional. If you have a company website, you can add it as a bullet point along with your contact details.

Self-employed resume examples

Full-time self-employed sample resume.

Looking for a sample self-employed resume to impress a hiring manager? Take a look at the work experience section of this self-employed photographer resume . As one of the best resume templates, this self-employed resume example breaks down the job seeker's self-employed projects into bullet points:

Self Employed Photographer

01/2023 – 04/2023

Captured Moments Photography

• Developed and implemented a comprehensive marketing plan, resulting in a 30% increase in client inquiries and a 20% increase in bookings within the first year.
• Collaborated with industry professionals to organize and host a successful photography exhibition, attracting over 500 attendees and generating significant media coverage.
• Established a streamlined system for organizing and storing client images, improving efficiency by 25% and ensuring quick and easy access to files for future projects.

Photography Business Manager

09/2022 – 12/2022

• Created a visually stunning and user-friendly website to showcase portfolio and services, resulting in a 40% increase in website traffic and a 15% increase in client conversions.
• Developed a pricing structure that maximized profitability while remaining competitive in the market, leading to a 10% increase in average project revenue.
• Implemented a client payment tracking system, reducing late payments by 20% and improving cash flow management.

Photography Assistant

07/2022 – 09/2022

• Researched and invested in high-quality photography equipment and software, resulting in enhanced image quality and increased client satisfaction.
• Stayed up-to-date on industry trends and techniques, incorporating new styles and editing methods into work, resulting in a 15% increase in client referrals.
• Developed an efficient system for editing and retouching images, reducing editing time by 30% and ensuring timely delivery of final products to clients.

Part-time Self-employed sample resume

If your self-employment experience is more of a side project, here’s what this freelance work on your resume might look like for a freelance artist , who has a full-time job while also doing freelance work:

Freelance Artist

ArtistFreelance Solutions

• Collaborated with a team of designers and developers to create a series of digital illustrations for a popular mobile game, resulting in a 25% increase in downloads and a 15% increase in revenue.
• Managed a project to create a series of sculptures for a public art installation, completing the project on time and within budget, resulting in positive feedback from the community and local media.
• Created a series of logos and branding materials for a startup company, resulting in a 50% increase in brand recognition and a successful launch of their product.

3D Animator and Illustrator

ArtFreedom Freelance

• Developed a series of 3D models and animations for a virtual reality experience, resulting in a 40% increase in engagement and positive feedback from users.
• Collaborated with a team of artists and designers to create a series of illustrations and animations for a children's book, resulting in a successful launch and positive reviews from readers.
• Created a series of digital paintings for a client's website, resulting in a 30% increase in website traffic and engagement.

Illustrator and Animator

FreelanceArtistry Solutions

• Collaborated with a team of artists and designers to create a series of storyboards for a video game, resulting in a successful launch and positive reviews from players.
• Created a series of illustrations and animations for a social media campaign, resulting in a 20% increase in engagement and positive feedback from followers.
• Developed a series of sculptures for a public art installation, resulting in positive feedback from the community and local media.

Self-employed entrepreneur sample resume

For a freelance event planner , a self-employed resume sample might look like this:

Freelance Event Planner

Nexus Networks

• Developed and executed a high-profile corporate gala, resulting in a 30% increase in attendance and a 25% increase in sponsorships, exceeding client expectations.
• Managed a team of 15 event staff and volunteers, ensuring seamless coordination and execution of all event logistics, resulting in a flawless attendee experience.
• Implemented a comprehensive marketing strategy, including social media campaigns and targeted email marketing, resulting in a 40% increase in event registrations.

Event Coordinator

Lyra Logistics

• Organized and executed a series of fundraising events for a non-profit organization, raising over $100,000 in donations and exceeding fundraising goals by 20%.
• Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers, achieving cost savings of 15% without compromising the quality of services and products.
• Developed and implemented a comprehensive event timeline and budget, resulting in efficient resource allocation and cost control, saving the client 10% on overall event expenses.

Palladium Partners

• Created and executed a large-scale conference for a technology company, managing a budget of $500,000 and achieving a 15% cost savings through strategic vendor negotiations.
• Developed and implemented a comprehensive safety plan, ensuring compliance with all regulations and guidelines, resulting in zero safety incidents during the event.
• Evaluated event success through attendee surveys and feedback, resulting in a 95% satisfaction rate and valuable insights for future event planning.

Additional ways to showcase your self-employment experience

Once you’ve finished describing the bulk of your self-employment work experience, you may want to consider adding additional sections to highlight any of the following:

• Certifications: Certifications you’ve earned can help add credibility.
• Publications: If you were interviewed or featured in an industry publication, this may be worth including on your self-employed resume.
• Awards: Extra space in your self-employment resume can be filled with any awards you may have won as a result of your self-employed skills. 

Mentioning specific projects can be helpful, too. For instance, maybe you worked on a huge website revamp or created a marketing strategy from the ground up. These are good projects to include on a self-employed resume. 

The significance of self-employment on your resume

Including freelance, consulting, or entrepreneurship work on your resume is a helpful way to give hiring managers a comprehensive view of your experience and soft skills.

And you don't need to hire a certified professional resume writer to create a standout resume. Once you learn how to list self-employment on a resume (like the self-employed resume samples shown above), it’s not so hard after all.

Make the process easier with Teal’s free AI Resume Builder. From your contact information to your resume summary all the way down to skills, the Resume Builder uses AI to help you quickly and accurately write a self-employment resume that helps you put your best foot forward for a hiring manager. (Hint: The Work Experience section is especially helpful if you’re looking to add multiple self-employment experiences.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Are freelance and self-employed the same.

Yes—since freelancers work for multiple clients and control their own schedule, they are self-employed. Other types of self-employment include consulting, contract work, and entrepreneurship.

What should I put on my resume if I’m self-employed?

A good self-employment resume will include details of the clients you worked with, the type of work you did for each one, and the results your client saw as a result.

What do I put for my employer when self-employed?

State that you are self-employed (such as a freelancer or consultant). Then name a few of the clients you’ve worked with.

Hailey Hudson

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Self Employed Resume Samples [+ 3 Examples]

This page provides you with Self Employed resume samples to use to create your own resume with our easy-to-use resume builder . Below you'll find our how-to section that will guide you through each section of a Self Employed resume.

“You are self-employed! I don’t get why you would need to work on a resume!”

How many times have you heard your peers asking you this question? How often do you get frustrated at them because they just don’t understand?

Well, you have done the right thing, looking for the best self-employed resume sample on the web. Even professionals like you need a resume (actually, a standout resume!). It’s quite likely you just want to know your worth in today’s market or perhaps you want to send out a few resume to see if you could get a once-in-a-lifetime call that might change your mind regarding your future.

We have helped thousands of entrepreneurs like you probe the market and see if it’s worth staying in their position as a self-employed or if they actually want to take the leap. Let us inspire you, as well, with the most effective self-employed resume sample you could think of: we are ready to start building your future!

Also, check out our collection of 500+ resume samples .

You are or have been the mastermind behind the creation of your business: you do not know what fear feels like! You have an outstanding amount of talents, from conceptualizing organizational operations, budgets and branding to implementing them through careful feedback and research. You have had stellar ideas and you most likely have outstanding leadership and motivational skills...and don’t forget about your exceptional problem-solving skills!

As a business innovator, you have so many different and desirable strengths and your biggest challenge in creating a strong resume is to remain concise.

One of the first steps you should take is to format the resume so that your strengths are highlighted, along with your best achievements.

Ensure clear layouts are used to make sure the recruiters keep on scrolling down: white space and legible fonts make for easy reading and give the recruiters’ eyes a rest

Last but not least, make sure you save your resume as a .pdf.

We won’t have anything against you, Microsoft, but the Word formatting can sometimes be an issue whereas a .pdf is set in carbonite.

How to Write a Self Employed Resume?

To write a professional Self Employed resume, follow these steps:

• Select the right Self Employed resume template.
• Write a professional summary at the top explaining your Self Employed’s experience and achievements.
• Follow the STAR method while writing your Self Employed resume’s work experience. Show what you were responsible for and what you achieved as a Self Employed professional.
• List your top Self Employed skills in a separate skills section.

How to Write Your Self Employed Resume Header?

Write the perfect Self Employed resume header by:

• Adding your full name at the top of the header.
• Add a photo to your resume if you are applying for jobs outside of the US. For applying to jobs within the US, avoid adding photo to your resume header.
• Add your current Self Employed to the header to show relevance.
• Add your current city, your phone number and a professional email address.
• Finally, add a link to your portfolio to the Self Employed resume header. If there’s no portfolio link to add, consider adding a link to your LinkedIn profile instead.
• Bad Self Employed Resume Example - Header Section

Deon 696 Rock Maple St. South Lyon, MI 48178 Marital Status: Married, email: [email protected]

• Good Self Employed Resume Example - Header Section

Deon Nguyen, Lyon, MI, Phone number: +1-555-555-5555, Link: linkedin/in/johndoe

Make sure to add a professional looking email address while writing your resume header. Let’s assume your name is John Doe - here is a formula you can use to create email addresses:

• [email protected] - [email protected]
• [email protected] - [email protected]
• [email protected] - [email protected]
• [email protected] - [email protected]
• [email protected] - [email protected]
• [email protected] - [email protected]

For a Self Employed email, we recommend you either go with a custom domain name ( [email protected] ) or select a very reputed email provider (Gmail or Outlook).

The Self Employed Resume Summary Section

Summaries don’t sound the most appealing or even necessary elements of a resume and yet they are needed. Most times recruiters don’t have the time to read every single detail of your resume and all they want is summaries. Make sure you captivate them with your most impressive business achievements and your excellent and unrivaled networking ability.

There are one or two tips from us to help you today:

DO (Summarize your employment)

• Keep the list of your skills short.
• Ensure you highlight one or two important skills above the others.
• Use numbers, percentages and figures to demonstrate measurable success

DON’T (Summarize your life)

• Try to be too funny, this is a professional resume
• Use a smart or pompous tone in the summary.
• Talk as if you are better than the recruiter.

Self Employed Resume Examples - Summary

• Owner - Self Employed Resume Sample - Summary

Highly motivated, articulate, creative and versatile sales professional with several years of technology sales management experience and an entrepreneurial flair. Especially skilled at building productive working relationships with clients and staff. Adept at developing effective tactics to execute long-term results in the most efficient means possible.

• Self Employed Resume Example - Summary

A highly resourceful general management and marketing communications professional with years of experience in strategic planning, improving operational efficiency, building and managing teams across multiple departments, financial management, and project management.

Work Experience

This section might get tricky - you have had a couple (or more!) of experiences working on your own business. The biggest mistake you could do is to say something like: “That business didn’t do that well, I should not include it”.

That is so wrong - as a self-employed, you have worn so many hats that it does not really matter if you have failed, because you will never really fail as long as you have learnt from something. We suggest you list any experience you have had, as an entrepreneur and even any previous one as an employee. Show your future employer your level of experience and be as detailed as possible!

Self Employed Resume Examples - Work Experience

• Owner, Self Employed Resume - Work Experience
• Guiding SMEs to break through growth barriers via Sales and Marketing strategies.
• Coaching business owners and professionals to boost revenue, attract new customers, and optimize marketing spending.
• Developing competitive business and pricing models. Create motivational workshops that increase collaboration and growth.
• Self Employed Resume - Work Experience

Self Employed

• Preparing individual and sole proprietorship tax returns.
• Prepare offer in compromise on behalf of the client to resolve tax debt.
• Building new and maintaining existing client relationships.
• Conduct research and analyze state and federal tax issues.

Here are tips to help with this part:

Do (Summarize your work history)

• Showcase why you are the perfect candidate for the job.
• Be concise and detailed
• Experience should be added where applicable.

DON’Ts (Summarize your relationship history)

• Bring your ego to the table.
• Have more than 3 references at the bottom of the work history.
• Fake references or work history is a no!

For more tips on writing the best work experience section for a self-employed like you, check out our detailed resume guide .

We get it, lots of successful self-employed professionals are dropout miracles. That does not have to apply to everyone though. Your education is very valuable and recruiters want to know what made you the professional you currently are. It’s very important to have even a brief section covering your education, where these points should be covered:

• Which learning institutes you attended and what you studied.
• The number of years you studied.
• The outcome of the education – i.e. qualifications.

It doesn’t matter if you’re only able to provide the most basic elements of your educational background, it still counts. Employers are often suspicious of people who leave their education out of a resume as it gets them wondering what they’re hiding. Even if it’s limited, it’s good to list and in truth, not everyone will have university degrees or education to list. If that’s the case, don’t worry, list what education you can.

Top Self-Employed Resume Skills

Recruiters aren’t going to spend hours and hours going through hundreds of resumes; they are going to use simple but effective methods to narrow their search down.

One of the simplest methods they will use is to opt for a keyword search, which is why the skills you list must be relevant to the job at hand. Remember, if you aren’t using relevant keywords you won’t get far!

We believe it’s fundamental that you add both hard and soft skills. These will make the difference and potentially get your name to the top of the list. Of course, if you start listing skills which aren’t really relevant to your job, we doubt you’ll get a callback, so think carefully before you list any skill!

Top Self Employed Resume Skills for 2022

• Microsoft Office
• Communication
• Strategic Planning
• Hyperion Planning, HFM, Essbase, SAP
• Budget Preparation & Implementation
• Reporting, IFRS and USGAAP
• Applications
• General: Business Development
• People Management

How Long Should my Self Employed Resume be?

Your Self Employed resume length should be less than one or two pages maximum. Unless you have more than 25 years of experience, any resume that’s more than two pages would appear to be too long and risk getting rejected.

On an average, for Self Employed, we see most resumes have a length of 2. And, that’s why we advise you to keep the resume length appropriate to not get rejected.

How to List Self Employed on a Resume?

In addition to the ones at top, these additional self-employed resume examples serve as an excellent examples of how to list self employed on a resume.

• How to List Self Employed on Resume Sample

• Cover Letter: yes or no?

If you want an advantage over other candidates, we strongly suggest you use a cover letter.

If you need help, we’ve got you covered !

Should I Add my Self-Employment to a Resume?

Yes, self-employment should be added to your resume. Apart from displaying your relevant work experience, adding self employment to your resume also ensures that there are no unexplained gaps in your work history.

How to List Self-Employment on Your Resume?

To list self employment on your resume, consider adding a job title for the period of self-employment and add relevant work experience under it. If you were a self-employed freelancer who worked for multiple clients - consider adding a line for each of your relevant client work under your work history.

What is your job title if you are self employed?

If you are self employed, your job title should be either "Self Employed" or "Freelance". You can also put a specific title e.g. "Editor" or "Freelance Editor".

How to write own business experience in resume?

If you ran your own business, list yourself as the Owner, CEO or Managing Director of the business under your work experience. List your relevant responsibilities in the form of a bullet list.

How to add your small business to your resume?

While adding your small business experience to resume, make sure you select on the most relevant roles and responsibilities. Most small business owners wear multiple hats, but listing specific responsibilities keeps your relevant to the job that you are applying for.

How to put independent contractor on resume?

To list yourself as an independent contractor on resume, create a separate entry under your work experience. Add “Independent Contractor” as title followed by the responsibilities in a bulleted list.

How to write entrepreneur experience on resume?

Create an entry in your work experience section with a title of Entrepreneur/CEO/Self Employed and list your duties below it. Make sure to display the impact of work done. Keep your responsibilities relevant to the job that you are applying for.

We really, really want you to get your dream job, and we’ve come up with some additional tips!

DO (make yourself look great)

• Include awards, they are always welcomed.
• Promotions or how you’ve climbed the ranks can show your quality.
• Create a brief list of hobbies, if they fit the job.
• Honesty goes a long way.
• Include a link to your LinkedIn page

DON’T (embarrass yourself)

• Avoid adding information which might be sensitive about other businesses or organizations.
• Avoid having a link to your Facebook, Twitter or Instagram accounts!
• Sell yourself short.

We have given you tips for the best self-employed resume sample: now, if you are also looking for the best self-employed resume templates, you should check this masterpiece we have been working on ; many professionals like you have successfully used it to take their career to the next level.

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How To List Self Employment on Your Resume [+ Examples]

A detailed guide from a senior recruiter on how to list self-employment on your resume with specific examples.

3 years ago   •   9 min read

“But self-employment isn’t a real job …”

Okay, so times are changing, and nobody really believes this anymore (we hope)! But there are still employers out there who don’t fully “get” self-employment. Was it a hidden employment gap? A glorified hobby? How much work did you really do, and for who? The best way to assuage those doubts isn’t to give in to them — it’s to counter them with a resume that explicitly answers all those questions.

The first rule of self-employment is that it 100% belongs on your resume. The second rule is to treat it like you would any other kind of employment.

A step by step guide to listing self employment on your resume

First things first: Here's a breakdown of how to add self employment to your resume.

• Give yourself a proper job title. Make sure it's descriptive and clear about what you actually did.
• Add 'Freelance,' 'Independent Contractor,' or 'Consultant' to the end of your job title.
• List a company name — Your Name Consulting (or similar) is fine.
• Include a short blurb to describe the context and scope of your work.
• Detail your accomplishments in bullet points.
• Use quantifiable metrics (including specific dollar amounts).
• Include a resume summary to explain the nature and relevance of your experience (optional).
• Run your resume through a free resume checker to identify potential areas for improvement.

An example of self-employment on your resume

Here's a template you can use for listing self employment on your resume:

MY NAME CONSULTING SERVICES Independent Consultant / Freelancer [Try to add keywords to job title, e.g. SEO Consultant] New York, NY, 2015 — Present Developed strategic insights for seven medium-large companies ($5M+/year) to improve SEO, web traffic and conversions. Revamped and implemented new websites for four companies. Selected Projects Search Engine Optimization project for American pet store - Analyzed data from 25000 monthly active users and used outputs to guide marketing and product strategies; increased average app engagement time by 2x and 30% decrease in drop off rate

And here's an example of what a work experience section might look like for someone who's been self-employed:

To view and download the entire self-employment resume template, go to our resume templates page.

When listing self employment on your resume, you should list your experience and accomplishments like you would any other kind of employment. This means that your bullet points should have action verbs, quantifiable achievements, and relevant skills. A good way to check if your resume is effective is to upload it to the tool below — it’ll let you know if your bullet points are strong enough and provide suggestions for improvements.

Tips for listing self employment on your resume

Here's a more detailed breakdown of things to keep in mind when listing self-employment on your resume.

Give yourself a job title, instead of calling it 'Self-Work'

The first step to making your self-employment look legit is to give yourself a proper job title. Generally avoid the word “self-work” here. Instead, think about what you actually did and give it a title in line with traditional employment — Photographer, Recruiter, Web Designer. Where possible, choose a job title that's aligned to the job that you are applying for (that might help you get past ATS ).

To make the context clear, you can add Freelance, Independent Contractor (if you worked with external clients), or Consultant (if you consulted external companies) to your title.

Choose your company name carefully

You have two options for listing a company name when you're an independent contractor or self employed:

Use your own name

You can even list your own name as a consulting firm if you didn’t operate with a business name — there’s no need to make one up after the fact. Listing a business name gives your work an air of legitimacy and makes it easier to group the projects you worked on while self-employed.

Use a company or client name

Alternatively, you can list the name of the company you worked with as long as you're careful to explain the nature of your working relationship. This can be as simple as listing "independent contractor" after your job title. Here's an example:

ABC Company , Columbus, OH Project Manager | Independent Contractor (June – November 2019)

Explain what you did in your bullet points

The biggest problem you’re likely to run into when transitioning from self-employment to traditional employment is recruiters who don’t fully understand what it is you did. Keep this short and relevant to the job you’re applying for.

For example, if you’re applying for a position in advertising, here's what a bullet point might look like:

Completed graphic design projects for companies as an independent contractor across the United States including product logos, social media graphics, and packaging design. Specialized in brand management and multimedia.

Use bullet points that are specific and tell recruiters where your skills lie.

Include dollar-amounts in your bullet points

To avoid recruiters thinking your self-employment was just a 'hobby', use specific dollar amounts to show the size of the contracts you worked with . For example, if you worked as a freelance web developer, you can say something like "Completed freelancer web development projects ranging from $5000-$18000..." This shows the significance of your work.

Using numbers on your resume is called quantifying your resume — see this step by step guide on how to quantify your resume .

Highlight specific projects from your contract work

An independent contractor resume isn't going to look exactly like a standard resume, and that's okay. Instead of a traditional work history, consider highlighting specific projects. Choose a handful of projects that highlight your most relevant skills or accomplishments and list those as you would any other work experience:

• List your accomplishments in bullet points
• Start with a strong action verb
• Focus on accomplishments
• Explain what you did and what the result was

If you worked with a single client long-term, group multiple projects under a single company heading. Or, if you worked on multiple short-term projects, you can group those together under the name of your consulting firm.

For more tips, see our guide on how to list contract and temporary work on a resume .

List self employment in your resume summary

A resume title is an easy way to tailor your resume and bypass ATS by including relevant keywords. Including a short summary directly below that allows you to quickly explain or contextualize information that might not be immediately obvious — perfect for people transitioning out of self-employment. This should provide a quick overview of your experience and 1-2 of your most impressive accomplishments, for example:

Writer with 8+ years’ experience seeking to write high-ranking, high-traffic articles for [Company] as an independent contractor. Current clients include [list high-profile or reputable companies]. Regular contributor to list [magazines, websites, or other publications]. Have written over 1000 published, high-ranking articles since 2012. Increased traffic for [specific project] by 500,000 in 18 months and reduced bounce rate by 50%.

Here are more resume summary examples you can draw from.

List technical skills and tailor it to the job you apply to

Depending on the position you’re applying for, a skills section is often a must. Any hard skills you’ve picked up while self-employed belong in this section, including things like programming languages, software programs, and technical competencies. Avoid listing soft skills like communication or flexibility — if you really want to highlight these, you can do that through your bullet point accomplishments .

If you’re not sure which skills to include on your resume, use the tool below to get a list of hard skills and keywords relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Here are some more examples of how to format your resume skills section .

Include a projects section to highlight self employment

Even better than listing your skills is showing how you’ve used them in action. A projects section can be useful for anything that doesn’t quite belong with your work experience, like personal projects. This avoids blurring the line between your paid employment and side hobbies, while providing evidence of any skills you may have developed but haven’t used in a professional context.

This is an alternative you can consider, especially if you don't feel your self-employment is significant to be included in your work experience (e.g. it was a part-time job or a side-project)

Format projects in the same way as your work experience, listing accomplishments and providing a link if applicable.

Read more about how to list projects on your resume .

Self employment and independent contractor bullet point examples

If you're stuck on exactly what accomplishments to list under your self employment, here are a few examples to get you started:

Analyzed data from 25000 monthly active users and used outputs to guide marketing and product strategies; increased average app engagement time by 2x and 30% decrease in drop off rate

Drove redevelopment of internal tracking system in use by 125 employees, resulting in 20+ new features, reduction of in save/load time and 15% operation time

Identified steps to reduce return rates by resulting in an eventual $75k cost savings

Overhauled the obsolete legacy source code of two production applications, resulting in increased usability and reduced run time performance by 50%

Analyzed data from 25000 monthly active users and used outputs to guide marketing and product strategies; increased average app engagement time by 2x, 30% decrease in drop off rate, and 3x shares

Spearheaded a major pricing restructure by redirecting focus on consumer willingness to pay instead of product cost; implemented a three-tiered pricing model which increased average sale 35% and margin 12%

Led the transition to a paperless practice by implementing an electronic booking system and a faster, safer and more accurate business system; reduced cost of labor by 30% and office overhead by 10%

Additional sections you can add to highlight your self-employment experience

Other things that might belong on your resume and fall under self-employment include:

Certifications

If they’re significant (you don’t need to list every three-hour online course you’ve ever completed) and relevant to the position you’re applying for, you can list certifications in the education, projects, or additional section of your resume.

Publications

If you’ve been published in a journal, newspaper, or other reputable source, feel free to list these publications on your resume . Again, keep it to a small handful of the most relevant publications. A few strong examples can demonstrate your authority in your field and provide an additional ‘reference’ to back up your expertise.

If you work in a field like programming, writing, or design, it’s often standard to include a link to your portfolio. Make sure your portfolio examples are strong and relevant — your portfolio should be a selling point, not a distraction.

Community outreach

If you’re heavily involved in your professional community — through speaking at conferences, performing community outreach, or volunteering — you can list this on your resume provided it’s relevant and strengthens your candidacy.

Client references

Avoid including these directly on your resume, but think about who could be your references should the company you get hired by ask for them. Direct references are best — while things like testimonials have their place and are useful to collect, most hiring managers will want to speak directly to people who are familiar with your work.

What's the difference between self employment, consulting, freelance work, and independent contracting?

Consulting, freelance, and contract work are all different types of self employment.

Independent Contractors work for companies on a contractual basis. These can be long-term or short-term contracts, and may or may not have a firm end date. Independent contractors typically work on one project at a time and may do work similar to that of a regular employee, including working on-site, but are responsible for their own payroll, taxes, and specific working arrangements.

Freelancers often work on multiple projects for different clients at once. They tend to work remotely (from home or a shared work space) rather than from a client's office. Freelancers typically aren't bound by strict work agreements , leaving them free to take on as much or as little work as they choose — hence the name.

Consultants are usually experienced, high-ranking professionals with a background in their specific field. Instead of working directly for companies, they are hired to solve problems and provide big picture solutions, generally commanding high rates commensurate with their expertise.

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How to Show You Are "Self Employed" On Your Resume

In This Guide:

Should you put self-employment on a resume, how to put self-employed work experience on your resume, how to put self-employed in a resume summary, how to put self-employed skills on your resume, how to put self-employed projects on a resume, examples of self-employed on resume, takeaways: self-employed on resume.

Being self-employed is great, you are your own boss.

In addition to that, it lets you take your future into your own hands and gives you lots of important skills .

Self-employment can show your potential employer that you are self-driven and that you have entrepreneurial spirit.

But you have to know how to do it right.

Don’t downplay your experience and don’t sell yourself short.

Make sure your potential employer understands the value of your self-employment.

But how to play your cards right with this one?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

In this article, we are going to go through all the important questions going through your head:

• How to Put Self-Employed in a Resume Summary ?

And, of course, we are going to leave you off with some great examples to get you going.

In case you have some more general wondering about your resume, check out How to Make Your Resume Stand Out .

But if you are ready to jump in the self-employment on your resume, stick around.

Upload & Check Your Resume

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

First things first – should you actually include self-employment on your resume?

The short answer is yes. You absolutely should.

Your self-employment is still a part of your work experience , and you should not omit it.

As long as it is relevant, it doesn’t matter if it is a full-time job, freelance, or self-employment.

What matters is your experience and the skills you gained in the process.

Furthermore, it is a great way to fill a work history gap and avoid potential red flags with your potential employer.

So don’t hesitate and display proudly your self-employed work experience .

The most important section, that is an absolute must for your self-employment, is your Work Experience Section .

What you need to do here is list your self-employment like any other job .

You would want your resume to keep the same formatting all throughout.

But since it is not an ordinary job, there are some specifics we need to take care of.

First of all – the job title.

You would want to show that your experience is self-employed, but you need to avoid words like “self-employed” or “self-work”.

What you can do instead is use powerful words to describe it just as clearly, but in a more influential way.

The most commonly used ones are “Contractor”, “Consultant” or “Freelancer”.

Another way to go is to write President, CEO or Company Owner, but in that case you really need to have something to show.

Once you are done with that, you need to include a company name.

If you have created a company for your self-employment – it is easy, you just list its name.

But what to do, if you are a freelancer?

In that case, you should include the companies you have provided services for.

You should include the biggest names you have worked with in order to impress the hiring managers.

However, it is a good idea to make sure that these companies can acknowledge your services.

For your bullet list, make sure you list all your greatest work-related achievements, as you would do for any other job.

Last but not least, don’t forget to keep it relevant to the job position you are applying for.

No one would like to read work experience that is not relative, no matter how impressive it is.

The Resume Summary is the first thing hiring managers see after your name and contact information .

It is a key moment for you to make it as good as possible.

It is the Resume Summary that would decide if the hiring manager is going to keep reading or not.

If most of your experience is self-employed, you would want to include it right here.

And you would want to do it right.

But that part is actually not that difficult.

What you would want to do is write your Resume Summary the same as anyone else’s.

No matter if you are self-employed or have a career or full-time positions, the Resume Summary consists of the same components.

Your Resume Summary should include:

• Your most prominent contracts
• Accomplishments
• Relative skills

Make sure you make it all relative, and don’t make it too long, as you may lose the hiring manager’s attention.

If you have any kind of portfolio, that might be a good place to include it.

Your Skills Section can be crucially important on your resume.

Especially if you have chosen a Functional (Skill-Based) Resume Format .

So let’s make sure you do it right.

You probably want to list all the skills you have gained from all your different projects .

But if you do so, no one would even consider reading your resume.

No hiring manager would read more than a one-page resume , or a two-page resume if you have lots of work experience .

So what you need to do is pick out the best 10-15 skills for the position you are applying for.

Don’t forget to tailor your Skills Section according to every position you apply for.

If you have more of a project-based work experience , it would not be practical to list all projects under the Work Experience Section .

Instead, you can create an additional Projects Section on your resume

That’s where you should include all relevant projects that you have participated in.

Once again, keep in mind that your resume should stick to one page .

So don’t overdo it.

List only these projects which can really contribute to your resume.

Now that we know how to put self-employed in all important sections , it’s time to see it in practice as well.

We promised you some examples, and we deliver.

So, let’s dive in, section by section.

In the Work Experience Section

As we said earlier, your self-employed work experience should not look any different from any other job position on your resume:

New York Public Library: 02.2019 – 02.2020

Independent Contractor – Web Programmer

• Designed a new web page for the New York Public Library
• Created an interactive list with all books in the New York Public Library
• Integrated a booking system for users of the New York Public Library

In the Resume Summary

Make sure you make your Resume Summary catchy and make the hiring manager keep reading:

Highly capable and seasoned web programmer with solid background building interactive websites and tools within small businesses, large corporations and government institutions. Proven track record delivering high-class websites and tools which deliver greater success to the clients. Core strengths including great communication skills, understanding the client’s mindset and innovative programming thinking.

In the Skills Section

Include only the best and most relative skills into this section:

• Time & Resource Management
• Process Optimization
• Team Leadership and Development
• Great Communication Skills
• Knowledge in a variety of programming languages (HTML&CSS, PHP, JavaScript, ReactJS, Python)
• Result-oriented

Don’t forget to tailor them according to every position you apply for.

In the Projects Section

For this section, you can list every project you wish in the same formatting as in the Work Experience Section :

We are all done.

Now you know why self-employed experience is important and how to include in the different sections of your resume.

You are now ready to list your self-employed experience and present yourself in the best possible light.

Take your time and think about which self-employed experience to list.

Don’t forget to make it all relevant to the job position you are applying for.

Keep our examples in mind and make your self-employed experience get you your next job in no time.

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How to Create a Self-Employed Resume in 2024 [+Example]

People who are self-employed depend on successfully advertising their services for a living, and one of the best tools for that is an impactful self-employed resume. Independent professionals can gain a considerable edge in a competitive job market by creating a well-structured, experience-focused resume and sending it out to potential clients.

So, if you don’t have one or if you want to freshen up your current one to increase your chances of expanding your client base, then this article is tailor-made for you.

Our HR experts did a deep dive on the topic and gathered everything that should be on your self-employed resume and more, so make sure you read through to the very end.

Key Takeaways

• Due to the increased freedom that comes with self-employment, candidates should highlight their initiative, project management expertise, and leadership potential on their resumes.
• Your resume should have a summary or objective statement, your contact information, your educational and work history, and a section detailing your soft and hard skills.
• When outlining your background as a self-employed person, it’s a good idea to include information like volunteer work, languages spoken, certifications obtained, and publications.
• At the end of this article, you can find a sample resume for a digital marketer that covers all the pillars of a good self-employed resume.

What is Self-Employed?

Instead of working for a corporation and receiving a salary, self-employed people choose to either work for themselves and supply certain services or contract with businesses directly.

Being your own boss gives you a lot of freedom to choose your own hours, work from wherever you like, and keep as much or as little of what you make as you like. To keep on top of things, though, a lot of discipline, time management skills, and organizational abilities are also necessary.

Several categories of self-employment exist, including but not limited to:

• Freelancer. It is common practice for freelancers to provide their services to clients on a contract or project basis.
• Independent contractor. When businesses need help with a specific project but don’t want to hire full-time employees, they often turn to independent contractors.
• Sole proprietor. A sole proprietorship is a business that has one owner and is operated under that person’s name. The business is run by the owner, who is also responsible for paying taxes based on the business’s profits.

Should You Include Self-Employment on Your Resume?

You should highlight your self-employment on your resume for the following reasons:

• It showcases your autonomy. Your ability to take charge and take responsibility for your work is highlighted when you include your self-employment experience on your resume. When you work independently, you are accountable for all of your work and professional decisions instead of hiding behind answering to another person or following the guidelines of an organization.
• It demonstrates project management experience. You can highlight your ability to see projects through successfully by listing self-employment on your resume. Whether you’re working solo or in a team, you may explain how you identify and implement the most effective methods for getting things done. This exemplifies your problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• It displays leadership skills. Including self-employment on a resume can show an employer that you are capable of handling several responsibilities. You need leadership abilities to motivate your team to complete assignments on time and to achieve your team’s or organization’s goals.

Self-Employment Resume Contact Information

Your contact information, which should be listed first on the resume, should include:

• Full legal name. Put your name at the top of the resume, where it will be clearly seen.
• Professional job title. Think about your title or the heading that best describes what you do for a living.
• Contact details. Add your phone number, email, and physical address (if applicable) as a last touch.

The following is an example of how a self-employed resume’s contact information may look:

Madison Miller Digital Marketer 418-555-7979 [email protected]

How to Write a Resume Summary/Objective for Self-Employment

There is a significant distinction between a resume summary and an objective, despite their superficial similarities.

The summary provides the prospective employer with a concise overview of your qualifications for the advertised position. The objective, on the other hand, concentrates on the kind of job that you are looking for and places an emphasis on your long-term professional objectives.

Self-Employment Resume Summary

I am a result-driven digital marketer who has two years of experience working in corporate environments and three years of experience running my own business. I have extensive knowledge when it comes to the areas of social media and SEO.

This self-employed resume summary provides a condensed review of the applicant’s talents, highlighting strengths such as the applicant’s ability to work in a variety of different capacities within the marketing industry.

Self-Employment Resume Objective

To provide digital marketing services while leveraging my understanding of search engine optimization (SEO) and social media marketing in order to assist my clients in expanding their brand awareness, boosting their revenue, and driving more traffic.

This resume objective displays the individual’s ambition as well as their desire to apply their abilities to the benefit of their clients and bring success to those clients.

Education Section of Self-Employment Resume

When you are putting together an education section of your self-employed resume, the first thing you should do is label the section “Educational Background.”

Then, you should provide a comprehensive summary of the academic accomplishments you have achieved. Be sure to put the most recent item at the top of the list.

Include information on the degree that was obtained, the name and location of the educational institution that was attended, and the number of years spent there. If you already possess a degree beyond that of a high school graduate, there is no need to mention your high school diploma.

The following is an example of a potential structure for the education section:

Educational Background

Master of Science in Marketing Science, Columbia University, New York City, NY September 2018–June 2020

Bachelor of Science in Marketing Analytics, New York University, New York City, NY September 2014–June 2018

How to Add Self-Employment Experience to Your Resume

Consider the following suggestions if you are not sure how to write your own business experience on your resume:

• Come up with a title. Choose a title that communicates something about the nature of your self-employment and the services you provide.
• Compose a summary. Summarize your history of self-directed work. Make sure to highlight these accomplishments using metrics like key performance indicators (KPIs) to back up your claims.
• Create a list. To demonstrate the extent of your business experience, provide a list of relevant clients and projects, as well as the kind of success your work has brought them.

In your self-employed resume, you can demonstrate your experience as a digital marketer in the following ways:

Owner of Madison Miller Marketing: 2020 to present day

• I worked with clients in the beauty industry and created online advertising and search engine marketing campaigns for them. As a result of my contribution, the clients saw a rise of 25% to 34% in their annual revenue.
• I developed strategies for marketing through social media for my clients in the health industry. My clients were able to get a minimum of 20,000 social media followers in less than a quarter, thanks to my services.
• I wrote SEO content for clients in the wellness industry. I assisted the clients in achieving a 700% increase in the amount of organic website traffic they received.

How to Add Skills to Self-Employment Resume

When it comes to adding self-employed resume skills, it is essential to keep in mind that both soft skills and hard skills should be included.

Soft skills, also known as transferable skills, are the kinds of skills that are applicable to a wide range of vocations and work environments. For instance, some of the best-known examples of soft skills include communication, teamwork, dispute resolution, critical thinking, and logical reasoning.

Hard skills, on the other hand, are workplace-specific abilities that may be learned through direct experience. Data entry, maintaining network security, developing original content, conducting market research, and other similar activities are all examples of hard skills.

When it comes to including these abilities on your self-employed resume, the most effective strategy for drawing attention to them is to create a section labeled “skills” and list them all in that section. For the sake of greater clarity, you may want to categorize soft skills and hard skills into different groups.

Also, make sure that you place a strong emphasis on the skills that are required for the position that you are applying for, which can help you differentiate yourself from the other candidates.

This section of your resume could contain information along these lines:

Soft Skills

• Active listening
• Conflict resolution
• Critical thinking
• Effective communication

Hard Skills

• Campaign management
• Digital advertising
• Market research

You can add a phrase or two to each skill that explains how you put them to use if you haven’t already demonstrated the practical application of these skills in the experience section of your self-employed resume.

How to Add Other Sections to Self-Employment Resume

You have the option of deviating from the standard self-employed resume format by incorporating certain additional sections, such as:

• Volunteer work. Think about including volunteer work that is related to your line of employment. Consider the following sentence as an illustration: As a social media specialist at an NGO, I am responsible for maintaining audience interaction and the consistent uploading of content to social media platforms.
• Languages. Make a list of all the languages you can communicate fluently in. You can present yourself as a person who is proficient in French, Spanish, and English, which enables you to engage effectively with customers located all over the world.
• Certifications. You can also include any applicable certifications that you have received. Consider stating: Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP), obtained by completing an intensive online learning program that covers topics such as SEO, social media marketing, and metrics.
• Publications. Bring employers’ attention to any literary work that you have made or that you have contributed to. Take a look at the following as an illustration: Author of a book about running a business that offers guidance to ambitious folks who are looking to be self-employed.

Should You Write a Cover Letter With Your Self-Employment Resume?

It is recommended that you accompany your resume with a cover letter . A cover letter gives you the opportunity to introduce yourself and demonstrate why you would be a benefit to the company or client you want to work with.

The following is an example of a cover letter that accomplishes exactly that goal.

Dear HR Manager,

I am writing to express my enthusiasm about the possibility of working for Publicis Groupe in the capacity of a digital marketing specialist. As a professional with five years of experience in the industry, I am certain that my knowledge of SEO, search engine marketing, market research, and digital advertising will contribute to the success of your company.

You will find attached a copy of my resume, which provides an overview of my experience and skills, for your consideration. I would be grateful to discuss with you how my background aligns with the requirements you have at the moment.

Sincerely, Madison Miller

Self-Employment Resume Example

After going over the many parts that make up a resume and looking at several different self-employed resume examples, let’s take a look at a comprehensive example of a resume for a self-employed digital marketer.

Summary I am a result-driven digital marketer who has two years of experience working in corporate environments and three years of experience running my own business. I have extensive knowledge when it comes to the areas of social media, marketing for search engines, and SEO.

Self-employment Experience

• I worked with clients in the beauty industry and provided them with online advertising and search engine marketing campaigns. As a result of my contribution, the clients saw a rise of 25% to 34% in their annual revenue.
• I wrote SEO content for clients in the wellness industry. I assisted the clients in achieving a 700% increase in the amount of organic website traffic they received. Skills

Certifications

HubSpot Academy’s Digital Marketing Certification Course OMCA™ Certification for Digital Marketers

Final Thoughts

And with that, we’ve reached the end of our resume guidance for self-employed individuals for 2024!

As a professional who is self-employed, it is essential to have a resume that showcases all of your previous work, qualifications, talents, and anything else that is relevant in order to differentiate yourself from the other professionals in your field.

If you were unsure before, after reading this article, you should know everything there is to know about creating a stellar self-employed resume. Good luck with your next career adventure!

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How to Get Jobs After Being Self Employed

Last Updated: August 4, 2024 References

This article was co-authored by Colleen Campbell, PhD . Dr. Colleen Campbell is the Founder and CEO of The Ignite Your Potential Centers, Career and Life Coaching based in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles. Colleen received her MA and PhD in Clinical Psychology from Sofia University and has been career coaching since 2008. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 122,671 times.

Getting a position with an employer after being self employed is an obtainable goal. However, it will come with its own unique challenges. Employers will need to be assured of your reasons for joining a team or company and that you have the skills or qualifications they are looking for. Tailor your job search process to meet these needs in order to increase your chances of obtaining the position you are seeking.

Creating Or Updating Your Resume

• List your most impressive skills first.
• Try listing a skill or duty first and follow it with client or employer information.
• The focus is on demonstrating your capabilities rather than your history.
• You won't need to list your past work experience in chronological order.

"If you don't have much experience, try to take part in a pro bono project or a piece of contract work that you can list on your resume."

Colleen Campbell, PhD

• The best place for your mission statement is on the cover page of your resume.
• The aim of your mission statement is to answer any concerns your employer may have regarding how you will adjust to working in a team setting.
• Your reasons should demonstrate that you are going to be a good fit at your new place of employment.
• A general mission statement might read something like "Seeking a dynamic workplace that allows me to use my interpersonal skills in a challenging environment."

• Any close clients that you had can serve as references.
• If you had a partner in the business, they can provide a reference.
• Personal contacts might provide good references.

Applying For Positions

• Try looking online at the company's website to get a better feel for their culture.
• Ask any contacts you might have what the culture is like at the place you are investigating.
• Looking up reviews of the company can give you a good idea of how they interact with either past employees or customers.
• Most every employer will have some kind of social networking presences that you can examine.

• Keep this in mind when crafting your resume and objective. If they need a team leader, you can emphasize your ability to self-start and keep yourself on task, which will translate nicely.

Consider a change to something similar to what you already have experience doing. Career and life coach Dr. Colleen Campbell says: "When you're changing careers, it can be really hard to translate the skills from your old job, but it's not impossible. Often, it's a good idea to find a balance between the right fit for yourself and the opportunities that are available. However, if what you want is a complete change, you can do that by creating a strategic action plan."

• Make your professional goals known to those you meet. You never know who might end up helping you obtain a new position.
• Finding a friend that already works in a field you're interested is a great way to make contacts in that field. You might also be able to make additional contacts through people you already know.
• Talk about your skills and accomplishments as well as anything you are currently working on.
• Keep track of the names and faces of any contacts you make.

• You might want to turn your blog into your resume by including a neat presentation of your qualifications and contact information.
• Make sure your blog is sending the right message. Keep your content, tone and presentation clean and professional.

Succeeding During Your Interview

• Interviews are two-way processes. Don't forget that you can evaluate the company as well.
• You might want to ask what the company's goals are for the future.
• Present yourself in a way that shows you being a good match for the organizational nature of the company.
• Pay careful attention to the language used by the organization or the job offer and try to mirror it. Use words like "motivated", "focused" or "reliable" to describe yourself.

• Leave yourself enough time to show up early.
• Dress appropriately for the position and work culture you are applying for.
• Be courteous and polite to everyone you meet even if they aren't directly interviewing you.
• Practice your interview before hand.

• Discuss your skills in a way that shows how they will be a perfect and unique fit.
• For example, you might say something like "When I ran my own firm, I successfully landed X client despite their initial hesitance to go with a small business. I know that I can use the same persuasive ability to help your firm."
• Showcase your marketing skills by demonstrating a successful campaign you ran.
• If you did have employees or contractors, talking about how you managed your team can demonstrate your leadership capabilities.

• Make it clear that working for or under someone else is not a problem.
• Expressing enthusiasm about working on a team again can also be a good idea.
• You might try saying something like "As my own boss, I found that I missed the creative energy I get from bouncing ideas off other people. I am looking forward to once again being part of an energetic and dynamic team."

Expert Q&A

• Focus on your strengths and skills. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Find an employer that is a good fit for you in terms of personal values. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Think of your reasons for leaving self-employment. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/927/04/
• ↑ http://www.askamanager.org/2010/09/are-employers-hesitant-to-hire-formerly.html
• ↑ http://www.irishjobs.ie/careeradvice/how-to-get-a-job-after-being-self-employed/
• ↑ http://www.cio.com/article/2906379/careers-staffing/how-to-tell-if-a-companys-culture-is-right-for-you.html
• ↑ http://info.theladders.com/career-advice/self-employed-to-employee-making-switch
• ↑ http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/245499
• ↑ https://career.berkeley.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/Guide/Interviewing.pdf

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How to List Self-Employment on a Resume

• Aug 30, 2024

Knowing how to put self-employed experience on a resume requires more than just detailing your roles—it's about framing your entrepreneurial journey to highlight leadership skills and achievements effectively.

Whether you're a freelancer, consultant, or small business owner, strategically presenting your self-employment on a resume can make a compelling case to recruiters.

This guide offers actionable insights and best practices to ensure your resume not only reflects your entrepreneurial spirit but also positions you as a valuable asset in today's competitive job market.

Should I put self-employed on my resume?

Whether or not to add self-employment on your resume depends on how important it is to the job you're applying for. Below are some considerations to keep in mind.

If your self-employment experience directly relates to the position you're applying for, definitely include it.

For example, if you were self-employed as a graphic designer and you're applying for a design position, this experience is highly relevant.

Highlighting skills

Use your self-employed job description to showcase responsibilities that demonstrate your ability to excel in the role you're applying for.

Focus on measurable accomplishments and skills gained during this period.

Use bullet points to list them:

• Achievements could include milestones like revenue growth, successful project completions, or client testimonials.
• Skills could range from technical abilities ( e.g., programming languages, design software ) to soft skills ( e.g., client communication, project management ).

Whenever possible, quantify your achievements with numbers or percentages. This adds credibility and demonstrates the impact of your work.

Transferrable skills

Even if your self-employment wasn't directly related to the job you're applying for, consider including it to demonstrate transferrable skills. These can include entrepreneurship, project management , client relations, or financial management.

Gaps in employment

If you have periods that would otherwise appear as gaps in your work history , including self-employment on your resume can provide clarity. It is your chance to show that you were actively working during those times.

If the gap requires more explanation than can fit on a resume with self-employed jobs, you can address it briefly in your cover letter . Focus on how your experience has prepared you for the role and why you are now ready to return to a traditional job.

Create your professional Cover letter in 10 minutes for FREE

Honesty and transparency

Be prepared to discuss your self-employment during interviews . Employers may be curious about why you chose this work model and what you learned from the experience.

How to list self-employment on a resume?

Adding self-employment to resumes involves highlighting your experience and achievements in a structured manner.

What to use as a job title?

Your job title should reflect the work you do and the services you offer.

Here are some common titles used across different industries:

• Freelancer . If you offer services on a project basis, such as graphic design , writing, or consulting.
• Consultant . Often used if you provide expert advice or guidance in a specific field.
• Contractor . Common for those in construction, home improvement, or specialized trades.
• Entrepreneur . If you're starting and running your own business.
• Owner/Proprietor . Simple and straightforward, indicating you own the business.
• Creative Director . Suitable if you manage creative projects or have a leadership role in a creative industry.
• Designer . Appropriate for those in various design fields like graphic design, interior design, etc.
• Coach/Mentor . Used if you provide coaching or mentoring services in personal development, career guidance, etc.
• Artist/Artisan . For individuals in the arts and crafts industry.
• Developer . Suitable for software developers , app developers, or website developers.

What to put for a company name when self-employed?

Many self-employed individuals simply use their own name as their business name. Alternatively, if you prefer to keep it simple and straightforward, you can use "Self-Employed" .

If you have a partner or co-founder, you could combine your names or initials, such as "Smith & Jones Consulting" .

Dates of self-employment

Provide the start and end dates ( month and year ) for each period of self-employment. This gives employers a clear timeline of your entrepreneurial activities.

Use a reverse-chronological format where your most recent experience is listed first. This allows hiring managers to see your most current activities quickly.

If your business primarily serves a specific region or if location played a significant role in your work, mention the city and state or country (for remote jobs ) where you operated.

However, if your clients were spread out globally or if your work was primarily conducted online, it is possible to avoid adding a specific location to a resume for self-employed individuals.

Self-employed job description

Clearly state the services or products you offer as a self-employed individual. For example, if you're a freelance fitness trainer , you might say, "Provided personal training services both in-person and online" .

If possible, quantify your achievements . For instance, you could mention the number of clients served, successful projects completed, or revenue generated .

Create your professional Resume in 10 minutes for FREE

Self-employed resume examples, freelance writing resume example.

Objective Detail-oriented and creative writer with 4+ years of experience in freelance writing. Seeking to leverage strong research and writing skills to contribute high-quality content to a dynamic organization. Professional Experience Freelance Writer Self-Employed January 2020 - Present Weekly produce over 20 articles and blog posts for clients in technology, finance, travel, and health industries, with an average length of 1000 words per piece. Achieve a 90% client satisfaction rate by delivering high-quality, well-researched content on time and within budget. Increase organic traffic for client websites by an average of 30% through SEO-optimized content strategies. Manage a portfolio of 8-10 clients concurrently, generating $50,000 in annual revenue through repeat business and referrals. Marketing Assistant Tech Solutions Inc., Springfield, IL June 2018 - December 2019 Created and executed content marketing campaigns that contributed to a 25% increase in lead generation and a 15% growth in social media engagement. Authored and optimized 50+ blog posts and articles, resulting in an average of 1000 views per post and improved search engine rankings. Managed company social media accounts, growing the LinkedIn follower base by 1500+ in 12 months. Coordinated 3 major industry events, attracting over 300 attendees per event and generating $100,000+ in new business opportunities. Education Bachelor of Arts in English Illinois State University, Normal, IL Graduated: May 2018 Skills Proficient in content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress and HubSpot. Strong research, writing, and editing skills with a keen eye for detail. Experienced in SEO best practices and digital marketing strategies. Excellent project management and organizational abilities, adept at managing multiple priorities and deadlines. Certifications Content Marketing Certification (HubSpot) - 2024 SEO Fundamentals Certification (Google) - 2023

Self-employed tutor resume sample

Self-employment consulting resume example.

Summary Results-oriented consultant with over 10 years of experience in advising global clients across healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. Proven track record in strategic planning and implementation, driving transformative initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and profitability. Experience Independent Consultant Self-Employed January 2023 - Present Provide strategic advisory services to small pharmaceutical companies, focusing on market entry strategies and competitive analysis. Develop business plans and financial models that facilitated $1 million in seed funding for a startup client. Manage client relationships independently, maintaining a 95% client satisfaction rate and securing repeat business. Senior Consultant Strategic Vision Advisors, New York, NY June 2019 - January 2023 Led a team of 10 consultants in delivering strategic initiatives for pharmaceutical clients. Advised clients on market access strategies, resulting in a 15% increase in product penetration within 6 months. Developed and implemented a pricing optimization model, which improved client profitability by 20%. Managed client relationships, ensuring satisfaction and securing additional $2 million in project extensions. Consultant Catalyst Partners, Boston, MA June 2014 - May 2019 Conducted market research and analysis for a healthcare startup, providing insights that guided a $5 million investment decision. Prepared comprehensive reports and presentations for C-level executives, facilitating informed decision-making. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and implement a new product launch strategy, resulting in 30% revenue growth in the first year. Education Master of Business Administration (MBA) Harvard Business School, Boston, MA August 2015 - May 2017 Bachelor of Science in Economics Yale University, New Haven, CT August 2010 - May 2014 Skills Strategic Planning & Implementation Financial Analysis & Modeling (Proficient in Excel and Tableau) Market Research & Competitive Analysis Project Management Client Relationship Management Data Analysis & Visualization Certifications Certified Management Consultant (CMC) - 2024 Project Management Professional (PMP) - 2023 Languages Proficient in Spanish

Putting self-employed roles on your resume is a powerful way to demonstrate initiative, adaptability, and valuable skills gained outside traditional employment.

By carefully structuring your experience, emphasizing achievements, and aligning them with the job you're applying for, you can effectively showcase your entrepreneurial background to prospective employers.

Remember, clarity and relevance are key—craft your resume to highlight how your self-employment journey uniquely qualifies you for the opportunities ahead.

Trevor Richfield

Career Coach & Professional Resume Writer

Trevor is a professional resume writer, career coach, and Nationally Certified Online Profile Expert (NCOPE) with well over 1,000 resumes under his belt. He emphasizes the importance of building an authentic professional brand you are proud to display to potential collaborators and employers. From recent graduates to executive leaders, Trevor has helped professionals land jobs at Fortune 500 companies and expand their own independent ventures.It's not only about results with Trevor, but about a continuous journey of professional and personal empowerment.

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How to Add Self Employment on Your Resume + Examples

11 min read · Updated on April 17, 2024

Learn the secrets to highlighting self employment on your resume.

Chances are that you already realize the importance of including relevant work experience in your resume. Employers always want to see that you have the experience they're looking for, after all. 

But what if your relevant experience includes freelance work or other forms of self-employment? 

Can you include self-employment in your resume? 

More importantly, how can you include that information in a way that entices employers to offer you an interview?

In this post, we will explore when and why you should include this type of experience and provide some tips and examples you can use to effectively highlight self-employment in your resume.

What is self-employment and why does it matter?

When most people think of self-employment, they envision a small business owner running a shop offering products and services to their community. While that is one type of self employment, it's important to recognize that people engage in this type of work in a variety of different ways. Self employment can include:

Independent contractors like construction workers, business consultants, and other service providers

Freelancers like writers, graphic artists, and others who engage multiple clients on a per-project basis

Entrepreneurs who own and operate formal business enterprises

Any type of work that you've done that didn't involve working as a formal employee of another company can be properly considered a form of self employment. In other words, if you're the boss and you define your duties, schedule, and project terms, chances are that you're self-employed.

Should you always include self employment in your resume?

Of course, it's important to recognize when you should include self employment on your resume. In most instances, this work experience can be an invaluable addition to any resume. When you work for yourself, you employ a wide range of skills that employers might be looking for in their new hires. It's also likely that your experience included many relevant achievements that you'll want to share with those employers.

Moreover, if you spent any serious time being self-employed, omitting that experience could leave a significant gap in your work history – a gap that you'll probably need to explain during an interview. To avoid that issue, it's wise to include self employment in your resume. Just make sure that you focus on relevant skills and achievements when you're detailing those jobs.

On the other hand, if you've done a little freelancing as a side gig throughout your career – and that work has no relevance for your current career goals, then you may want to leave that information off your resume. As a rule, irrelevant information is always a distraction. You'll need to decide whether your self-employment experience enhances your resume.

Tips to include self employment in your resume

It's important to ensure that you include this information in the most effective way possible. While you should add self employment to your work experience section, you may need to adjust your details to properly convey your qualifications. The following tips can help to guide you through that process.

1. Give yourself a job title that reflects the nature of your freelance work

Treat this work experience as other independent contractors and freelancers would on their resumes — give yourself a title that reflects the type of work you did during your time of self employment, and add the word "Contract," "Consultant," or "Freelancer" to that title.

You should also try to avoid using titles like Chief Executive Officer or other upper-echelon positions – unless you're applying for a higher-level management position. Use a title that accurately describes your work, but that also aligns as much as possible with the role you're seeking.

2. Consider adding a company name for consistency on your resume

Some people like to provide a company name so that the format looks like their other work, but that's entirely up to you. If you operate under a company name, then use it. If not, you can just describe the type of work you've done and reference the job title you've assigned to yourself.

3. Provide a summary of the services you offer

Below your job title and dates of employment, write a blurb that explains the type of work you performed as a freelancer. If you worked for multiple employers, you could mention how you did X, Y, and Z types of work for several clients in A, B, and C industries.

4. Use bullet points to highlight noteworthy projects or clients

If there are any specific projects you worked on that demonstrate your marketable skills and achievements, use bullet points to call attention to this relevant work. Try to focus on measurable achievements that highlight the type of value that you provided to each client.

Related post : 47 Accomplishment Examples for Your Resume: Expert Picks

Self employment on resume: example

To help you better understand how one of these self-employment listings might look in your resume, we've included an example below. This example doesn't include any mention of specific clients, but you could add a brief mention of notable customers if you think that it might help to reinforce your qualifications.

Communications & PR Consultant (Contract), San Diego, CA | 2022 to Present

Offer communications and public relations support for clients in the pharmaceutical sector. Address clients' needs, from message development and media outreach to materials creation and planning. Manage media relations, medical meeting support, competitive intelligence, and materials development for OTC health and pharmaceutical clients. Key projects include:

Increased consumer awareness for cervical cancer by developing campaign materials, including banner ads, print collateral, and copy for the microsite, resulting in a documented 45% increase in consumer outreach.

Doubled coverage and blog backlinks for a client with an OTC treatment for acid reflux by developing a new blogger sweepstakes.

Researched, hired, and media trained new spokesperson to represent biotechnology company's new treatment for exercise-induced asthma.

Self employment on resume: skills

Of course, your work experience section is not the only place where your self-employment history can be highlighted. As you were working independently, you developed and used certain skills that are likely to be relevant to your career goals. Those skills should be highlighted within your skills section too. Below are some tips to help you emphasize those marketable skills to employers.

Include relevant hard skills

Your hard skills will include all the relevant abilities that you'll need to possess to qualify for your desired position. Before you create your skills section, review the job posting to identify any skills that the employer has listed as required qualifications for the job. Create a list that includes those exact terms. Now add to that list any additional technical abilities or job-related knowledge that you've acquired and used while self-employed.

Pro tip : Using the exact terms you find in the job posting can be critical for making sure that your resume contains the keywords that applicant tracking systems are looking for during any automated screening process. Check out our post, How to Make an ATS-Friendly Resume – Tips for ATS 2024 for more details!

Don't forget your interpersonal abilities and other soft skills

In addition to those hard skills, you'll also want to include soft skills and interpersonal abilities. In fact, you could put yourself at a huge disadvantage if you fail to highlight your people skills. Many employers who see self employment on a resume may wrongly assume that the candidate lacks key interpersonal skills. Chances are that you've done most of your self-employed work on your own, so you'll need to highlight skills that demonstrate your ability to work with others.

To counter any concerns about your ability to be a team player, you can include bullet point achievements that describe your collaborative efforts with clients, vendors, or other contractors. These achievements can include things like:

Communicating regularly with clients, project liaisons, and other members of a team

Consistent use of communication platforms like Zoom, including an estimate of your time spent using those tools

Descriptions of how you used active listening, negotiation, and customer advocacy skills

Related post : 11 Best Communication Skills for Your Resume (With Examples)

The goal, of course, is to highlight the many ways in which your self employment has involved regular collaboration and interaction with other people. The fact is that independent contractors and freelancers usually work as part of a team – even if they're just acting on instructions provided by their project contact. Your job is to translate that experience into a compelling story that proves you're a team player.

Other important soft skills that you may want to add to your resume can include:

Time management

Attention to detail

Flexibility

Problem-solving

For an explanation of these and other skills, and a more in-depth guide to soft skills and their importance, check out our post, Soft Skills Explained - and the Top 7 for Your Resume .

Self-employed resume summary example

In addition to your work experience and skills sections, self employment can also be mentioned in your resume summary. This section should be no more than three to five sentences in length and should include a concise summary of your experience, skills, and major quantifiable achievements. If you were a salesperson, this part of your resume would function as your elevator pitch – a brief but punchy statement designed to capture the reader's attention and inspire them to read the rest of the document.

For example:

Results-focused digital artist with five years of experience building and leading creative art agency from the ground up. Skilled at concept development, theme organization, and full-process campaign creation and implementation designed to increase target audience engagement. Serve as Consulting Lead on ABC Corp. design, development, and execution of mobile applications used by 2 million customers.

Self-employed resume template

Sometimes, it's easier to start with a basic template that you can use to guide you as you create your own resume. We've included a simple template below that you can use by simply inserting your own career details – including self-employment history – into the brackets for each section. Once you've completed that process, you can adjust this basic resume to tailor it to your individual career needs and the job you're seeking.

[Your Full name]

[Address] | [Phone number] | [Email address] | [Website] | [LinkedIn URL]]

[Resume headline] This should be a one-line headline that includes your desired job and some descriptive language that differentiates you from your competitors.

[Resume summary paragraph]

[List of relevant hard and soft skills] Use bullet points for each skill and format the entire section into two or three columns to optimize resume space and improve readability.

Professional Experience

[Company name, dates of employment]

[Job title]

• [Bullet point achievement #1, including real numbers to show value]
• [Bullet point achievement #2, including real numbers to show value]
• [Bullet point achievement #3, including real numbers to show value]
• [Bullet point achievement #4, including real numbers to show value]

Use this same template format to list as many jobs as you need to cover the last ten years of employment – including any self employment.

[Degree | Major, Name of college, Date you graduated]

You can also list coursework if you believe that it will enhance your qualifications or help the employer understand your area of competency.

Certifications

[List all relevant certifications, licenses, etc.]

For more advice about organizing your resume sections, read Seven Key Resume Sections and How to Organize Them .

Including self-employment on a resume can boost your chances of landing an interview!

Whether you've spent your career working for yourself or have had a combination of traditional and self-employed positions, including self-employment on your resume can be vital for job search success. That relevant work experience can help you highlight your skills and notable achievements that demonstrate your unique value proposition to employers. Good luck with your job search!

Want to make sure that the self-employment on your resume is truly highlighting your qualifications? Get a free resume review from our team of experts today!

This article was originally written by Amanda Augustine and has been updated by Ken Chase.

Recommended reading:

17 Resume Tips to Get Seen and Hired Faster

11 Key Things to Put on Your Resume

What Are Skills? (With Examples and Tips on How to Improve Them)

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

From Bland to Beautiful: How We Made This Professional's Resume Shine

See how your resume stacks up.

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• CV and Cover Letter
• 5 steps to crafting an...

5 steps to crafting an impressive self-employed CV

8 min read · Updated on June 25, 2024

Here's how to show potential employers your value when you work for yourself

Whether you're a business owner or freelancer, sharing that you're self-employed on your CV can be challenging. Most CV layouts are structured for professionals in full-time employment. However, you can tweak the format and make it work for your needs. In the following guide, we take a look at how you can perfect this process. 

Why do you need a self-employed CV?

When you work for yourself, it's highly likely that you won't need to apply for jobs – at least that's usually the case. So why would you need a CV? Well, here are some instances when a self-employed individual may just find this document handy: 

• Applying for gigs and projects . When you're self-employed, there are many ways to look for new clients and projects. One option is to apply online. In some cases, these job adverts will require you to send over an updated CV and cover letter. 
• Switching careers . Career paths are rarely linear. It may be the case that you were self-employed before but are now looking for full-time permanent work. To help you land your next job , you'll need to prepare your application documents and share that you've been self-employed on your CV. 

In either scenario, getting the basics of CV writing down is a must, as this short document helps showcase your self-employment skills and experience in a clear and engaging way. 

So how do you create a self-employed CV that works?

Step 1: choose the right structure for your self-employed CV

The layout of your CV is critical. If your employment history isn't documented in a clear and consistent format, the hiring manager may end up confused and shift their focus to the next candidate. To avoid this issue, consider the following layout options:

Option 1: list freelance gigs with your other roles

If you've swapped your nine-to-five for a full-time freelancing gig, it might be best to weave your self-employment into your Employment History section, like a freelance CV . 

This means that your self-employment experience will sit in your timeline of past positions. You can either list individual projects as positions here or create a single position for your self-employment “job.”

Make sure that you're 100% clear about these positions being freelance and not fully-employed roles within companies. You don't want to look as though you're trying to lie on your CV by misleading the reader.. 

Option 2: create an entirely new section 

Alternatively, if your freelance work is a side gig, you might like to introduce a new section outside of your career highlights. This new section can summarise the nature of your work and the projects you've undertaken on a self-employed basis.

You may choose to call this section “Freelance Work,” “Self-Employed Projects,” “Self-Employed Jobs,” or something similar. Remember, you want to be as clear as you can about what this work is. When the hiring manager glances at your CV, they should be able to instantly see which of your work were self-employed and which were not. 

Option 3: use a skills-based format 

The traditional CV format follows the reverse-chronological layout . This is the CV structure that you've probably learned to create back when you were in school or college. It includes a professional profile and skills matrix plus your Employment History section. Most people who have been in full-time work will use this type of format as it's preferred by many hiring managers. 

However, this CV format is by no means the only option. When it comes to sharing that you're self-employed on a CV, there are other ways to go. Using a functional – or skills-based – CV format could be the answer. This approach emphasises your talents and skills over your work experience. Since you've previously worked for yourself, you'll have a wide range of competencies to showcase on your CV. 

Read more about the different types of CV formats in our complete guide.

Step 2: include a job title in your CV header

Whichever CV structure you choose to use, you'll need to create a CV header . This section of the document includes your basic contact details, plus your name and job title. When it comes to the latter, make sure to get it just right. 

It's perfectly fine if you want to give yourself the title of "Self-Employed" or "Freelancer." However, we'd advise using your creative job title more to your advantage; you have the power to craft a title that's descriptive and immediately tells a prospective employer exactly what you do. Don't waste that opportunity. 

Ensure that your job title reflects the nature of your work. Try combining any of the terms "freelancer," "consultant," or "contractor" with an adjective that summarises your industry, role, or niche. For example: "Freelance Writer and Editor" or "SEO Consultant." 

Bonus: include a company name (if appropriate)

If you're a full-time freelancer, you may have set up a limited company. If this is the case, include your company's name on your CV. If the business name is just your name, you may want to use some descriptive language to let potential employers get a feel of the industry you work in and your work experience.

Should you use this approach, keep your formatting consistent with the other work listed on your CV. That way, the whole thing looks purposeful, seamless, and polished.

Step 3: share details of your self-employment

Like any other role on your CV, it's worth outlining the nature of your self-employment or side gig. 

Below your job title, company, and dates of employment, add a couple of lines that summarise what you do, the types of clients you have, or the industries you work across, for example.

Don't feel like you have to go overboard with detail here though. Ultimately, you need to give the recruiter a sense of what you're all about and, if possible, reference anything that's in line with the job you're applying for. For example, if the job you want is within the healthcare sector and one of your clients sat within this niche, you should take the opportunity to highlight this on your CV.

Step 4: name-drop impressive clients and projects

Now that you know how to share that you're self-employed on your CV, let's talk about which clients to include. Be selective with the clients and projects listed on your CV, and make your choices based on the position you're applying for. 

For example, you may want to name clients who share the same industry as your target employer. In addition to the projects that relate to your potential new role, you may also like to name-drop any big, impressive clients.

When adding details about projects, use punchy, concise bullet points to highlight your marketable skills (including both hard and soft skills ) and achievements. You can add these bullet points either underneath each client or project or perhaps underneath your outline, as referenced above. 

Step 5: link to your portfolio or work

As a general rule, your CV should be around two pages in length . If you've worked on lots of small projects or have been self-employed for a long time, it can be tricky to fit your experience on your CV without compromising on quality.

Don't be afraid to link out to certain projects or even your portfolio at the top, right next to your name and contact details in your CV . As CVs are sent digitally these days, it's easy to give recruiters or potential clients access to your work saved in the cloud. Make the most of the opportunity to direct prospective employers to these live examples of your work.

Showcase your self-employment skills 

The pros and cons of self-employment will differ from person to person. However, most self-employed individuals would agree that they enjoy the independence and flexibility that come with their work, along with the initiative, adaptability, and time management skills that they get to develop along the way. It comes as no surprise then that the UK has over 7 million freelancers , and this figure is expected to rise over the coming years 

Rest assured that your self-employment and side gigs are legitimate experiences worth shouting about. When sharing to potential clients or employers that you are self-employed on your CV, keep our pointers in mind and let your unique skills and experiences shine.

Have you effectively included your self-employment on your CV? Submit your CV for a free review now and let our CV experts tell you how you fared. 

This article was originally written by Laura Slingo and has been updated by Charlotte Grainger.

Recommended reading:

How to transition from freelance to full-time job

7 ways to make extra cash on the side

How to participate (and thrive) in the gig economy

Related Articles:

How to write first-class honours on a CV (with examples)

Listing professional experience on your CV: a 5-step guide

Highlighting extracurricular activities on your CV: a how-to

See how your CV stacks up.

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• Mar 18, 2018

How To Write A Resume If You've Been Self Employed

Updated: Nov 29, 2023

So you’ve owned your own successful business for many years but now, for whatever reason, you’re going back into corporate to work for an employer. The first question you should ask yourself is, “how do I write a proper and effective resume if I’ve owned my own business?”.

Just as it takes a lot of courage to step outside the cubicle and into the rocky sea of private business, so does it take a lot of courage (and perspective) to realize if maybe you’re better off within a company. The point is – there’s nothing wrong with going back from employer to employee.

The problem, however, with going back is – how do you present your previous job experience to the new boss? What should a resume for self-employed professionals look like ? A lot of business owners seem to be getting this one wrong, and it’s hurting their careers.

The Problem With Resumes For Self-Employed Professionals

The biggest problem with self-employed business owners looking to get back into the job market is in the title of their resumes. They tend to write the job title as “Sole Proprietor”, “Owner” or “Owner/Operator”, instead of the job title they’re applying for, or the position they’d love to fill within their new company.

They do this for a couple of reasons:

Business owners believe hiring managers will think more highly of them if they see the candidates’ venture into the private management world.

Business owners believe they will position themselves closer (on both personal and professional level) to the hiring managers.

Business owners think that the hiring manager will be impressed that they ran their own company for many years.

This, unfortunately, is a completely wrong move and could destroy any chances the self-employed business owner had of getting that job. Why? Because that title tells hiring managers absolutely nothing, and they might perceive the entire resume as a waste of time. Think about the way you choose news articles you’d like to read. By the title, right? If the title is no good, you’re probably not going to open it. The same is with resume titles.

Why Hiring Managers Reject Resumes From Self-Employed Business Owners

The second a Hiring Mangers looks at a resume and sees the word(s) “Self-Employed” or “Business Owner” or “Owner/Operator” or “Sole Proprietor”, they are throwing that resume in the trash. Why? They are worried that you fluffed up your resume with information that they cannot verify.

They also worry that the self-employed business owner does not fully understand the corporate environment. Think about it this way, how many “successful” self-employed business owners have sold Avalon, It Works, or any other one of those cheesy and unfruitful ponzi scheme business’s? The Hiring Manager assumes you are just another one of “those” people.

The Hiring Managers View Of The Problem

When building custom-made resumes for self-employed business owners , or pretty much any other group for that matter, we always keep a simple idea in mind: The hiring manager of a company has a problem, and he/she is looking for an employee to solve it. That’s it. That’s a simple mantra which works every time. If the title of the resume says nothing about the candidate’s problem-solving capabilities, why read in the first place? Forget about being on par with your new boss, he/she is not interested. The only thing they’re interested in is solving that issue they’re having, and the only thing you should be concerned with is showing them you’re the ideal person for the job.

How To Fix Your Resume When You've Been A Business Owner

Going with “Sole Proprietor” does nothing. Going with “Marketing Director”, on the other hand, tells a completely different story. Same goes with “Owner”. Instead, try going with “Marketing Manager”, or whatever it is you’ll be doing in the new company. Every professional resume writer that helps self-employed business owners will tell you the same thing: Be concise. Be direct. Be concrete in your actions, and your resumes. “Owner” tells the hiring managers nothing of the skills you have, the experience you’ve accumulated over the years, and the education required to get there. “Chief Executive Officer” tells a LOT.

Final thoughts

You don’t have a lot of time to impress the hiring managers – you only get a couple of seconds to do so. You don’t have the time or the luxury to beat around the bush. Everything you write on your resume needs to scream: “I’m the best person for this job!”, or else you won’t get hired. Just as every good journalist will tell you that a news piece is defined by its title, so will every professional resume writing service in Phoenix AZ for self-employed business owners tell you that an amazing resume starts with an amazing title.

The title needs to tell a story, and that story needs to be about the candidate being amazing at the job he/she is applying for. Everything else is a waste of time and will be treated as such. Self-employed business owners should never write on their resume "Owner/Operator" or "Sole Proprietor".

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