How Important is a Resume for Freelance Writers?
I guess the short answer to that question is that it depends who you ask. Some potential clients ask to see it, and if they do, I would recommend that you submit one. There are other people who are more interested in seeing your samples and getting an idea of your writing “voice” than reading more paper.
It’s a good idea to have a resume ready to show to a potential client if they would like to see it. If you are new to writing and you don’t think you have a lot of experience to share, take some time to think about the jobs you have held in the past and how the skills that you used can benefit a potential client.
- Can you listen carefully and follow instructions?
- Can you communicate clearly?
- Do you have good research skills?
- Can you take the information you have gathered and pull out the most important points?
- Are you genuinely interested in your clients’ business?
While some people will go ahead and hire you without looking at your resume, there are some people who want to get an idea of who you are and what other kinds of work you have done. If you are a little light in the writing experience department (so far), then put your focus on your transferable skills. Present yourself in the best possible way, and the client understands what kind of a person they are getting if they decide to work with you.
Do you think having a resume is important or would most clients prefer to see writing samples only?
I used to not think a resume was so important if I had a good cover letter and great samples. However, once I created a writing resume I had a better success rate when landing freelance writing jobs. I just revamped my resume again (to include blogging and social media stuff ) and again, it’s made all the difference in my job search.
It’s been my experience that a traditional resume doesn’t actually hold that much value for freelance writers. Instead, potential clients tend to be far more interested in specific projects that a writer has completed that are fairly similar to the client’s current project — as well as the results of the project (a piece of information not traditionally found in a resume).
I don’t use a resume, although in my cover letters, I typically mention similar projects and the reactions to those projects. I also make a point of providing the most relevant samples I have. I’ve never had a potential client even comment on my lack of resume.
I respectfully disagree, Thursday. It’s been my experience that a (good) resume gives you some added credibility as a professional when applying for writing gigs. Maybe you have a great idea for a story or project, but how does the employer know you have the background and experience to see it through? Why from the resume that shows you worked for five years as a copywriter at this firm or a reporter at that newspaper.
So if I am just starting out as a freelance writer and have no officially paid just to write experience for it, do I highlight the writing I did at my “real” jobs, along with my volunteer writing experience? I could even place my college internship on there since it was in PR, albeit 10 years ago. Am I on the right track for that?
@ Leah: Your resume is unique to you. By all means include writing experience that was part of other jobs. Volunteer writing experience counts, as well. Most people who review your resume won’t ask whether or how much you were paid for a piece of writing. If you have room to list your college internship, then add that as well. All the information gives the reader an understanding of who you are and what skills you bring to the table.
@Leah, I would definitely include all of that, too! It shows what you can do and shows that you have some experience and a track record of following through. I think that’s what matters most.