Common Mistakes Freelancers Make When Writing Their Own Resumes

Freelancing has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many individuals choosing to work independently and offer their services on a project-by-project basis. While freelancing can provide flexibility and autonomy, it also requires a proactive approach to finding work and marketing oneself effectively. One of the most important tools for freelancers is a well-written resume that showcases their skills, experience, and qualifications.

Unfortunately, many freelancers make common mistakes when writing their own resumes, which can hinder their chances of securing writing work. This article will highlight five common mistakes that freelancers should avoid when crafting their resumes.

Mistake #1: Not Tailoring The Resume To The Job Description

One of the biggest mistakes freelancers make is failing to tailor their resume to each specific job description. A generic resume that is not customized for the position you are applying for will likely be overlooked by potential employers. To increase your chances of success, take the time to carefully read the job description and identify the skills, experience, and qualifications that are most relevant to the role. Then, highlight these elements prominently in your resume, using keywords from the job description whenever possible.

• Example: If you are applying for a writing job that requires experience in technical writing, be sure to highlight your technical writing skills and experience in your resume. You can do this by including a section dedicated to your technical writing experience, or by incorporating relevant keywords into your skills section.

Mistake #2: Including Irrelevant Information

Another common mistake freelancers make is including irrelevant information in their resumes. This can make your resume appear cluttered and unfocused, and it can also distract potential employers from the most important information about your skills and experience. When writing your resume, be selective about what information you include. Focus on the most relevant skills, experience, and qualifications for the job you are applying for, and omit any information that is not directly related to the position.

• Example: If you are applying for a writing job, you should not include information about your unrelated work experience, such as your retail or customer service experience. You should also avoid including personal hobbies or interests that are not relevant to the job.

Mistake #3: Using Poor Formatting And Design

The format and design of your resume are also important factors to consider. A poorly formatted resume can make it difficult for potential employers to read and understand, and it can also reflect poorly on your professionalism. When formatting your resume, use a professional and visually appealing template. Use clear fonts, appropriate font sizes, and section headings to make your resume easy to skim and navigate. Additionally, use white space effectively to improve readability and make your resume more visually appealing.

Mistake #4: Making Grammatical Errors And Typos

Grammatical errors and typos are another common mistake that freelancers make when writing their resumes. These errors can make your resume appear unprofessional and can also make it difficult for potential employers to take you seriously. Before submitting your resume, proofread it carefully for any grammatical errors or typos. You can also use grammar checking tools or ask a friend or colleague to review your resume for errors.

• Examples: Common grammatical errors and typos that freelancers should avoid include misspelled words, incorrect punctuation, and awkward phrasing.

Mistake #5: Not Including A Strong Call To Action

Finally, many freelancers make the mistake of not including a strong call to action at the end of their resumes. A call to action is a statement that encourages the reader to take a specific action, such as contacting you for more information or scheduling an interview. Without a strong call to action, potential employers may not know what to do next after reading your resume. To avoid this mistake, include a clear and concise call to action at the end of your resume. This could be something as simple as inviting the reader to contact you for more information or to schedule an interview.

• Examples: Effective calls to action include "Contact me today to learn more about my writing services" or "Schedule an interview to discuss how I can contribute to your team."

By avoiding these common mistakes, freelancers can create well-written and tailored resumes that will increase their chances of securing writing work. Take the time to carefully craft your resume, and you will be well on your way to finding success as a freelance writer.