How to Put Independent Contractor on Resume

As an independent contractor, you have a unique set of skills and experiences that can make you a valuable asset to any company. However, it can be challenging to know how to present yourself on your resume in a way that highlights your strengths and sets you apart from other candidates. In this article, we’ll explore some tips and best practices for putting independent contractor work on your resume.

First, it’s important to understand the difference between an independent contractor and an employee. Independent contractors are self-employed individuals who work on a project-by-project basis for a variety of clients. They are responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and other expenses, and they typically have more flexibility and autonomy than traditional employees.

How to List Independent Contractor Work on Your Resume

When it comes to listing independent contractor work on your resume, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, you’ll want to make sure that your resume is tailored to the specific job you’re applying for. This means highlighting the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position, and framing your independent contractor work in a way that demonstrates how it has prepared you for this role.

One effective way to do this is to create a separate section on your resume for “Projects” or “Freelance Work.” Under this section, you can list the various projects you’ve worked on as an independent contractor, along with a brief description of your role and responsibilities. Be sure to include any relevant metrics or achievements, such as completing a project ahead of schedule or under budget.

Another option is to list your independent contractor work under the “Experience” section of your resume, just as you would with any other job. In this case, you’ll want to make sure that you clearly indicate that the work was done on a contract basis, rather than as a traditional employee. You can do this by including the word “Contractor” or “Freelancer” in your job title, and by specifying the dates of your contract.

How to Highlight Your Skills as an Independent Contractor

One of the biggest advantages of working as an independent contractor is the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills across different projects and industries. When putting independent contractor work on your resume, it’s important to highlight these skills in a way that demonstrates your versatility and adaptability.

One effective way to do this is to create a “Skills” section on your resume, where you can list the various skills you’ve developed as an independent contractor. This might include technical skills like programming languages or design software, as well as soft skills like communication, project management, and problem-solving.

Another option is to incorporate your skills into the descriptions of your independent contractor projects. For example, if you worked as a freelance web developer, you might include a bullet point that says “Developed custom WordPress themes using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.”

Conclusion

Putting independent contractor work on your resume can be a great way to showcase your skills and experiences to potential employers. By following the tips and best practices outlined in this article, you can create a resume that highlights your strengths and sets you apart from other candidates.

FAQ

Q: How do I list independent contractor work on my resume?

A: You can list independent contractor work on your resume by creating a separate section for “Projects” or “Freelance Work,” or by including it under the “Experience” section of your resume. Be sure to clearly indicate that the work was done on a contract basis, rather than as a traditional employee.

Q: How do I highlight my skills as an independent contractor?

A: You can highlight your skills as an independent contractor by creating a “Skills” section on your resume, or by incorporating your skills into the descriptions of your independent contractor projects. Be sure to emphasize your versatility and adaptability.

Q: How many times should I include the main keyword “how to put independent contractor on resume” in the article?

A: You should include the main keyword “how to put independent contractor on resume” at least 2 times in the article.