How to Create a Freelance Writer Resume/CV: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re a freelance writer looking to land more clients, one thing you absolutely need is a strong resume or CV. Whether you’re applying for gigs with organisations, publications, or agencies, a polished resume helps showcase your skills, experience, and expertise in writing. It also shows potential employers or clients that you’re professional and prepared.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how to craft a freelance writer resume that stands out. We’ll cover everything from structuring your CV to including the right details to get noticed. If you’re unsure where to start, keep reading—you’ll soon have a resume that helps you land the writing jobs you want.

Why a Strong Resume Is Essential for Freelance Writers

Your resume serves as your first impression. For freelance writers, it’s not just a list of jobs but a portfolio of your skills and achievements. Clients use it to evaluate if you can deliver the work they need. A professional resume can make all the difference in securing high-paying clients and long-term collaborations.

Unlike traditional resumes, a freelance writer CV focuses heavily on writing experience, niches, and published work. It’s not just about where you’ve worked but what you’ve written and how your content has made an impact.

What to Include in Your Freelance Writer Resume

Your resume should be easy to navigate and highlight essential information about you as a writer. Here’s an overview of what to include:

1. Personal Information

At the top of your resume, include:

• Your full name
• Phone number
• Professional email address
• Portfolio or LinkedIn link (if applicable)

Don’t include unnecessary personal details like your home address or personal social media handles. Keep it simple and professional.

2. Professional Summary

Think of this section as your elevator pitch. Your professional summary should convey your experience and key skills in 2–3 sentences.

Example:
“Experienced freelance writer with over 5 years of crafting high-quality articles in the business and health niches. Proven track record of delivering engaging, SEO-optimised content that drives traffic and builds audiences.

Avoid generic statements like “hard-working writer” or “passionate about writing.” Be specific—this is your chance to impress potential clients right away.

3. Work Experience

List your writing experience in reverse chronological order (most recent first). For each entry, include:

• Client or employer name (if allowed)
• Your role (e.g., Content Writer, Copywriter)
• Dates worked
• A brief description of what you did

Use bullet points to make this section easy to read. Focus on quantifiable results. For example:

• Wrote over 300 blog posts, driving 50,000+ monthly visitors to the website
• Produced SEO-focused articles that ranked on the first page of Google
• Created engaging product descriptions that boosted sales by 25%

Even if you’re just starting out, include internships, volunteer work, or personal writing projects. These still showcase your abilities and commitment to writing.

4. Clients and Publications

If you’ve written for notable clients, websites, or publications, this is the place to show it. Listing your clients not only adds credibility but also demonstrates the type of work you’re familiar with.

Example:

• Contributor to Tech Daily Blog
• Content provider for an international travel website
• Regular writer for Health & Wellness Weekly

If confidentiality prevents you from naming specific clients, use general terms like “Contributor to a leading tech blog.”

5. Education

You don’t need a degree in English or journalism to include your education here. List any relevant degrees, certificates, or workshops. If your education isn’t directly related to writing, don’t worry—it can still help show your overall abilities.

For example:

• BA in History – University of London (2016–2019)
• Certified in Content Marketing – HubSpot Academy

If you’re currently pursuing further education, include that as well. Just note that it’s in progress.

6. Niches

Your niches (or specialisations) tell clients the topics you know inside out. Writing for specific industries shows you bring expertise to their projects.

Common examples of niches include:

• Technology
• Health and wellness
• Business and finance
• Travel
• Outdoor activities

If you’re curious about how to list niches, keep it short and sweet. For instance:

• Specialises in business, tech, and health content.

7. Writing Samples (Clips)

Clips are examples of your published writing. They help clients judge your writing style, expertise, and ability to produce engaging work.

Include links or titles for articles, blog posts, or even books you’ve written. Aim for 3–5 strong samples that align with the type of job you’re applying for.

If you’ve written a book or an in-depth report, mention that too. Example: Author of “SEO Writing for Beginners,” available on Amazon. Even one published book can significantly boost your credibility.

8. Skills

Divide your skills into technical and soft skills to show the full range of your abilities.

Examples of technical skills:

• SEO writing
• Keyword research
• WordPress management
• Copywriting

Examples of soft skills:

• Time management
• Communication
• Meeting tight deadlines

Both areas are equally important. Clients want someone who can write well but also handle projects professionally.

Optional Sections

While the above sections are essential, there are a few optional areas you might include if they strengthen your resume.

• Hobbies: If they’re relevant (e.g., travel for a travel-writing job), they can add personality.
• Awards: If you’ve received writing accolades, mention them here.
• Languages: Highlight any additional languages you write in fluently.

Tips for Crafting a Standout Resume

Now that you know what to include, here are some tips to help your resume stand out:

1. Tailor it for every job
   Adjust your resume to match each job description. Highlight relevant niches, skills, or clips for the specific role or client.
2. Keep the design simple
   Use clean layouts with professional fonts like Arial or Times New Roman. Avoid busy graphics or colourful designs unless it’s for a creative industry.
3. Proofread carefully
   Typos and grammatical errors are unacceptable for a writer. Use tools like Grammarly or ask a friend to review your CV.
4. Stick to 1–2 pages
   Keep your resume concise. Use bullet points and avoid overwhelming the reader with too much text.
5. Save it as a PDF
   PDFs ensure your format looks the same on any device. Avoid Word files unless requested.

Final Thoughts

Creating a strong freelance writer resume isn’t just about listing jobs—it’s about showcasing your skills, clients, and writing niches. A polished CV demonstrates your professionalism and helps you stand out in a competitive market.

Take time to tailor your resume for each opportunity, include quantifiable achievements, and link to high-quality writing samples. With a focused and well-structured resume, you’ll open doors to exciting writing opportunities and long-term success.

Start crafting your freelance writer resume today and take that next step in your writing career!