How To Write “Self Employed” on Your Resume: A Comprehensive Guide
Navigating the world of resumes can feel like walking a tightrope. You want to showcase your skills, experience, and achievements in a way that’s both compelling and easy for recruiters to understand. If you’re self-employed, this task can feel even more daunting. How do you accurately and effectively represent your entrepreneurial journey on paper? This guide provides a comprehensive approach to writing “self-employed” on your resume, ensuring you highlight your value and make a lasting impression.
Understanding the Importance of Properly Representing Self-Employment
First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand why correctly portraying your self-employment is so important. It’s not just about labeling your experience; it’s about demonstrating the skills and responsibilities you’ve gained. Self-employment often encompasses a wide range of duties – from marketing and sales to financial management and project execution. Failing to accurately reflect this depth can diminish your perceived value. Think of your resume as a marketing document; it needs to sell you.
Crafting the “Self-Employed” Section: Essential Elements
The “self-employed” section of your resume requires careful attention to detail. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements:
1. Company Name and Dates of Employment
This is the foundation. Instead of a traditional company name, use a descriptive title that reflects your business or role. For instance, instead of “Self-Employed,” consider something like “Freelance Web Developer,” “Independent Marketing Consultant,” or “Owner, [Your Business Name].”
- Dates are critical. Be precise with your employment dates (month/year to month/year). If you’re currently self-employed, use “Present” or “Ongoing.”
2. The Role and Responsibilities: Showcasing Your Value
This is where you truly shine. Focus on the actions and results you achieved while self-employed. Use action verbs to describe your responsibilities and quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. Instead of saying, “Managed social media,” try “Increased social media engagement by 30% within six months by implementing a new content strategy.”
3. Quantifying Achievements: The Power of Numbers
Numbers speak volumes. Use data to illustrate your impact. Did you increase revenue? Reduce expenses? Improve customer satisfaction? Provide specific figures to demonstrate the value you brought to your business. For example:
- “Generated $50,000 in revenue through targeted online advertising campaigns.”
- “Reduced operational costs by 15% by streamlining project workflows.”
4. Tailoring Your Resume to the Job Application
Customize your “self-employed” section to align with the specific job requirements. Review the job description carefully and highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant. If the job requires project management skills, emphasize your experience managing projects. If it requires marketing expertise, highlight your marketing achievements.
Formatting and Presentation: Making a Strong First Impression
The way your “self-employed” experience is presented matters. Here’s how to ensure your resume is visually appealing and easy to read:
1. Choosing the Right Resume Format
Consider the format that best suits your experience. A chronological resume is ideal if you have a consistent work history. A functional resume can be useful if you have gaps in your employment or want to emphasize your skills over your work history. A combination resume offers a balance of both formats.
2. Using Action Verbs and Keywords
Start each bullet point with a strong action verb (e.g., managed, developed, implemented, created, led, achieved). Incorporate keywords from the job description to help your resume get noticed by applicant tracking systems (ATS).
3. Proofreading and Editing: The Importance of Accuracy
Always proofread your resume carefully. Errors can detract from your credibility. Ask a friend or colleague to review it as well.
Addressing Common Challenges: Navigating the Self-Employed Landscape
Self-employment can raise specific questions from recruiters. Here’s how to address common challenges:
1. Explaining Gaps in Employment
If you have gaps in your employment history, use the “self-employed” section to fill them. Be transparent about your entrepreneurial endeavors.
2. Dealing with a Small or Unfamiliar Business
If your business is small or not widely known, provide a brief description of your services or products. This helps recruiters understand what you do.
3. Highlighting Transferable Skills
Focus on the transferable skills you gained through self-employment. These skills are often highly valued by employers.
Building a Strong Portfolio: Supplementing Your Resume
Your resume is just one piece of the puzzle. Consider creating a portfolio to showcase your work, especially if you work in a creative field. A portfolio can include samples of your work, case studies, client testimonials, and other evidence of your skills and accomplishments.
Examples of How to Write “Self-Employed” on a Resume
Let’s look at some examples to illustrate how to write the “self-employed” section effectively.
Example 1: Freelance Writer
Freelance Writer | January 2018 – Present
- Developed and delivered high-quality content for various clients, including blog posts, articles, and website copy.
- Increased client website traffic by an average of 25% through SEO-optimized content creation.
- Managed client communication, project timelines, and invoicing.
Example 2: Independent Consultant
Independent Marketing Consultant | June 2020 – December 2022
- Provided strategic marketing consulting services to small and medium-sized businesses.
- Developed and implemented marketing plans that resulted in a 20% increase in lead generation.
- Managed a budget of $10,000 for marketing campaigns.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Here are some additional frequently asked questions about writing “self-employed” on a resume:
What if I don’t have a formal business name?
- Use a descriptive title that reflects your role and the services you offered. For example, “Independent Graphic Designer” or “Freelance Software Developer.”
Is it okay to include clients’ names on my resume?
- Yes, it is generally acceptable to list clients’ names, especially if you have their permission. However, be mindful of confidentiality agreements. Consider using “Confidential Client” if you are not able to disclose a client’s name.
How do I handle periods of inactivity or slow periods in my self-employment?
- Be honest and transparent. You can briefly explain any periods of inactivity or slow periods in your bullet points. For example: “During [Month/Year] - [Month/Year], focused on professional development and skill enhancement.”
Can I include self-employment experience if it wasn’t my primary source of income?
- Absolutely. Even if your self-employment was part-time or a side hustle, it still demonstrates valuable skills and experience.
How many years of self-employment should I include on my resume?
- Include the most relevant and impactful experience. There’s no strict limit, but prioritize the experiences that best showcase your skills and align with the job you’re applying for.
Conclusion: Crafting a Winning Resume
Writing “self-employed” on your resume doesn’t have to be a challenge. By following these guidelines, you can effectively showcase your entrepreneurial experience, highlight your skills and accomplishments, and make a compelling case for your candidacy. Remember to be clear, concise, and focused on demonstrating the value you bring to the table. Your resume is your first impression. Make it count!