When it comes to showcasing your professional experience, a well-crafted resume can make all the difference in standing out to potential employers. However, for those who have worked on contract basis, it can be challenging to effectively highlight this experience on their resume. In this article, we will explore the best ways to put contract work on a resume, ensuring that your skills and experience shine through to hiring managers.
Contract work has become increasingly common, with many professionals opting for freelance or project-based work. According to a report by Upwork, 63% of companies have remote workers, and the freelance workforce is expected to grow to 34% of the total workforce by 2025. As a result, it's essential to learn how to effectively showcase contract work on a resume.
Understanding the Basics of Contract Work
Contract work, also known as freelance or project-based work, refers to a type of employment where an individual works on a specific project or for a specific period. This type of work arrangement has become increasingly popular, offering benefits such as flexibility and autonomy. However, it can also create challenges when it comes to showcasing experience on a resume.
Key Differences Between Contract and Full-Time Work
When highlighting contract work on a resume, it's essential to understand the key differences between contract and full-time work. Contract work is typically project-based, with a specific start and end date, whereas full-time work is often ongoing. Additionally, contract workers may work with multiple clients or companies, whereas full-time employees usually work for a single employer.
Key Points
- Contract work is project-based with a specific start and end date.
- Contract workers may work with multiple clients or companies.
- Highlighting contract work on a resume requires a strategic approach.
- Emphasize skills and experience gained from contract work.
- Tailor your resume to the specific job you're applying for.
Formatting Contract Work on a Resume
When it comes to formatting contract work on a resume, there are several options to consider. The most common approach is to list contract work under a separate section, such as "Contract Experience" or "Freelance Work." Alternatively, you can integrate contract work into your work experience section, using a functional or hybrid resume format.
Option 1: Create a Separate Contract Experience Section
Creating a separate contract experience section can be an effective way to highlight your contract work. This approach allows you to group all your contract experience together, making it easy for hiring managers to see your relevant skills and experience.
| Contract Experience | Company/Client | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Contractor | ABC Corporation | Jan 2020 - Mar 2020 |
| Freelance Writer | XYZ Inc. | Apr 2020 - Jun 2020 |
Option 2: Integrate Contract Work into Work Experience
Alternatively, you can integrate contract work into your work experience section. This approach can be effective if you have a mix of contract and full-time work experience. When integrating contract work, be sure to use a clear and concise format, highlighting your job title, company/client, and dates.
For example:
Marketing Consultant
Freelance/Contractor
Jan 2020 - Mar 2020
• Conducted market research and analyzed data to inform marketing strategies.
• Developed and implemented social media campaigns, resulting in a 25% increase in followers.
Highlighting Achievements and Skills
When highlighting contract work on a resume, it's essential to focus on achievements and skills gained. This approach demonstrates your value as a professional and showcases your ability to deliver results. Be specific when highlighting achievements, using numbers and statistics to quantify your accomplishments.
Using Action Verbs and Keywords
Using action verbs and keywords can help you stand out to hiring managers and applicant tracking systems (ATS). Action verbs such as "managed," "created," and "developed" can help you describe your achievements and skills. Additionally, incorporating relevant keywords from the job posting can increase your chances of passing through ATS.
For example:
Project Manager
Contractor
Jun 2020 - Aug 2020
• Managed a team of 5 to deliver a high-profile project, resulting in a 95% client satisfaction rate.
• Created and implemented project plans, ensuring timely completion and budget adherence.
Tailoring Your Resume to the Job
When highlighting contract work on a resume, it's essential to tailor your application materials to the specific job you're applying for. Study the job posting and requirements, and be sure to incorporate relevant keywords and skills. This approach demonstrates your relevance for the position and increases your chances of standing out to hiring managers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When highlighting contract work on a resume, there are several common mistakes to avoid. These include:
- Failing to clearly label contract work.
- Omitting dates or details about contract work.
- Not tailoring your resume to the specific job.
- Using a functional or hybrid resume format that may raise red flags.
Conclusion
Highlighting contract work on a resume requires a strategic approach, focusing on achievements, skills, and relevance to the job. By understanding the basics of contract work, formatting contract experience effectively, and tailoring your resume to the job, you can increase your chances of standing out to hiring managers and landing your next opportunity.
How do I list contract work on my resume?
+You can list contract work on your resume by creating a separate section, such as “Contract Experience” or “Freelance Work,” or by integrating it into your work experience section.
What if I have multiple contract jobs?
+If you have multiple contract jobs, you can list each one separately, or group them together under a single section, such as “Contract Experience.”
How do I highlight achievements in contract work?
+To highlight achievements in contract work, focus on specific numbers and statistics, such as “increased followers by 25%,” or “delivered a high-profile project with a 95% client satisfaction rate.”