How to Include Self-Employment on Your Resume

Is it true that self-employment boosts your resume? Because most job seekers aren’t aware of how to properly include self-employment, they refuse to disclose it. However, if you add self-employment on your resume accurately, it leads to highlighted beneficial skills like leadership, initiative, and adaptability. If you have experience managing your own company or working as a freelancer, please mention that. It’s a fantastic method to show off your knowledge, individuality, and expertise.

Steps to Write a Resume Including Self-employment

For a polished, professional look, use the following formatting guidelines effectively:

Step 1 - Start with contact information

Your contact details should be at the top of your resume. Mention your full name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile (if required). It affirms that employers can easily get in touch with you sooner. You just have to verify the information is accurate and up-to-date to prevent you from any missed opportunities.

Step 2 - Include an objective or a summary

Write a brief objective or professional resume summary with OfferLanded’s tool that outlines your career goals and key strengths. It’s a plus point in case your self-employment is relevant to the job you’re applying for, mention it in this section. State how managing your own business has equipped you with project management and leadership skills.

Step 3 - Discuss your work experience

List your self-employment under the work experience section, just like you would with any other job. Include your business name or describe your freelance role, e.g., ‘Freelance Graphic Designer.’ Highlight the services you provided, the industries you worked in, and any notable clients.

Step 4 - Summarize your self-employment history

Provide a brief description of your self-employed role. Focus on how you managed the business, whether it was client acquisition, handling finances, or running day-to-day operations. It’s your chance to show employers that running your own business requires a wide range of skills.

Step 5 - Highlight your key accomplishments and responsibilities

Showcase measurable achievements from your self-employment. Did you increase your client base, deliver high-quality services, or manage complex projects? List any numbers that reflect your success, such as revenue growth, project completion rates, or customer satisfaction.

Step 6 - Mention your academic achievements

Even if you’ve been self-employed, your education is still important. Include your highest level of education, along with any relevant project or honors. Hence, this section shows you have practical business and formal education experience.

Step 7 - State the certifications you hold

Certifications enhance your credibility. Whether it’s a technical certification related to your field or a soft skill like leadership, listing your certifications gives you an edge and demonstrates your ongoing professional development.

Step 8 - List your technical and soft skills

Technical skills or top hard skills are important if your self-employment involves specialized tools or software. Similarly, don’t forget to list soft skills like communication, time management, and client relationship management, as these are essential for any self-employed role.

Step 9 - Include client references

Add references from clients (if possible) to further validate your work. In this way, you can make an impression on the hiring managers that your previous clients were satisfied with your work, promoting credibility. Ask for their permission before listing them on your resume.

Why is Adding Self-employment to your Resume Important? 

Your resume has to highlight your experience working for yourself since it shows a certain set of abilities that typical employment might not. Running your own business shows you’re adaptable, dedicated, and can handle diverse responsibilities. Self-employed candidates often impress employers due to their determination and entrepreneurial spirit.

Furthermore, it demonstrates your proficiency in marketing, budgeting, client management, and problem-solving techniques that apply to any position. If you spotlight your experience working for yourself, you stand out as someone who has shown initiative and effectively managed the challenges of managing a firm.

Types of Self-employment

Self-employment comes in various forms, from freelancing to running your own business. Each type offers unique opportunities to develop skills and expertise, such as:

• Freelancing - Offering services to clients on a project basis.
• Consulting - Providing expert advice to businesses or individuals.
• Entrepreneurship - Starting and running your own business.
• Contract work - Temporary employment for specific tasks or periods.
• Side gigs - Part-time work outside of a traditional job.
• Gig economy roles - Working through platforms like Uber, Upwork, or Fiverr.

When to Include Self-employment on Your Resume?

Knowing when to include self-employment on your resume is key to presenting a well-rounded profile. Highlight this experience when it's relevant to the role or industry.

Below is a demonstration of some basic guidelines:

Include Self-employment if:	Avoid Listing Self-employment if:
You gained relevant skills for the role	Your work was unrelated to the field
It helped you build a strong client base	Job was temporary or very short-term
You can showcase measurable achievements	Organization wasn’t successful
You managed large or complex projects	You have other, more relevant experience

Self-employed Resume Template

[Your Full Name]

Personal Information - Contact number, Email, LinkedIn

Professional Summary

A concise summary highlighting your experience, skills, and the self-employment role you’re proud of.

Work Experience

[Your Business Name or Freelance Title]

Self-employed [job title] – Dates Active

·       Managed - describe the type of business or services you provided.

·       Successfully - mention key accomplishments.

·       Worked with - describe notable clients or projects.

Education

List your educational background, including degrees, relevant courses, and honors.

Certifications

List any professional certifications.

Skills

• Technical or Hard skills - Mention relevant software or tools you used.
• Soft skills - List key skills such as time management, communication, etc.

Client References

Include references, with permission, from satisfied clients.