I have a confession to make: until recently I was using the same version of my resume every time someone requested a copy. And it hadn’t been updated in a long time. As someone who often covers career topics, I really ought to know better. Truth be told, I was kind of enjoying the whole “I’m a freelancer, I have no need for resumes, bosses, or other trappings of the corporate world” mindset.
Most freelance writers do just fine with a well-crafted cover letter and writing samples, because, let’s face it, you can inject more personality and humor into a cover letter than you can a resume. A bulleted list of publishing credits and job titles doesn’t exactly lend itself to clever prose. But sometimes that is what the prospective client wants.
When I was college student applying for jobs, I had a few different versions of my resume depending on where I was applying: administrative jobs, PR agency jobs, writing jobs, non-profit jobs, etc. So, I applied that strategy and created versions of my resume for copywriting, journalism, and blogging.
Each version includes much of the same information, but it’s packaged a little differently. For copywriting, for instance, I include descriptions of a few different projects at the top and make my publishing credits secondary. For the blogging version, I play up a few of the places I’ve guest blogged, blogging awards I’ve won, and my social media experience.
To help myself stay sane without sending the wrong version to the wrong person, I included the title at the top in big bold font (“Susan Johnston, Freelance Copywriter” or “Susan Johnston, Freelance Blogger”) and used a C, B, or J in the file name. How do you handle your freelance writing resume? Do you even use one? Let us know!
Resumes seems to be the subject of the week. You, Lori and I all have posts about them!
I find that writing samples are asked for more often than my resume, but I keep two versions of my resume on hand–a freelance version and a traditional version.
My freelancing resume definitely reflects a more creative approach than the traditional one (which I hope never to have to use again!). At the top is a brief showcase of my skills. Then I have a list of select clients (agencies and independent businesses), followed by the types of projects I work on. Then I get into the positions I held before I started freelancing, focusing on those aspects of the job that apply to writing, editing and other creative stuff. The rest of it is pretty traditional–awards and associations, computer skills, education . . .
I’ve been thinking about updating my resume – funny that you write about this particular topic tday. Of course I’ve yet to move beyond the “thinking about it” stage. You just gave me the kick in the pants I need to get on top of it.
Someone recently asked to see my traditional resume, but I did not plan to join the corporate rat race and commute 70 miles everyday (return trip), so I didn’t have to dust it up.
I also have a freelance version of my resume, but I haven’t updated it in a long while. I find it’s easier to update my profile on LinkedIn, and refer potential clients to it unless the specifically ask for s copy.
I’d never thought about having tailored resumes for writing before–duh! I always just attached my one writing resume and included links to samples that are relevant to the job. I find it strange that employers ask for a cover letter, samples AND a resume, so I guess that’s why I didn’t put much effort into tailoring them. I think I will now, though! Thanks Susan!
I have to make a writing resume, too. I’ve been relying on cover letters, because of my freshness in this business makes for a very short resume. What sort of things could you recommend to make a brief resume look more extensive?
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@Erin: Don’t feel constrained by writing a chronological resume. You could also organize it by category or specialty area and include topics covered, classes you’ve taken, extracurricular affiliations, or awards you’ve won.
Anyone else have suggestions for Erin?