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Topic: How to handle permalance on resume

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Upward Bound Posted – 2/26/2008 12:24:08 AM | show profile
At what point when working more or less full time at an onsite freelance gig does the job warrant its own section on your resume? Is it misleading to list such a job as if it were a full-time position even if it's treated as such (minus the benefits...)? Do you need to point out that it's onsite freelance?

Thanks!
mentat Posted – 2/26/2008 5:37:09 AM | show profile
I always list it as "freelance editor" or whatever title it is. Put the dates down, and I think most people in the industry know what it means. These days, I think a lot of people are "perm" but are actually working on a freelance/consultant basis.
foodlit Posted – 2/26/2008 10:26:49 AM | show profile
Just list it chronologically along with your other jobs. If you're going for a freelance job, then spell out that that the job is (long term contract) after the dates.

If your emphasis is on a perm job, then you could leave the explanation off and save it for the application or actual interview or put it on. Either way is fine.

As an hr person I'd advise leaving it off if your goal is a perm job, because you might get ruled out of even getting an interview if they have a bias against freelancers. You can't hide the information of course, but you can control when it is revealed, and your goal is to get an interview and get in front of them where they will fall in love with you first, which will likely make the freelancing a non-issue.

Good luck,
Pam
photo Posted – 2/26/2008 10:32:15 AM | show profile
If the prior job is important and relevant to your candidacy for your new job, I'd list it, as long as it lasted approximately a year or more.

If it's less than a year, I typically put it under a "clients" section with a broader heading that addresses my freelance services.

Keep in mind - your resume isn't just a list of what you've accomplished - it's a document that tells a prospective employer about what skills you have that are directly applicable to your desired position. If highlighting a specific role advances your position, then by all means, call it out, even if it was less than a year.

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