Freelance Writer CV examples

Writing a CV as a Freelance Writer might feel like writing about yourself in the third person, but it’s an essential step to landing new gigs. Clients want to know you can deliver high-quality work on time, every time, and that you’ve got the skills to adapt your writing to suit any audience.

This guide will show you how to write a CV that’s clear, compelling, and tailored to highlight your best writing work and achievements.

Think of your CV like a perfect headline – clear, memorable, and impossible to ignore (and please, definitely no typos). A messy CV is like a first draft – it might have potential, but nobody wants to wade through it: let potential clients easily see your expertise.

Here’s how to structure your Freelance Writer CV:

• Name and contact details – Make personal details prominent at the top so clients and recruiters can connect with you easily. Adding a photo is completely up to you.
• Profile – Introduce yourself with a punchy overview that showcases your niche expertise and writing accomplishments.
• Core skills – Give a snapshot of your most valuable abilities, like SEO optimisation, copywriting, or research-driven content creation.
• Work experience – Tell the story of your professional journey, starting with the most recent gigs and projects. Focus on the impact your writing had.
• Education – Whether it’s a degree in journalism or a certificate in creative writing, mention the qualifications that underline your talent.
• Additional info – Mention hobbies and interests that reflect your creativity, such as blogging or storytelling. This section is always optional, but can be valuable.

Your CV’s format should be as polished as the copy you produce for clients. Even the best writers can be overlooked if their CV isn’t easy to read or visually appealing – don’t let avoidable mistakes overshadow your talent.

Here’s how to format your Freelance Writer CV:

• Bullet points – Break information into snappy, impactful points that are easy to skim through.
• Divide sections – Use bold headings and consistent spacing to make your CV easy on the eye and even easier to navigate for recruiters or clients.
• Use a clean font – Stick to something sharp and professional – your words are the focus, not a quirky font or layout.
• Keep it the right length – No more than 2 pages, ensuring your highlights are front and centre while avoiding unnecessary fluff.

Your profile is your CV’s opening line – make it engaging enough that recruiters won’t want to stop reading. For a Freelance Writer, this is where you convey your versatility and ability to deliver quality content under tight deadlines.

Here are some tips on what to include in your Freelance Writer CV profile:

• Where you’ve worked – Mention notable clients, publications, or industries you’ve written for.
• Your top qualifications – Highlight degrees in writing, communications, or certifications in copywriting or SEO.
• Key skills – Include abilities like creating engaging content, meeting deadlines, or adapting to various tones.
• Writing genres – Reference specialisations such as technical writing, creative copywriting, or blog content.
• Client results – Highlight outcomes like increased web traffic, successful campaigns, or high engagement rates.

Your core skills section is like a contents page for your talents – it tells recruiters exactly what to expect without making them read the whole novel.

For Freelance Writers, this section should focus on technical skills, content expertise, and writing-related tools. Tailor it to the specific niche or industry you’re targeting.

Your work experience section is where you demonstrate the value of your writing. Highlight your contributions to client projects, the range of work you’ve delivered, and the impact you’ve had.

List your projects or clients in reverse chronological order, focusing on measurable results and key contributions.

If you’re new to the game, highlight any freelance gigs, internships, or the time you ghostwrote your friend’s best man speech (it still counts).

• Outline – Provide an overview of the client, project, or industry, and your role within it.
• Responsibilities – Highlight tasks like writing, editing, or developing content strategies. Use action verbs like “created,” “developed,” or “delivered.”
• Achievements – Showcase measurable results, such as increased engagement, higher traffic, or successful campaigns. Include figures wherever possible to add impact.

The education section is essential for Freelance Writers, as it demonstrates your foundational skills and professional training. It’s like the prologue to your career – it sets the scene but doesn’t need to drag on, so keep it brief but impactful..

Include degrees, certifications, and any relevant courses. List your qualifications in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent.

As a Freelance Writer, your portfolio is your ultimate proof of talent – it’s where potential clients or employers can see your words in action.

Include a link to your online portfolio at the end of your CV, showcasing a variety of work that demonstrates your versatility and expertise. Highlight pieces tailored to the type of writing your client is looking for, whether it’s technical documentation or engaging blog posts.

Ensure your portfolio is:

• Organised and easy to navigate – Categorise your work by type or industry to help clients find relevant examples quickly.
• Tailored to the client or job – Emphasise projects that align with the type of work you’re applying for.
• Updated and polished – Keep your most recent and best work front and centre.

Your portfolio is the final step in convincing potential clients or employers that you’re the writer they’ve been looking for. Make sure it’s as engaging as the content you create!