Resume Tips
Freelancing
Portfolio Projects

How to Include Projects and Freelance Work on Your Resume

Freelance work and side projects can make your resume stand out—if you know how to list them correctly. Here's how to do it the right way.

Why Projects and Freelance Work Matter

Projects and freelance gigs show initiative, self-motivation, and real-world skill application—qualities employers love. They’re especially helpful if you’re switching careers or have employment gaps.


How to Structure Them

Treat each project like a job.

  • Title (e.g., Freelance Graphic Designer)
  • Client or project name
  • Dates of work
  • Bullet points that describe your contribution and results

Example Entry

Freelance Web Developer – Self-employed
Jan 2022 – Present

  • Developed responsive websites for small businesses using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
  • Improved SEO performance and page speed by 30%
  • Maintained client relationships and provided ongoing updates and fixes

Add a Portfolio or Links

Back up your work with proof. Include links to:

  • GitHub (for developers)
  • Behance or Dribbble (for designers)
  • Your personal website or portfolio


Group Projects Strategically

If you have multiple smaller projects, consider grouping them under a section like “Selected Projects” or “Freelance Highlights.”


When to Include Projects

  • You’re early in your career
  • You’re changing industries
  • You want to show hands-on skills

Final Thought

Freelance work and personal projects can set your resume apart—as long as you treat them with the same attention to detail as formal jobs.

Want help formatting your project experience cleanly? Try ResumeMaker.Online for smart templates that include project sections by default.

More from the blog


How to Customize Your Resume for the Country You Want to Work In

Read more >

How to Highlight Promotions and Job Changes on Your Resume

Read more >

Should You Lie On Your Resume? The Pros and Cons

Read more >

What To Include And What Not To Include On A Resume

Read more >

6 Ways to Handle Gaps on Your Resume

Read more >

The Most Common Resume Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Read more >

How to Create a Resume After Being Fired

Read more >

6 Tips to Optimize Your Resume for Remote Job Applications

Read more >

Resume Building for Freshers: A Starter Guide

Read more >

Are Hobbies & Interests Worth Including on Your Resume?

Read more >

How To Generate a Resume from LinkedIn

Read more >

Follow-Up Email After Job Application: Comprehensive Guide

Read more >

How to Email Your Resume to Employers (Sample Email Included)

Read more >

15 Most Common Resume Questions Answered (Resume FAQs for Job Seekers)

Read more >

Top 5 Resume Trends for 2025 (New Styles and What Recruiters Expect)

Read more >

Resume Checklist: 10 Steps to a Job-Winning Resume

Read more >

References on a Resume: Should You Include Them or Not?

Read more >

Should You Include a Photo on Your Resume? (Pros, Cons, and Best Practices)

Read more >

Hiring a Professional Resume Writer vs Using a Resume Builder

Read more >

Online Resume Builder vs DIY Resume: Which Is Best for You?

Read more >

LinkedIn Profile vs Resume: Key Differences and Why You Need Both

Read more >

Resume Tips for Mid-Career Professionals

Read more >

How to Write a Resume for Tech Jobs (Tech Resume Guide for IT Professionals)

Read more >

Career Change Resume: Tips for Writing a Resume for a New Career Path

Read more >

Tailoring Your Resume for Remote Jobs (Tips for Landing Remote Work)

Read more >

How to Explain Employment Gaps on Your Resume (Examples & Tips)

Read more >

How to Include Projects and Freelance Work on Your Resume

Read more >

How to Tailor Your Resume to Different Jobs (Why Customization Matters)

Read more >

Resume Keywords 101: How to Use Keywords to Beat the ATS

Read more >

ATS-Friendly Resume: How to Optimize Your Resume for Applicant Tracking Systems

Read more >

One-Page vs Two-Page Resume: How Long Should Your Resume Be?

Read more >

Best Fonts and Formatting for a Professional Resume

Read more >

Best Resume Formats for 2025 (Chronological vs Functional vs Hybrid)

Read more >

Resume Objective vs Summary: What They Are and How to Write Them

Read more >

What Skills to Put on a Resume (Based on Job Role and Industry)

Read more >

How to Write a Resume with No Experience (Entry-Level Resume Guide)

Read more >

AI Job Finder: Instantly Tailor Your Resume to Any Job Listing

Read more >

AI Resume Bullet Point Generator: Create Impactful Descriptions Fast

Read more >

AI Keyword Matcher: Tailor Your Resume to Any Job Description

Read more >

AI Skills Generator: Discover the Best Skills to Add to Your Resume

Read more >

AI Resume Summary Generator: Write a Strong Resume Summary Instantly

Read more >

AI Resume Translator: Create a Multilingual Resume in Seconds

Read more >

AI Resume Writing Assistant: Get AI Help with Every Resume Section

Read more >

Smart Resume Import: Convert Your Old Resume to a Modern Format

Read more >

Zety Alternative: Transparent, Affordable Resume Building

Read more >

Resume.io Alternative: No Signups or PDF Gating

Read more >

Novoresume Alternative: No Page Limits or Paywalls

Read more >

Canva Alternative: Built for Resumes, Not Just Design

Read more >

Enhancv Alternative: One-Time Price, No Branding

Read more >

Kickresume Alternative: Simple, Honest Resume Building

Read more >

Teal Alternative: Focused Resume Builder, Not a CRM

Read more >

VisualCV Alternative: Just $9—No Subscriptions

Read more >

FlowCV Alternative: Free AI Tools + More Customization

Read more >

ResumeGenius Alternative: No Subscription Trap

Read more >

CakeResume Alternative: Focused on Resumes, Not Branding

Read more >

The Best Video Resume Tools for 2025

Read more >

When to Use and Share a Video Resume

Read more >

Video Resume Tips: Entry-Level vs Experienced Applicants

Read more >

Personal Branding with a Video Resume

Read more >

How to Share Your Video Resume with Employers

Read more >

Video Resume vs Traditional Resume: Which Wins?

Read more >

Future Trends: What’s Next for Video Resumes in 2025

Read more >

How to Script and Film a Video Resume at Home

Read more >

The Pros and Cons of Using a Video Resume

Read more >

How to Create an Effective Video Resume: Step-by-Step Guide

Read more >

Video Resume Mistakes to Avoid (and How to Fix Them)

Read more >

Video Cover Letter vs Video Resume: What’s the Difference?

Read more >

Creative Resume Alternatives That Go Beyond the PDF

Read more >

Video Resume Examples and Inspiration to Get You Started

Read more >

Video Resume Tips: The Do’s and Don’ts for Success

Read more >

What Is a Video Resume and Why You Need One in 2025

Read more >

resume builder
Get Started With Our Resume Maker Today! ✨
Create Resume With AI
1# Product of the Week on Product Hunt
By pressing "Create Resume With AI" you agree to our Terms & Privacy Policy