5 Amazing freelance writer Resume Examples (Updated 2023) + Skills & Job Descriptions

If you spend your free time creating blog posts or even drafting short stories, you might wonder if you have what it takes to make it as a freelance writer. If you have been writing for a while, you probably know that you are up against steep competition and that you need an outstanding resume to catch the attention of a hiring manager. You need to create a freelance writer resume that showcases your professional-level writing skills, but you also need to know that your ability with the written word is just the foundation of your career. To quickly show a recruiter that you are the right writer for the job, your resume should demonstrate that you possess great time management skills, the ability to work independently, and most importantly, the ability to communicate well. When you are looking for a new job, you only have one chance with a hiring manager to make a great first impression. Take a look at our resume sample selection for expert tips on crafting a resume of your skills and qualifications that will secure you a spot on your future employer's interview list.

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freelance writer: Resume Samples & Writing Guide

Employment history

Chief Freelance Writer, The New York Times New York, New York

March 2018 – Present

Utilize social media platforms to promote content
Edit and proofread content for accuracy and clarity
Develop and maintain relationships with editors and producers

Freelance Writer, The Washington Post Washington, DC

March 2017 – February 2018

Develop and maintain relationships with editors and producers
Utilize social media platforms to promote content
Ensure content adheres to style guidelines

Jr. Freelance Writer, BuzzFeed New York, New York

August 2016 – February 2017

Monitor current events and trends in the media and journalism field
Develop and maintain relationships with editors and producers
Monitor and respond to feedback from readers and viewers

Education

University of Texas, Austin, Texas

BA in Mass Communication, June, 2016

Skills

Critical Thinking

Conflict Resolution

Organization

Negotiation

Journalism

Adobe Creative Suite

Content Marketing

Photography

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Professional Summary

A highly experienced freelance writer with an extensive background in media and journalism. Skilled in crafting compelling stories and delivering engaging content for a variety of platforms.

Employment history

Chief Freelance Writer, NBCUniversal Universal City, California

May 2012 – Present

Manage multiple projects and deadlines
Pitch story ideas to editors and producers
Collaborate with other writers, editors, and producers

Freelance Writer, Turner Broadcasting Atlanta, Georgia

November 2010 – April 2012

Monitor current events and trends in the media and journalism field
Research topics and create content that is accurate and engaging
Create content that meets the needs of the target audience

Junior Freelance Writer, ESPN Bristol, Connecticut

November 2009 – October 2010

Interview sources and craft compelling stories
Create content that meets the needs of the target audience
Edit and proofread content for accuracy and clarity

Education

University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland

Public Relations, October, 2009

Skills

Data Analysis

Database Management

Coaching

Research

Video Production

Blogging

Graphic Design

Digital Marketing

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Employment history

Lead Freelance Writer, ESPN Bristol, Connecticut

March 2022 – Present

Collaborate with other writers, editors, and producers
Research topics and create content that is accurate and engaging
Develop and maintain relationships with editors and producers

Associate Freelance Writer, Hearst Corporation New York, New York

March 2021 – February 2022

Manage multiple projects and deadlines
Edit and proofread content for accuracy and clarity
Ensure content adheres to style guidelines

Entry Level Freelance Writer, The New York Times New York, New York

August 2020 – February 2021

Stay up to date on industry trends and technologies
Develop and maintain relationships with editors and producers
Monitor and respond to feedback from readers and viewers

Education

Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois

PhD in Media Studies, June, 2020

Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois

BA in Graphic Design, June, 2016

Skills

Networking

Collaboration

Troubleshooting

Computer Literacy

Proofreading

Copywriting

Content Writing

Graphic Design

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Employment history

Lead Freelance Writer, The New York Times New York, New York

September 2021 – Present

Write content for print and digital media outlets
Develop and maintain relationships with editors and producers
Pitch story ideas to editors and producers

Freelance Writer, BuzzFeed New York, New York

September 2020 – August 2021

Pitch story ideas to editors and producers
Monitor and respond to feedback from readers and viewers
Write content for print and digital media outlets

Jr. Freelance Writer, NBCUniversal Universal City, California

April 2019 – August 2020

Monitor current events and trends in the media and journalism field
Develop story ideas and create compelling narratives
Edit and proofread content for accuracy and clarity

Education

University of Texas, Austin, Texas

Advertising, February, 2019

Skills

Training

Strategic Thinking

Troubleshooting

Data Analysis

Proofreading

Social Media Marketing

Video Production

Adobe Creative Suite

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Professional Summary

A highly experienced freelance writer with a passion for media and journalism. Skilled in creating compelling content for a variety of outlets, from print and digital to broadcast and social media.

Employment history

Senior Freelance Writer, Hearst Corporation New York, New York

March 2013 – Present

Manage multiple projects and deadlines
Create content that meets the needs of the target audience
Monitor current events and trends in the media and journalism field

Freelance Writer, Fox Corporation Los Angeles, California

March 2012 – February 2013

Manage multiple projects and deadlines
Utilize social media platforms to promote content
Edit and proofread content for accuracy and clarity

Entry Level Freelance Writer, The New York Times New York, New York

March 2011 – February 2012

Stay up to date on industry trends and technologies
Monitor and respond to feedback from readers and viewers
Write content for print and digital media outlets

Education

Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York

MA in Digital Media, February, 2011

Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York

BA in Photography, February, 2007

Skills

Database Management

Social Media

Presentation

Planning

Storytelling

Content Marketing

Social Media Marketing

Copywriting

Use This freelance writer Resume Template

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freelance writer Job Descriptions; Explained

If you're applying for an freelance writer position, it's important to tailor your resume to the specific job requirements in order to differentiate yourself from other candidates. Including accurate and relevant information that directly aligns with the job description can greatly increase your chances of securing an interview with potential employers.

When crafting your resume, be sure to use action verbs and a clear, concise format to highlight your relevant skills and experience. Remember, the job description is your first opportunity to make an impression on recruiters, so pay close attention to the details and make sure you're presenting yourself in the best possible light.

freelance writer

Researched areas of interest for employer
Created regular content to keep readers interested and increase webpage visitors
Learned formatting skills on a variety of platforms to suit the client’s needs
Created blog posts, tourism entries and technology reviews

freelance writer

Wrote and pitched news stories focused on California state politics, including several on California water scarcity issues.
After completing multiple stories as a student intern, was hired as a freelance writer.
produce well-researched content/articles for customers
organize writing schedules to ensure that projects would be finished on time

freelance writer

Establish communication with my reader , user, viewer
Produce 2 or 3 article / content per day
Command of social media ( Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Youtube)
Write stories , blog with related content
Deep knowledge of food, beverage, staycation ,dining scene
Passionate about fashion, beauty and food
7-8 years experience writing in veriety of media social

freelance writer/proofreader/editor

Revised written material to meet personal standards and to satisfy needs of clients, publishers, directors, or producers.
Wrote fiction or nonfiction prose such as short stories, novels, biographies, articles, descriptive or critical analyses, and essays.
Developed factors such as themes, plots, characterizations, psychological analyses, historical environments, action, and dialogue, to create engaging material.
Conducted research to obtain factual information and authentic detail, using sources such as newspaper accounts, diaries, and interviews.
Taught numerous writing classes and conducted writing workshops.

freelance writer

Creative writing
Preparing research plans
Research assistance for academic writing
Supervise college students working on research projects (assisting in secondary and primary research, managing data and records).
Summarising project results

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freelance writer Job Skills

For an freelance writer position, your job skills are a key factor in demonstrating your value to the company and showing recruiters that you're the ight fit for the role. It's important to be specific when highlighting your skills and ensure that they are directly aligned with the job requirements, as this can greatly improve your chances of being hired. By showcasing your relevant skills and experience, you can make a compelling case for why you're the best candidate for the job.

How to include technical skills in your resume:

Technical skills are a set of specialized abilities and knowledge required to perform a particular job effectively. Some examples of technical skills are data analysis, project management, software proficiency, and programming languages, to name a few.

Add the technical skills that will get hired in your career field with our simple-to-use resume builder. Select your desired resume template, once you reach the skills section of the builder, manually write in the skill or simply click on "Add more skills". This will automatically generate the best skills for your career field, choose your skill level, and hit "Save & Next."

Content Writing
Copywriting
Editing
Journalism
Storytelling
Writing
SEO
Social Media Marketing
Content Marketing
Blogging
Digital Marketing
Proofreading
Media Relations
Adobe Creative Suite
Multimedia Production
Graphic Design
Photography
Video Production
Audio Production
Web Design
HTML/CSS.

How to include soft skills in your resume:

Soft skills are non-technical skills that relate to how you work and that can be used in any job. Including soft skills such as time management, creative thinking, teamwork, and conflict resolution demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and show that you navigate challenges and changes in the workplace efficiently.

Add competitive soft skills to make your resume stand-out to recruiters! Simply select your preferred resume template in the skills section, enter the skills manually or use the "Add more skills" option. Our resume builder will generate the most relevant soft skills for your career path. Choose your proficiency level for each skill, and then click "Save & Next" to proceed to the next section.

Communication
Interpersonal
Leadership
Time Management
Problem Solving
Decision Making
Critical Thinking
Creativity
Adaptability
Teamwork
Organization
Planning
Public Speaking
Negotiation
Conflict Resolution
Research
Analytical
Attention to Detail
Self-Motivation
Stress Management
Collaboration
Coaching
Mentoring
Listening
Networking
Strategic Thinking
Negotiation
Emotional Intelligence
Adaptability
Flexibility
Reliability
Professionalism
Computer Literacy
Technical
Data Analysis
Project Management
Customer Service
Presentation
Written Communication
Social Media
Troubleshooting
Quality Assurance
Collaboration
Supervisory
Risk Management
Database Management
Training
Innovation
Documentation
Accounting
Financial Management
Visualization
Reporting
Business Acumen
Process Improvement
Documentation
Relationship Management.

How to Improve Your freelance writer Resume

Navigating resume pitfalls can mean the difference between landing an interview or not. Missing job descriptions or unexplained work history gaps can cause recruiters to hesitate. Let's not even talk about the impact of bad grammar, and forgetting your contact info could leave your potential employer hanging. Aim to be comprehensive, concise, and accurate.

Employment history

Chief Freelance Writer, Turner Broadcasting Atlanta, Georgia

October 2015 – May 2022

Utilize social media platforms to promote content
Write content for print and digital media outlets
Collaborate with other writers, editors, and producers

Associate Freelance Writer, ESPN Bristol, Connecticut

May 2014 – September 2015

Create content that meets the needs of the target audience
Pitch story ideas to editors and producers
Utilize social media platforms to promote content

Entry Level Freelance Writer, Hearst Corporation New York, New York

October 2013 – April 2014

Education

University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin

Media Studies, September, 2013

Skills

Creativity

Networking

Risk Management

Professionalism

Media Relations

SEO

Graphic Design

Journalism

Unexplained Year Gaps and Missing Job Experiences are a No-no

Gaps in your resume can prevent recruiters from hiring you if you don't explain them.

Key Insights

It's okay to have gaps in your work experience but always offer a valid explanation instead of just hiding it.
Use the gap to talk about positive attributes or additional skills you've learned.
Be honest and straightforward about the gap and explain it using a professional summary.

How to Optimize Your freelance writer Resume

Keep an eye out for these resume traps. Neglecting to detail your job roles or explain gaps in your career can lead to unnecessary doubts. Grammar blunders can reflect negatively on you, and without contact information, how can employers reach you? Be meticulous and complete.

Employment history

Chief Freelance Writer, CBS Corporation New York, New York

June 2016 – Present

Mointor currennt evennts annd treends in the mediaa annd joournalismm feild.
Stayed up too date on industry trends and technoligies.
Colaberate with other writers, editors, and producers.

Freelance Writer, The New York Times New York, New York

January 2015 – May 2016

Pich story ideass too editors n' producers.
Utilise socail media platformes too promot content.
interview sources, and craft compelng stories.

Entry Level Freelance Writer, BuzzFeed New York, New York

July 2013 – December 2014

Utilizee social media platforsm to promtee contentt.
Moniternd respond to feedback from readerss and viewerss.
Colaborate with other writters, editers, and produsers.

Education

University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland

BA in Graphic Design, June, 2013

Skills

Negotiation

Social Media

Planning

Professionalism

Media Relations

Photography

Graphic Design

Video Production

Avoid Spelling Mistakes and Include your Contact Information

Missing contact information prevents recruiters from understanding you're the best fit for the position.

Key Insights

Make sure you're not missing contact information on your resume. That should include your full name, telephone number and email address.
Make sure to use a professional email address as part of your contact information.
Highlight your contact information and double check that everything is accurate to help recruiters get in touch with you.

freelance writer Cover Letter Example

A cover letter can be a valuable addition to your job application when applying for an freelance writer position. Cover letters provide a concise summary of your qualifications, skills, and experience, also it also gives you an opportunity to explain why you're the best fit for the job. Crafting a cover letter that showcases your relevant experience and enthusiasm for the Accounts Payable role can significantly improve your chances of securing an interview.

Chief Freelance Writer
NBCUniversal
Universal City, California

NBCUniversal Hiring Team

I am a results-driven Freelance Writer with 7 years of experience in Media & Journalism. I am excited to submit my application for the Chief Freelance Writer role at NBCUniversal, where I believe I can make a valuable contribution to your team.

Growing up, I always had a fascination with Broadcast Journalism. As I pursued my education and gained experience in this field, I realized that this was where I could make the most impact. I have had the opportunity to work on things throughout my career like personal projects and voluntary work, which have developed in me a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this field. I am excited to bring my passion and expertise to the role at and help your organization achieve its goals.

I cannot stress enough how thrilled I am about the chance to join a team of like-minded individuals who share my values and passion for this amazing field. Thank you for considering my application and I hope for the chance to work together.

Thank you for your time,
Umberto Ellis
883-590-8834
[email protected]

Umberto Ellis

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