Independent Contractor Resume Examples & Writing Tips

Fulfilling a list of tasks within tight deadlines was once rewarding. Your boss was satisfied, and you received a generous salary. Despite the numerous perks of working a full-time job, it felt like wearing too-tight jeans. You could still have them on, but why torment yourself?

As an independent contractor, your comfort and autonomy are your utmost priorities. See how to write an independent contractor resume to choose the job that fits your preferences.

In this guide:

• An independent contractor resume example that gets you that favorite job.
• How to write an independent contractor job description for a resume.
• How to put independent contractor on a resume to pull recruiters in.
• Expert tips and examples to increase chances of getting an independent contractor job.

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If you’re interested in specific contractor jobs, take a look at these samples:

• 3D Artist Resume
• Copywriter Resume
• Filmmaker Resume
• Freelance Resume
• Front-End Developer Resume
• Java Developer Resume
• Makeup Artist Resume
• Programmer Resume
• Technical Resume
• Web Designer Resume

Now, let’s see a professional contractor resume example:

Independent Contractor Resume Example

Independent contractors provide goods or services under written contracts or verbal agreements. On the contrary to employees, they don’t work within regular timeframes but as agreed with a payer. Independent contractors are often photographers, designers, virtual assistants, writers, and more.

Now, let’s walk through the process of creating an independent contractor resume that rises to the challenge: 

1. Adjust Your Independent Contractor Resume Format

Flexibility, increased salary, less frequent commuting, and fewer office politics. This is what distinguishes an independent contractor from a regular employee. At the same time, these are the main reasons why many employees transition to independent contractors.

Add a few nice benefits to it, and you’ve got the job to be envied.

Lots of candidates would grab that opportunity with no hesitation. When competing for a job, ensure you catch up with the best job application practices so no one rejects your resume for a silly reason.

Start with the right resume formatting. You must obey it to qualify your independent contractor resume for the initial recruitment steps.

• We usually recommend a reverse-chronological resume format. It shines a light on the most recent work experience that recruiters like to see first.
• You might also want to highlight a list of abilities that appear valuable for the job you seek. For this purpose, you can give the skill-based resume format a go.
• A combination resume is your option three. It merges the two resume types explained above. It will expose your skills up top, followed by a summary of previous responsibilities and accomplishments.

Once you decide on the most suitable resume format, follow these steps:

1. Apply simplified resume fonts like Calibri or Georgia, and use 10–12pt size.
2. Use 1-inch resume marginson both sides. Keep enough space between sections and entries.
3. Make your resume a one-page read. If in doubt, read more about the best resume length, according to experts.
4. Follow a regular resume sectionorder. Include Header, Summary, Experience, Education, Skills, and Additional Sections. 

Finally, save and send your resume in PDF format unless instructed otherwise. A doc format could ruin all your very best formatting efforts.

2. Start Your Independent Contractor Resume With a Snappy Summary or Objective

Once you set up your business, preparing an enthralling branding strategy becomes a priority. One of the critical rules to adopt? Be specific and resonant with your audience, so your communication reaches them directly.

This advice applies to your independent contractor resume, too. If you want to be certain it gets attention from the first seconds, make an introduction that pulls the reader in and goes with their expectations.

If you already have a few years of work experience, write a resume summary to pinpoint your top accomplishments from when you collaborated with other companies. Here’s what your resume summary should consist of:

1. Put one adjective right at the start (e.g., talented).
2. Name your job title (graphic designer, web writer etc.).
3. Summarize years of experience that you have (2+, 3+...).
4. Uncover the reason behind your application (e.g., to power the Graphic Design team with exceptional artistry and digital savviness).
5. Bring out one or two unique skills (e.g., artistry, digital savviness).
6. Mention 2 to 3 accomplishments that matter the most (designed unique concepts for 50+ well-recognized brands).

In turn, pick a resume objective if you’re an entry-level candidate, no matter the profession.

How is it different from a resume summary? As you can see, a resume summary focuses more on goals that relate directly to the company. In the case of a resume objective, it tends to redirect attention to a job seeker’s goals.

Expert Hint: While compiling your former work experiences, pick achievements that match the job of your interest. Think of those accomplishments and skills that would translate into the new position.

3. Modify Job Descriptions Following the Job Ad

You’ve chosen an autonomous job for a reason. You’re likely a do-it-yourself, well-organized person who doesn’t fear accountability. 8 continuous working hours with a quick lunch break?

No, thanks. I’d instead work 5 hours a day. And no Mondays; frankly, they freak me out.

So, yeah, independence is a cool thing, and you like that kind of freedom. Companies value autonomous candidates, too, but they want to see you can fit right into their structure with the same ease.

What can you do to appear as a fitting candidate? Show you excel at self-management, but you can also effortlessly respond to a company’s expectations.

When crafting an independent contractor job description for resume, mind these key steps:

1. Study the job posting in terms of crucial duties and responsibilities.
2. Take a minute to recall when you performed similar tasks.
3. Bring up relevant work experience focusing on accomplishments, not just assignments.
4. Apply bullet points to make your work experience section easily scannable.
5. Add numbers and action words to sound more credible.

Last but not least, don’t go into too much detail. 3-5 concrete bullet points would be a good benchmark.

How to put ‘independent contractor’ on a resume? Follow the rules above, plus consider adding the words: contract, consultant, or freelancer next to the job title. This way, you’ll mark the form of employment that interests you.

4. Find Fitting Independent Contractor Skills

Tapping on the keyboard, petting a cat, and doing laundry all at once? No probs. You’ve got it all in your little finger, and multitasking was one of your favorite words before it became popular. 

But, when making a skills list for your independent contractor resume, focus on those that your contractor wants to see. Think of both soft and hard skills that matter for a job you’d gladly take.

Here’s a sample list of skills for a graphic artist who works as an independent contractor:

Independent Contractor Resume: Example Skill Section

• Digital & printed designs
• Photoshop
• Corel
• InDesign
• Adobe Illustrator
• Video editing
• Typography
• Presentations
• Communication skills
• Multitasking
• Organization
• Collaboration
• Creativite thinking

See, all the traits are put in a well-thought order. The list starts with the most important hard skills and extends to soft skills appreciated in a graphic designer job.

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5. Make the Education Section Remarkable

Education? Huh, it was so long ago that you could call it ancient history. Who looks at education when seeing a vast work experience that seems so relevant to the job?

You’d be surprised, but education might be another reference point in your independent contractor resume. Your schooling background can help a contractor better understand your job qualifications.

What’s more, some jobs require particular degrees, and employers love seeing you have that academic knowledge to do your job most professionally.

How to draft a strong education section?

1. Provide your most recent degree at the outset.
2. Mention the school name and studying dates below.
3. Inform about your GPA (only if it’s more than 3.5).
4. Add bullets with relevant coursework or academic honors.
5. Include additional activities and recognitions.

While courses, additional projects, and activities taken during studying time are facultative, they can speak for your involvement and dedication. Consider attaching them to your education section to make it more comprehensive.

6. Don’t Save on Added Sections

What added sections could an independent contractor put on a resume to sound more appealing? Basically, it can be anything that adds value to your resume.

Whether you take up some extra activities, have interests and hobbies that match your job choice, or got certifications and awards you can show off, put it all right at the end of your independent contractor resume.

Here are some examples of what you can include in your resume for an independent contractor:

• Additional Activities
• Volunteering Experience
• Relevant Interests and Hobbies
• Professional Certifications
• Achievements and Awards
• Professional References

Expert Hint: On top of that, write a cover letter explaining your motivations in detail. A good independent contractor resume supporter with a tailored cover letter provides a full picture of you as an individual.

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Key Points

To write a successful independent contractor resume, follow these tips:

• Mind your resume formatting, paying attention to margins, spacing, and fonts. Additional note: keep your resume length in check.
• Copy from our exemplary independent contractor resume sample and cover all sections we’ve guided you through.
• See how to write job descriptions to sound more credible. If possible, use numbers to back up your former accomplishments.
• Include added sections if there’s anything that could strengthen your application and make it more thorough.

• Draft an independent contractor cover letter.Treat it like an extra means to gain a recruiter’s attention.

Are you confident enough to write an independent contractor resume? Is there anything more we can help you with? Write a comment below. We’ll be happy to answer all your concerns.

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At ResumeLab, quality is at the crux of our values, supporting our commitment to delivering top-notch career resources. The editorial team of career experts carefully reviews every article in accordance with editorial guidelines, ensuring the high quality and reliability of our content. We actively conduct original research, shedding light on the job market's intricacies and earning recognition from numerous influential news outlets. Our dedication to delivering expert career advice attracts millions of readers to our blog each year.