Thinking about including unrelated freelance experience on your resume? We'll help you decide what to keep and what to leave out, so your resume stands out.
Having lots of experience in one field is great! But what about adding freelance work that doesn't match your main job? Let’s see if it's worth it.
Keep It Relevant
- Focus on Relevance: Your resume should highlight experience directly related to the job. Stick with similar roles and skills first.
- Brief Mention: If your freelance work has transferable skills, like project management, give it a short highlight.
- Separate Section: Keep unrelated experience in a different section, named "Additional Experience" or "Other Relevant Experience."
Quantify Your Experience
- Show Your Impact: Use numbers! How many people did you manage? Did you boost sales or efficiency? Write it out.
- Detail Accomplishments: Be specific. Rather than just "Photographer," say "Work featured in top magazines, reaching 1 million+ users."
Be Clear and Concise
- Action Verbs: Start your bullet points with strong words like "led," "developed," or "managed."
- Avoid Clutter: Unrelated job details can clutter your resume. Make sure relevant experiences are easy to skim.
Consider the Job You Want
- Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to fit each job you apply for. If a job likes diverse experiences, include your photo work.
- Skills That Transfer: Many skills work in different jobs. Leadership, management, and client relations are useful everywhere.
Examples and Templates
- Templates: Use resume templates that work with applicant tracking systems (ATS). Find free templates online.
- Free Resources: Many tools, like Google Docs, offer free templates to make a clean and professional resume.
Networking
- Leverage Your Network: Sometimes who you know matters more. Networking helps you explain your skills better.
- Join Professional Groups: Being in groups related to your field can help. Join webinars and discussions for guidance.
Final Thoughts
Balancing different experiences can be tricky, but make it work for you. Highlight relevant skills and tailor each resume. This way, your unique skills shine without overwhelming employers.