Category: Resume Writing FAQ
How do I write a resume if I was self-employed?
Self-employment should be presented professionally to demonstrate business acumen and relevant skills. List your business as you would any employer: ‘Founder & Principal Consultant | Your Business Name | 2020-Present’ or ‘Independent Marketing Consultant | Self-Employed | 2020-Present.’ In the description, treat it like a job: describe your services, target clients, and achievements. Quantify everything: number of clients served, revenue generated, projects completed. Example bullets: ‘Built consulting practice serving 20+ small business clients with combined revenue of $500K,’ ‘Developed custom marketing strategies resulting in average 40% client growth,’ ‘Managed all business operations including sales, delivery, and finance.’ If you had notable clients, list them (if not confidential): ‘Clients included Fortune 500 companies and venture-backed startups.’ Show business skills: client acquisition, project management, P&L management, vendor relationships. If transitioning back to traditional employment, emphasize skills transferable to employee roles rather than entrepreneurial aspects. Include any special achievements: awards, media features, speaking engagements. If your business is ongoing but you’re seeking employment, be prepared to address this in interviews – employers may worry about your commitment or potential competition.
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