INDUSTRY STATS
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, IT and Software Engineering positions are at a much faster than average growth rate, which is 22%. With that said, there are currently 1,847,900 jobs in the market right now. The total number of jobs is expected to increase by 409,500 to 2,257,400 in the period of 2020-30.
What’s more, the median annual wage for the IT and Software Engineering jobs was $110,140 in May 2020. The lowest 10% earned less than $65,210, and the highest 10% more than $170,100.
Our conclusion? The IT and Software Engineering job market is facing competition due to decreasing demand.
Top Freelance Developer sections that make the best resume
- Header
- Professional summary
- Experience (with numbers and results)
- Relevant skills
- Education
- Certifications
How to write a Freelance Developer resume experience section
Freelance Developer Resume’s Job Experience Checklist:
- Use 4-6 bullet points per job title;
- Don’t go further than a decade behind when describing your job history, unless you’re applying for an executive position;
- Combine job responsibilities as well as achievements with numbers in results when you describe your past work;
- Start each sentence with a power verb and avoid overused buzzwords;
- Use either C-A-R or S-T-A-R methodology, when describing your experience.
The work experience samples below come from real Freelance Developer resumes that got people hired at top companies. You can use them as an inspiration to build your own resume:
- Have been key member of Agile Dev team, involved in regular delivery and deployment of 45 + Sprints.
- Have been involved in Requirement Gathering, prioritizing user stories ,Technical analysis and Effort analysis.
- Have undergone through multiple client technical ,design and security audits and reviews on Sprints deployed.
- Application development and support
- Secure integration with multiple data sources and third party systems
- Data warehousing, database management systems
- Interface design and development
- Developed Applications UIs via emerging Front End Technologies such as Angular 4, JavaScript, JQuery, HTML5 and CSS3.
- Hands on experience in Responsive Design and Media Queries.
- Testing to identify bugs and technical issues before and afterdeploying.
- Maintaining an organized workflow using a project management tool(like GitHub).
- Documenting bug reports, tickets, and any code modification.
- Collaborated with Web Application Engineers, used Python scripts to load the data into AWS Cloud Cassandra database
- Visualised over 40 datasets with Matplotlib
- Involved in processing the streaming data as well as batch data using Apache Spark
- Delivering projects with 1-2 days turn around time or even within hours
- Developed internal tools for text mining (sentimental analysis), and web crawler for collecting data by Python and SQL
- Used AWS Elastic Beanstalk service for deploying and scaling web applications and services developed with Java, Python
- Developed shell scripting and Python programs to automate the data flow on day-to-day tasks
- Analyzed the SQL scripts and designed the solution to Developed a custom ETL pipeline by using Python
- Made over 800 insertions and 150 deletions to 4 central Firmware repositories in less than 3 months
- Participated in more than 4 projects per year from initial research and conceptual design through testing and implementation phases
- Developed data quality portal using Python scripting, increasing data quality by 30%
- Communicated and coordinated with the project manager and coworkers to resolve 30+ build breaks a month
- Developed 40% of application architecture
- Initiated to use JProfiler in order to inspect memory usage and remove memory leaks
- Executed documentation and tests to ensure code meets 100% requirements and specifications
- Implemented more than 5 features (e.g. user profile, multi-language option ...)
- Researched software bugs and implemented fixes to increase efficiency by 30%
- Covered about 60% of the application with tests
- Project : DigitalNow.
- Project Description : DigitalNow is a search engine tool and an SPA that makes use of LucidWorks fusion and PoolParty to basically fetch search results from multiple internal repositories. All the search related information is provided in the specific format and a user can further apply filters to these search results. The results contain docs and videos that provide users to pin, like and download them. It contains an RBAC framework that allows users to access the functionalities given to them. For ex. the admins can check the performance, analytics of the application used by all the users. This application also allows users to connect to other users and form groups.
- Involving in complete backend development activity.
- Maintaining database activity.
- Overseeing bug reports, ensuring they are resolved within an adequate timeframe.
- Developing new, efficient and well-tested code for a variety of different aspects.
- Built the basic RBAC framework to build APIs for accessing the functionalities based on the roles of users.
- Working in a traditional agile team of 20 individuals to design and develop solution for the above
- Learnt and Used HTML , CSS and DJANGO
- Used efficient bootstrap classes to enhance Formatting.
- Improvements by our team improved site loading time by 3% - 4% .
- Designed a User friendly webpage for their Edtech Website
- Started the migration of a monolithic application to event-driven microservices using RabbitMQ and Spring AMQP
- Built projects from scratch and created the foundation of the microservices
- Configured Docker containers for local development
- Performed code reviews and worked remotely in a distributed team
- Tested the implementations using unit tests, integration tests and dev manual tests
- Attended trainings related to Java software development
- Attended meetings, estimated tasks and worked in two week Scrum sprints
- Worked on three Spring Boot-powered web applications
- Created new web pages using Spring MVC and Thymeleaf
- Used an internal company framework to migrate an E-commerce web application to a cloud native environment by adding circuit breakers, service discovery and distributed sessions
- Implemented front-end related tasks using HTML, CSS and Javascript
- Wrote automated tests with Selenium and Gauge and unit tests with JUnit and Mockito
- Performed load testing with JMeter and communicated with RESTful and SOAP web services
- Successfully collaborated with teams from Romania and Germany in order to implement technical and business tasks
- Developed functionality for certain customers to cancel theircontracts online with a few clicks
- Prepared and monitored the deployment process of the applications
- Prevented security vulnerabilities by using secure coding practices while implementing new features
- Improved application performance by testing and debugging.
- Developed web pages using Front-End technologies.
- Leveraged knowledge in React, Javascript, Bootstrap, Git and debugging using Chrome Developer Tools.
- Implemented School Management System
- Worked on Front-End and Back-End of application with supervisor.
- Leveraged knowledge in Php, MySQL, HTML, CSS, BootStrap
- Lead developer for Unlimited Salesforce Edition with 5000+ Salesforce users licenses
- Managed Case team for three months which consisted of 18 employees
- Realized 10M+ investments and delivered strategies on a vision to put the Salesforce CRM system at the nexus of a customer-centric business apps stack strategy
- Drove with negotiation strategies and helped procure Salesforce-ServiceTitan multi-year contract resulting in 6M+
- Collaborated with Web Application Engineers, used Python scripts to load the data into AWS Cloud Cassandra database
- Visualised over 40 datasets with Matplotlib
- Involved in processing the streaming data as well as batch data using Apache Spark
- Delivering projects with 1-2 days turn around time or even within hours
- Developed internal tools for text mining (sentimental analysis), and web crawler for collecting data by Python and SQL
- Used AWS Elastic Beanstalk service for deploying and scaling web applications and services developed with Java, Python
- Developed shell scripting and Python programs to automate the data flow on day-to-day tasks
- Analyzed the SQL scripts and designed the solution to Develop a custom ETL pipeline by using Python
- Made over 800 insertions and 150 deletions to 4 central Firmware repositories in less than 3 months
- Participated in more than 4 projects per year from initial research and conceptual design through testing and implementation phases
- Developed data quality portal using Python scripting, increasing data quality by 30%
- Communicated and coordinated with the project manager and coworkers to resolve 30+ build breaks a month
- Delivered weekly progress report to executive staff and informed applicable parties of upcoming milestones.
- Researched and developed mobile Android app to help users efficiently locate all Type of services within immediate location.
- Created custom mobile applications using native technologies.
- Provided dedicated support and timely issue resolution to clients following successful app launch.
- Applied various techniques to locate bugs and errors in applications.
- Designed user interfaces that engaged multiple senses and produced immersive experiences.
- Tested applications prior to final review to verify efficient issue resolution.
- Assessed app performance and code efficiency through bench marking and optimization tests.
- Utilized comprehensive knowledge of mobile landscape, emerging technologies and innovations to remain on cutting edge of Android market.
- Employed third-party APIs to facilitate seamless access to external, in-app cloud data.
- Collaborated with design teams to effectively meet development requirements and enhance user experiences.
- Changed a monolithic application into loosely coupled micro-service application for a training center college.
- Developed quality assurance procedures to minimize coding errors.
- Worked methodically to assess interface strengths and weaknesses, effectively creating and implementing valuable solutions
- Planned, researched and developed logic and code tests.
- Simplified client specifications into logical steps software developers could replicate with code.
- Communicated with clients regularly to gain a comprehensive understanding of product requirements.
PRO TIP
The person reading your Freelance Developer resume will be busy, make sure you never waste their time with fluff.
Action Verbs for your Freelance Developer Resume
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Freelance Developer Resume Skills’ Tips & Tricks to Impress Recruiters
Resume Skills Section Checklist:
- Ensure your hard skills section (including technologies) are exactly matching the job description.
- Don’t simply list your soft skills. Apply the “show, don’t tell” principle - let your job achievements speak for themselves.
- Find a way to showcase your skills beyond the skills section.
- Your resume’s skill section is important to ATS systems - so don’t skip it.
Top Skills for your Freelance Developer resume
- Python
- Java
- Javascript
- GIT
- SQL
- HTML
- Teamwork and communication
- Creative problem solving
- Analystical thinking
- Owning up to errors
- Self-learning
- Time management
PRO TIP
Don’t feel obliged to spend a separate section for your soft skills - you can weave them throughout your job experience or career summary. But, don’t just write empty words - back them with examples.
Recommended reads:
Freelance Developer Resume Header: Tips, Red Flags, and Best Practices
CHECKLIST For Your Freelance Developer Resume Header
- Your name and surname in a legible and larger resume font
- The job title you’re applying for or your current job title as a subheading to your name
- Link to your portfolio or online profile, such as LinkedIn
- Address (City and State for the US; just your city for rest of the world)
- Email address
- Headshot (required or welcomed in the EU; not required and sometimes frowned upon in the US)
Stick to popular email providers such as Gmail or Outlook. And use these professional formats to create your username:
- first.last@gmail.com
- last.first@gmail.com
- firstlast@gmail.com
- f.last@gmail.com
- first.l@gmail.com
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PRO TIP
Include a link to your portfolio in your Freelance Developer resume header. Most companies will require that you include one in your resume, and even if they don’t, it’s an excellent opportunity to directly show them your proudest projects.
Freelance Developer Resume Summary Best Practices
Checklist: What to include in your Freelance Developer resume summary:
- Years of experience;
- Highlight top 3 skills and proficiencies;
- One big professional accomplishment you’re most proud of, that you can tie with the aforementioned skills;
- Use short, direct sentences - but no more than three - to keep the HRs interested.
Resume Summary Formula:
PRO TIP
Include a link to your portfolio in your resume header. Most companies will require that you include one in your resume, and even if they don’t, it’s an excellent opportunity to directly show them your proudest projects.
Recommended reads:
Listing Your Education, Certifications and Courses
Resume Education Section Checklist:
- Ensure your hard skills section (including technologies) are exactly matching the job description.
- Don’t simply list your soft skills. Apply the “show, don’t tell” principle - let your job achievements speak for themselves.
- Find a way to showcase your skills beyond the skills section.
- Your resume’s skill section is important to ATS systems - so don’t skip it.
Top Certifications for your Freelance Developer resume
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PRO TIP
If you hold a certain major and a minor, your majors should be mentioned first.
Freelance Developer Resume: Additional Writing & Formatting Tips
There are three basic resume formats you can choose from:
- Reverse-chronological resume format;
- Functional resume format;
- Hybrid (or Combination) resume format;
The most optimal format for your particular case will depend on your years of experience, as well as whether you’re switching industries or not.
Reverse chronological resumes are best suited for experienced individuals who are sticking to their industry. The experience section takes a central place, and its bullets contain your responsibilities and achievements, coupled with numbers and results.
Functional resumes are used by less experienced jobseekers or career changers. Note that it’s not a format that recruiters prefer, as most are used to the classic chronological alignment. Instead of a list of job titles, functional resumes focus on your skills, and through what experiences you gained them.
Hybrid resumes are great for both experienced and entry-level candidates, as well as career changers. They combine the best of both worlds - most often in a double column format, where one side of the content is focused on your experience, whereas the other - on your skills, strengths, and proudest moments.
Freelance Developer Resume Summary best practices
Here are more resume tips regarding your layout and style:
- Clear and legible 12p resume font size;
- Use 10’’ resume margins - that’s default for a great resume design;
- Use a one-page template resume length if you’ve got less than 10 years of experience; otherwise, opt for a two-page resume;
- Save your resume as PDF before sending it to the recruiter.
To take it a step further, check out how your resume can stand out without leaning too much on the creative side.
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PRO TIP
If you feel that you don’t have high chances in a particular company, due to lack of relevant experience, then you can still consider using a creative layout. That might help you get noticed and invited for an interview, as most of the other applicants will have boring resume designs.
Other sections to include in your resume
Depending on the type of company (corporation or start-up; innovative or traditional), job seniority level and your location, you may want to include more sections to your Freelance Developer resume:
Freelance Developer Resume: How to Make Yours More Creative & Stand Out
When you send your resume to a potential employer, chances are it's the fiftieth one they've seen that day. That's why you need to make your Freelance Developer resume stand out for the right reasons. That means showing your personality, not just your professional experience. Employers are far more likely to remember a candidate who seems like a genuine person and not a robot. Do this by including your passions (which is also a great place to demonstrate skills on a resume), share your favorite books, or even what your usual day looks like.
What Makes a Great Freelance Developer Resume: Key Takeaways
- Choose a resume layout that sends the right message across and fits your current career situation;
- Create a resume header that shows your desired job title, and easy to find contact numbers;
- Be specific about your experience, accomplishments and future goals in your summary;
- Feature detailed metrics and specific examples that show the impact you made in your previous roles when describing your experience;
- List soft skills backed by examples;
- Add all of your technical skills and certifications that you have and match the job description;
- Show off a dash of personality in your resume that will demonstrate your culture fit and the right mix of hard and soft skills.