Tips on listing self-employment on your resume

Tips on listing self-employment on your resumeBeing self-employed comes with manychallenges ?determining your niche, findingclients, having adequate insurance, hiringadditional help, etc. To succeed as a freelancer,contractor, or a new business owner, you have tohave determination, passion and patience, much ofthe same characteristics you need to successfullyhunt for a new job. So why is self-employment ona resume a concern for your potential employer?Listing self-employment on your resume whenlooking for full-time job can raise questions for

your potential employer. They will ask questionssuch as:- Were self-employed because you were in betweenjobs, or because you wanted to start your ownbusiness rather than work for a corporation?- Are you still working on your own, as afreelancer or a consultant? If so, do you intentto continue this work in addition to your fulltime job?- Is your self-employment presenting a conflictof interest for the company?- Are you working as a freelancer or a contractoron part-time basis, and never intend to have thisreplace full-time employment?- Does your long-term career goal include owningyour own business?All of these questions are valid from yourpotential employer 抯 point of view. Companies donot want to hire you, train you and provide youwith benefits only to have you quit after a yearto start your own business. This is the main

reason previous or current self-employmentraises red flags for the hiring organizations.The best way to address any self-employment onyour resume is to highlight the positives ofworking as a freelancer or managing your ownbusiness. It is important that your resumeincludes employment history that is honest andrelevant to your career goals.If you pick up a freelance project infrequentlyand do not intend to make this a full time career,you can omit any such experience from your resume.The only time you would list occasional freelancework on your resume is if it allows you to fillany gaps in your professional experience. If youhave worked as a contractor for a period longerthan three months, or if you have ever owned yourown business, it is important that you indicatethat on your resume. Highlight those attributesof the job experience that qualify you as aperfect candidate for the job that you are seeking.Your job responsibilities should be listed in the

same way as they are for any other full-time jobyou 抳 e held; focus on those responsibilitieswhich best meet your career objective andquantify your achievements when possible.Exemplify your self-starter attitude under theQualifications section of your resume. Make sureto list any employability skills you haveacquired or strengthened while you were selfemployed.As a final indication of your commitment to thejob you are seeking. Make sure that your coverletter or email addresses anticipated concerns ofyour potential employer. Make references toanything on your resume that may raise questions.If you still own your own business, but arelooking for full-time work, for example, makesure to let your employer know what your long-termprofessional goals are and how you intend tobalance your roles at both businesses. Don 抰apologize for being self-employed. Your resumeand cover letter should present you as a credible

and passionate professional. Focus on thepositive experiences and skills you have acquiredas a freelancer, and make sure to let the employerknow how these will benefit the company if you aretheir chosen candidate.