In this guide
Career changes and transitions
Moving from freelance or self-employed work back into employment
How to present self-employed work on a resume, answer the doubts employers have about freelancers, and explain why you want an employed role now.
The doubts employers may have
| Concern | Evidence that answers it |
|---|---|
| Will they accept direction? | Projects where you worked to a client's brief, process or brand rules |
| Will they leave to go freelance again? | A clear, positive reason for wanting employment now |
| Can they work in a team? | Work embedded in a client team, or collaboration with other freelancers |
| Are their skills current? | Recent projects using the tools the role asks for |
Structure the resume entry
Give the freelance period a clear heading, such as 'Freelance copywriter (self-employed)', with dates. Underneath, describe two to four representative projects or recurring clients. If client names are confidential, describe the client type instead.
Illustrative example
A freelance entry rewritten for an in-house role
Before
Freelance designer. Worked with lots of clients on many design projects.
After
Freelance graphic designer (self-employed), 2023 to present. Designed campaign assets for a regional charity's fundraising appeal to its brand guidelines; produced packaging updates for a small food producer across three product lines; managed briefs, quotes and deadlines for eight to ten clients a year.
The rewrite shows working to other people's rules and managing a workload, which is what an employer needs to see.
Explain why you want employment now
Freelancing taught me to manage clients and deadlines on my own. What I've missed is working on one product with a team over the long term, and seeing work through beyond the hand-over. This role gives me that, which is why I'm applying.
Avoid answers that suggest you are only looking for stability until freelance work picks up. If finances are part of the reason, it is fine to say you want predictable work, but lead with what you want to do.
Practical points to prepare
Before you apply
- References from two clients who can speak about your work and reliability.
- A short portfolio or project list, with permission for anything you share.
- A plan for winding down client commitments around a start date.
- A realistic view of salary, comparing an employed package with your freelance income after costs.
Common questions
Should I call myself a consultant or a freelancer?
Use whichever term the target employer's industry uses and that accurately describes your work. The detail underneath matters more than the label.
Can I keep some freelance work after taking a job?
Check the employment contract and ask before accepting. Many employers allow it if it does not compete or affect your hours; some do not.
Put it into practice
See how Luceria helps with thisDrafted with AI assistance and checked against Luceria’s editorial standards. Examples are illustrative, not real people’s results. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.