How to Put a Contract Position on Your Resume: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hey there, job seekers! Today, we're going to tackle a common question: how to put a contract position on your resume. Whether you're a seasoned freelancer or a full-timer who's taken on some contract work, we've got you covered. Let's dive in! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and how to put a contract position on your resume.

Why Include Contract Work on Your Resume?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's talk about why you should include contract work on your resume. Contract positions demonstrate your versatility, adaptability, and marketability. They show that you can hit the ground running in new environments, and they can fill gaps in your employment history. Plus, they can showcase skills and experiences you wouldn't have gained in a traditional role.

When to List Contract Work

Now, you might be wondering, when should I list contract work on my resume? The general rule is to include it when it's relevant to the job you're applying for. Here are a few scenarios:

- When it's recent or relevant: If you've done contract work recently or it's directly related to the job you're applying for, it's a must-include. - When it fills a gap: If you have an employment gap, listing contract work can help fill that void. - When it showcases unique skills: If your contract work has given you unique or sought-after skills, don't hesitate to include it.

How to List Contract Work on Your Resume

Alright, let's get into the meat of it – how to put a contract position on your resume. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Use the Right Format

First things first, you'll want to use the right format for your contract position. The most common is the contract position format, which looks like this:

Contract Position Title | Client Company Name | Location | Start Month, Year - End Month, Year

For example:

Senior Marketing Specialist | ABC Corporation | New York, NY | Jan 2020 - Dec 2020

2. Highlight the Client Company

Next, highlight the client company you worked for. This helps recruiters understand the context and scope of your work. If the client company is well-known or relevant to the job you're applying for, make sure to include it.

3. List Your Responsibilities

Under your contract position, list your responsibilities, just like you would for a traditional role. Use bullet points and start each point with a strong action verb. Here's an example:

- Developed and executed marketing campaigns that increased brand awareness by 30%. - Managed a team of 5 marketing specialists, providing guidance and mentorship to help them grow professionally. - Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure consistent branding and messaging across all channels.

4. Quantify Your Achievements

Whenever possible, quantify your achievements. This helps recruiters understand the impact you made and the value you brought to the client company. Check out the example above – see how we used percentages and numbers to quantify the achievements?

5. Include Relevant Skills

Under your contract position, list the relevant skills you used. This helps recruiters understand the breadth of your experience and how you can apply your skills to their company. Here's an example:

Skills: Marketing strategy, campaign development, team management, cross-functional collaboration, branding, SEO, social media marketing, email marketing, content creation.

6. Consider Using a Separate Section

If you have a lot of contract work to include, consider using a separate section on your resume, such as Contract Work or Freelance Experience. This can help keep your resume organized and easy to read.

Tips for Listing Contract Work

Here are a few more tips to help you put a contract position on your resume effectively:

- Be clear about the nature of the role: Use the word "Contract" in your position title to make it clear that it wasn't a permanent role. - Include the duration of the contract: This helps recruiters understand the length of your commitment and how it fits into your career timeline. - Don't forget to tailor your resume: Make sure to tailor your resume for each job application, highlighting the most relevant contract work. - Consider the job description: When listing your responsibilities, make sure they align with the job description you're applying for.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Now, let's talk about some common mistakes to avoid when putting a contract position on your resume:

- Not including relevant details: Make sure to include all the relevant details, such as the client company, location, and duration of the contract. - Using the wrong format: Using the wrong format can make your resume difficult to read and understand. Stick to the contract position format we outlined above. - Not tailoring your resume: Don't forget to tailor your resume for each job application. Listing irrelevant contract work can dilute the impact of your resume. - Not quantifying your achievements: Failing to quantify your achievements can make your resume sound generic and uninspired.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it – how to put a contract position on your resume like a pro! Remember, contract work can be a valuable addition to your resume, showcasing your versatility, adaptability, and marketability. So don't be afraid to include it – just make sure to do it right.

Now, go forth and conquer that job market, one contract position at a time! And as always, happy job hunting!

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