In today’s dynamic job market, an independent contractor resume isn’t just a document—it’s your personal pitch to potential clients or employers. It must demonstrate not only your skills but also your adaptability, reliability, and ability to deliver results as a freelancer.

Whether you’re a seasoned contractor or just starting, creating a professional resume can open doors to exciting opportunities.

This guide will walk you through the key components to craft a document that highlights your strengths and sets you apart in the competitive gig economy.

Independent contractor resume examples

Self-employed graphic designer resume sample

Independent contractor resume template

Graphic Designer Resume
Use template Download PDF

Resume for a self-employed contractor | Plain text

Maria Roche

Email: mariaroche@gmail.com | Phone: (555) 555-5555 | Portfolio: www.mariaroche.com
Location: Austin, TX

Professional Summary

Creative and detail-oriented graphic designer with over 12 years of experience delivering compelling visual designs for clients across various industries. Skilled in branding, digital marketing design, and UI/UX projects. Adept at managing multiple projects and meeting tight deadlines.

Experience

Freelance Graphic Designer | Self-Employed

Austin, TX | January 2015 – Present

  • Design and implement branding strategies for over 50 small to mid-size businesses, including logos, style guides, and marketing collateral.
  • Collaborate with Austin-based startup BrightLeaf Marketing to create engaging website and social media assets, increasing online engagement by 35%.
  • Produce user-friendly mobile app wireframes for TechNode Solutions that improved customer retention by 20%.

Graphic Designer | GreenBridge Creative Agency

Austin, TX | June 2013 – December 2014

  • Led design projects for local clients such as Hill Country Naturals and Central Coffee Roasters, including print and digital advertisements.
  • Developed design mockups for websites and marketing campaigns, ensuring alignment with client branding goals.
  • Awarded “Employee of the Month” twice for innovative designs that exceeded client expectations.

Awards and Recognition

  • Austin Creative Summit Award (2024): Recognized for excellence in branding and graphic design for local businesses.
  • Best UI/UX Design at the Texas Digital Innovation Conference (2022) for app design for TechNode Solutions.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design

University of Texas at Austin | 2013

Skills

  • Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
  • Branding and identity design
  • Digital and print media
  • UI/UX design principles
  • Project management

Strong sides of this self-employed contractor resume example:

  • Clear and concise professional summary highlighting relevant abilities and achievements.
  • Comprehensive skills section showcasing technical proficiencies and industry expertise.
  • Detailed experience entries with quantifiable results, such as increased engagement and retention.
  • Inclusion of awards and recognition that demonstrate excellence and credibility.
  • Well-structured format that emphasizes readability and professionalism.
How to properly format a resume for an independent contractor?
  • Choose clean and modern fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Stick to a font size of 10-12 points for the body and 14-16 points for section headers.
  • Keep your resume to one page unless you have over 10 years of highly relevant experience. Even then, try to condense it into two pages at most.
  • Use bold, uppercase headers to delineate sections such as “Professional Summary,” “Skills,” “Experience,” and “Education.”
  • Set margins to one inch on all sides for a balanced look. Ensure there’s enough spacing between parts to improve readability.
  • Submit your application as a PDF file to preserve the layout across devices. Avoid sending Word documents unless specifically requested.

Make your resume for free to ensure consistent formatting.

Resume Trick comes with professional online resume templates that are properly structured, allowing you to focus more on the content and less on the technical details.

Create your professional Resume in 10 minutes for FREE

Build My Resume

Legal independent contractor resume example

Sample legal independent contractor resume

Michael Turner, Esq.

Email: michael.turner@email.com | Phone: (312) 555-7890
Location: Chicago, IL

Professional Summary

Results-driven attorney with a strong background in contract law, corporate compliance, and intellectual property. Over 15 years of experience providing independent legal counsel to small businesses and startups. Skilled in contract drafting, negotiation, and dispute resolution.

Experience

Independent Legal Consultant | Self-Employed

Chicago, IL | March 2013 – Present

  • Draft and review legal documents for clients, including Midwest Innovators LLC and TechFusion Inc., ensuring full compliance with Illinois and federal regulations.
  • Assist in resolving contract disputes for Lakewood Construction Co., successfully mediating agreements that saved clients over $500,000 in potential litigation costs.

Legal Associate | Kaplan & Associates

Chicago, IL | July 2010 – February 2013

  • Reviewed and negotiated contracts for corporate clients, including Windy City Investments and ClearPoint Logistics.
  • Conducted legal research and prepared briefs for litigation and regulatory hearings.
  • Supported senior attorneys in trial preparation and provided strategic insights for case strategies.

Skills

  • Contract drafting and review
  • Corporate compliance
  • Intellectual property rights
  • Mediation and dispute resolution
  • Regulatory research

Publications

  • "Emerging Challenges in Intellectual Property for Startups," Chicago Law Review (2023).
  • "Contractual Pitfalls: A Guide for Small Business Owners," Legal Insights Magazine (2020).

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Northwestern University School of Law | 2012

Here are a few reasons why this example of an independent contractor resume will impress recruiters:

  • Professional opening statement tailored to the legal job with a focus on independent consulting.
  • Relevant skills section emphasizing niche expertise like contract law and intellectual property.
  • Experience entries that showcase impactful results, such as cost savings and regulatory compliance.
  • Publications section that establishes thought leadership in the legal field.
  • Clean layout with consistent formatting, making the document easy to navigate.
Should I choose an independent contractor resume objective or summary?

A resume summary is a concise paragraph at the top of the page highlighting your most impressive skills and experience.

  • Use it if you have several years of job history and want to emphasize your achievements quickly.

Independent contractor resume summary sample:

Experienced freelance graphic designer with 8+ years of delivering branding, digital media, and UI/UX projects for startups and established businesses. Increased client engagement by 35% through innovative visual strategies.

A resume objective, on the other hand, focuses on your work goals and what you aim to achieve in the role.

  • Use it if you’re new to contracting or switching industries and need to highlight your career aspirations.

Independent contractor resume objective example:

Detail-oriented professional seeking a position as an independent legal consultant. Dedicated to helping small businesses navigate compliance and intellectual property challenges.

How to showcase your independent contractor resume skills?

The skills section serves as a quick reference point for clients or recruiters to evaluate your qualifications. It highlights the tools, techniques, and interpersonal abilities you bring to the table.

  • Hard skills are technical, measurable competencies acquired through training or experience, such as software proficiency or specific trades.
  • Soft skills are personal attributes, traits, and behaviors that influence how effectively you interact with others. They are often tied to interpersonal relationships and emotional intelligence.

Independent contractor hard skills:

  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Contract drafting
  • Framing and drywall installation
  • Python programming
  • Social media marketing
  • Project management
  • Legal research
  • Financial modeling
  • CAD software
  • QuickBooks

Soft skills for an independent contractor:

  • Time management
  • Communication
  • Negotiation
  • Adaptability
  • Problem-solving
  • Collaboration
  • Critical thinking
  • Self-motivation
  • Attention to detail
  • Leadership

Construction independent contractor resume template

Construction worker resume sample

Construction Contractor Resume
Use template Download PDF

Resume for a construction worker | Text version

Carlos Mendoza

Email: carlos.mendoza@email.com | Phone: (702) 555-3210
Location: Las Vegas, NV

Professional Summary

Hardworking and skilled construction contractor with over 20 years of experience in residential and commercial projects. Specializes in framing, drywall, and finishing. Proven ability to work independently and deliver high-quality results on time and within budget.

Skills

  • Framing and drywall installation
  • Concrete pouring and finishing
  • Roofing and siding
  • Project estimation and cost control
  • OSHA safety compliance

Experience

Independent Construction Contractor | Self-Employed

Las Vegas, NV | May 2008 – Present

  • Successfully completed over 100 residential and commercial construction projects in partnership with Desert Ridge Homes and Silverline Developments.
  • Repair and renovate properties for Bright Horizons Realty, increasing property values by up to 15%.
  • Supervise subcontractors and coordinated daily tasks for large-scale projects in the Las Vegas area.

Construction Worker | Henderson Builders LLC

Henderson, NV | June 2005 – April 2008

  • Assisted in the completion of multiple commercial building projects, specializing in drywall and roofing.
  • Operated heavy equipment and ensured adherence to safety protocols on job sites.
  • Recognized for efficiency and quality craftsmanship on time-sensitive projects.

Certifications and Licenses

  • Nevada Contractor’s License (#NV-123456) – Issued: January 2010
  • OSHA 30-Hour Construction Certification – Completed: August 2019
  • Certified Forklift Operator – Certified: February 2017

Education

High School Diploma

Rancho High School | Las Vegas, NV | 2005

This sample independent contractor resume is effective for several reasons:

  • Professional summary directly aligned with the candidate's industry and independent contractor role.
  • Skills section that emphasizes both technical abilities and compliance with safety standards.
  • Experience entries with specific examples of completed projects and measurable impacts.
  • Certifications section with dates that reinforce expertise and professionalism in construction.
  • Straightforward design focused on clarity, making it easy for contractors or clients to assess qualifications.
What academic credentials should I add to my independent contractor resume?

Although independent contractors are often judged by their skills and experience, the education section provides credibility and showcases your foundational knowledge. It can be particularly valuable for clients who prioritize qualifications in their selection process.

  • Mention your degree(s) and the field of study.
  • Highlight the university, college, or training institution.
  • Adding your graduation year is optional, especially for older degrees.
  • If you’ve completed relevant workshops or professional certifications, list them here.
How to organize the experience section in a self-employed contractor resume?
  • Start with your most recent job and work backward in reverse chronological order.
  • Clearly state your role and the name of the client, company, or organization.
  • Include the city and state, along with the timeframe (e.g., January 2018 – December 2020).
  • Use bullet points to list accomplishments rather than responsibilities.
  • Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., “Increased efficiency by 20%”).

If you’ve had multiple short-term projects, group them under a general title like “Independent Contractor Projects.”

Conclusion

A well-structured resume is a powerful tool to showcase your unique value and expertise. By tailoring it to your industry and focusing on accomplishments, you can capture the attention of prospective clients and employers.

Remember to keep your application concise, visually appealing, and updated with your latest achievements.

With the right resume, you’ll be better positioned to secure rewarding projects and build lasting professional relationships.

Create your professional Resume in 10 minutes for FREE

Build My Resume