To make maximum use of that experience, however, you need to know how to showcase it within your resume. Unfortunately, many job candidates are unsure about how to include that type of work experience without leaving employers with the impression that they’re unreliable or unstable in their careers. These few tips can help you learn how to list contract work on your resume.
Don’t be afraid to list contract work on your resume
Do not hesitate to list contract work on your resume or cover letter. Yes, these positions are temporary, and often mission-specific – but they are important nonetheless. In fact, most hiring managers are now familiar with this type of employment. The key is to properly document the job, and terms of employment so that your reasons for leaving are clear.
There’s another good reason for job seekers to include this information, of course. Without these listings, your resume will be littered with employment gaps – and that will definitely raise an eyebrow or two. The best way to ensure that a hiring manager understands that you have been actively employed is to list those contract jobs.
An example of how to list contract work on a resume
The following example can help you learn how to list contract jobs on your resume. In this example, we have included the name of a staffing agency and the reputable companies where the contract work was performed. If your contract work was independently secured, then you can omit the staffing agency name and simply focus on different listings for each job:
Ultimate Staffing, Anytown, Anystate
My partnership with Ultimate Staffing provided consistent access to quality project opportunities within the greater Anytown area. They helped introduce me to the following companies and projects:
Software Development; Gamesman, Inc (May – Dec 2017)
- Designed game interface for online game
- Developed beta test strategy for project rollout
- Project-based contract, ended upon project completion
Software Engineer & Consulting; Dynamic Programs (Oct 2016 – Mar 2016)
- Designed $40 million CSM software
- Software cut company customer service waste by 38%
- Project was completed two months early and under-budget
Example of contract work on a resume:
Emphasize achievements
Always emphasize the things that you achieved during any job when you list contract work. Obviously, you won’t be able to focus on longevity or advancement within the position, since it was short-term. But that doesn’t really matter, since employers are most interested in value.
By documenting your accomplishments, you can better showcase the value that you brought to that position and present yourself as a worthy candidate for consideration.
Naturally, you should do more than just list those achievements to improve your resume. You will also need to use your descriptions to paint a picture that highlights real value. That means using numbers that quantify the benefits that you provided to each contract employer. Remember, the goal during the job search is to show the prospective employer that you can add real value to his company’s bottom line.
Document the skills you used
Think about the specific skills that you utilized in each position, and how to convey that information when you list contract work. Review the job posting’s requirements to identify job-related keywords and focus on skills that fulfill those needs. This can help you illustrate your skills in a way that is both relevant and timely.
Include an explanation for why you’re seeking regular employment
If you have only done infrequent contract work over the years, then this tip may not be necessary.
However, if that has been your preferred employment option, then you need to explain why you are looking for a more permanent position. Typically, this can be accomplished by simply noting that you are eager to advance your career. Alternatively, you can explain that you are looking for new challenges, and a more stable environment in which to use your skills.
List contract work in chronological order
When you list contract work, you should always do it in chronological order.
That helps to create a more cohesive snapshot of your work history. To make it easier for hiring managers to understand, use reverse-chronological order, with the most recent jobs listed first.
Summary
As you can see, when you list contract work on your resume, that information can provide a tremendous boost to your credentials. Just follow the tips we’ve outlined in this post and focus on emphasizing the value you can offer any potential employer. When you do this right, you can increase your odds of landing an interview, and get that job offer you need.
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Written by
ZipJob Team
The ZipJob team is made up of professional writers and career experts located across the USA and Canada with backgrounds in HR, recruiting, career coaching, job placement, and professional writing.
