How I Transformed a Freelance UX Designer’s Resume to Secure In-House Interviews
Making the switch from freelance to full-time? It’s one of the toughest career pivots, especially in creative fields. Here’s how we helped a UX designer turn her freelance experience into a cohesive story that hiring managers love.
The Challenge: From Freelance Patchwork to a Clear, Compelling Resume
A few weeks ago, I worked with a UX designer who’d freelanced for over six years. After years of managing her own clients, she was ready for more “security” with a full-time role. But her resume looked patchwork, with disjointed projects, different clients, and no clear story—a setup that left both her and hiring managers confused.
The transition from freelance to full-time is notoriously tricky. Here’s how we turned her “solo contractor” background into the story of a collaborative team player ready to thrive in an in-house role.
The Solution: 4 Strategic Resume Changes
Grouped Similar Projects for Simplicity and Flow
Her resume initially read like a random list of client names and projects. I grouped similar projects under one main job title with a single date range, listing key clients and highlighting one impactful project per client. This created clarity and showcased her varied experience without overwhelming the reader.Showcased Professional Growth
Although her freelance timeline had gaps, we organized it to show progression from smaller clients to major brands and more impactful projects. This structure demonstrated her growth, positioning her as someone with increasing industry value.Emphasized Collaboration Over Solo Work
One major concern with freelancers is whether they’re “team players.” To counteract this, I highlighted her collaborative work with product teams and other designers. Her resume shifted from a “solo contractor” vibe to that of a collaborative UX designer ready for team settings.Added a Targeted Profile Summary
At the top of her resume, I crafted a concise summary that directly addressed her shift from freelance to full-time. This helped set the stage for hiring managers to understand her diverse experience as an asset for their team.
The Result: Interviews and Compliments
Just five weeks after our revamp, she had secured multiple interviews, with a recruiter even mentioning her resume’s “structure and clarity” as a standout factor. For creative freelancers aiming to go full-time, a cohesive resume is essential, and it takes more than quick fixes.
Need Help with Your Freelance-to-Full-Time Pivot?
If your resume feels like a random project list, it’s time to create a cohesive career story. Whether you’re a UX designer, product developer, or another creative professional, I specialize in making this shift seamless. Ready to go full-time? Contact me today to build a resume that works for you.