Resumes and other marketing materials for independent contractors

Whether you are an independent contractor, consultant, or entrepreneur, you may have wondered about creating a resume to market and promote the services you offer. A resume can convince your future clients of your competence as a contractor. It can also impress potential employers, earning you callbacks for interviews.

As an individual contractor, there are different types of marketing materials you can use to market your services and expertise. Let’s take a look at some of the popular choices:

Traditional Resume

You can create a traditional resume for yourself. It is a detailed account of your career, including information about your employment history, key qualifications, education or training, certifications and licenses, accomplishments, and testimonials. There are several resume formats for you to select from for your document. The three most popular choices are the chronological resume, functional resume, and the combination resume. You should go for a traditional resume when you are transitioning to employee status or when you are trying to score a long-term consulting assignment.

Business resume

A business resume is a resume that lists the achievements of your company, rather than your personal accomplishments. Business resumes are typically created on a company letterhead. Some great elements to add to your business resume are:

• Client list
• Significant projects
• Owner’s qualifications
• Services offered
• Target market
• Professional activities

Portfolio

A portfolio is used to wow potential clients with your achievements and previous projects. It serves as an example of your completed work. Portfolios can exist as hard copies or in digital format. Depending on the industry, the contents of a portfolio will differ. Most professionals in creative industries have online portfolios. If you are planning to impress recruiters with your resume, you must definitely add a link to your digital portfolio in the contact information section. Some elements you can include in your portfolio are examples of your work, references, testimonials, a publication list, media clips, awards, and professional accomplishments.

Corporate marketing collateral

Some independent contractors do not need resumes at all. They advertise their services using corporate marketing materials such as brochures, business cards, letterhead, websites, and demos. You must always invest in quality marketing materials when you run a business. You can even choose to hire a graphic designer to create material that resonates with your business goals and target market.

Resume business card

A resume business card is a type of business card that’s folded over. The card contains your business’s contact information alongside a brief introduction about your products, services, and qualifications. If you don’t have many chances to network with professionals, you should opt for a resume business card. This will ensure that the people you meet will have a brief account of your services.

Tips for creating a contractor resume

When you decide which type of marketing material you will need for your business, you can start creating your own material. Here are a few tips to help you along:

• First of all, identify the goal of creating your marketing materials.
• Carefully review and select the information and experiences that are most relevant to your career goals.
• Create your traditional resume in a persuasive way, not just as an informative document.
• Do your research on the client and identify the marketing materials preferred by them.
• Different companies value varied resume styles. Follow the resume style preferred by your potential client.
• Focus on the achievements and skills that will benefit your target market.
• Never use information that can violate contract confidentiality.
• Avoid pictures or text that reveal proprietary client information.