How to Showcase Non-Traditional Work Experience (Gig, Freelance, Side Hustles) in a Resume Builder

The modern job market has changed dramatically. Traditional nine-to-five careers are no longer the only path to success. Many professionals today build valuable experience through freelance projects, gig work, consulting, or side hustles. Yet, when it comes to writing a resume, these non-traditional roles often get overlooked or minimized — even though they can demonstrate skills, adaptability, and entrepreneurial spirit that employers value highly. The good news is that with the right approach, you can use a resume builder to highlight these experiences effectively and professionally.

Recognize the Value of Non-Traditional Work

Freelancing, gig work, and side hustles are more than just “extra income” — they are proof of initiative, independence, and problem-solving. Whether you managed social media accounts for local businesses, delivered design projects as a freelancer, or built an online store, you’ve gained skills that can transfer directly to many full-time roles. The first step is to stop underestimating this experience. Recruiters today are increasingly open to candidates who demonstrate real-world results, regardless of where that experience was gained.

Choose the Right Resume Format

A traditional chronological resume, which lists full-time roles by date, may not always present gig or freelance work in the best light. Instead, consider using a functional or hybrid format, which focuses on your skills and achievements rather than just job titles.

Most resume builders let you choose between different layouts — take advantage of that flexibility. A functional resume groups experience by category, such as “Project Management,” “Client Communication,” or “Creative Development.” This allows you to showcase relevant achievements without emphasizing employment gaps or short-term projects. A hybrid format, on the other hand, keeps a brief work history but gives more space to skills and accomplishments — ideal for someone who’s done both traditional and independent work.

Create a Dedicated Section for Freelance or Contract Work

If you’ve completed multiple projects or long-term freelance contracts, dedicate a specific section to them. Label it “Freelance Projects,” “Independent Work,” or “Consulting Experience.” Grouping them under one heading signals that this was a structured and professional part of your career — not just a side activity.

Under this section, list your clients or project types (you can use generic names if confidentiality is required, such as “Small Business Client” or “E-commerce Startup”). For each entry, include a short description of your role, the skills used, and measurable results. For example:

“Freelance Digital Marketer – Managed social media and paid advertising for local businesses, achieving an average 40% increase in online engagement within three months.”

This approach shows both professionalism and impact, two qualities employers care about most.

Highlight Transferable Skills

Non-traditional work often develops valuable skills that go beyond your technical expertise. Freelancers and gig workers must manage their own schedules, budgets, client communications, and deadlines. These skills — time management, organization, problem-solving, and customer service — are highly transferable.

When using a resume builder, take advantage of the “Skills” section to highlight both hard and soft skills. For example, under “Key Skills,” you might include entries such as “Client Relationship Management,” “Self-Motivation,” “Budget Planning,” or “Remote Collaboration.” If your side hustle involved digital tools or platforms (such as Canva, Shopify, or Google Analytics), include those too.

Quantify Your Achievements

Employers are most impressed by measurable results. Whether you were a freelancer, a gig worker, or a side hustler, think about what you achieved — not just what you did. Did you grow a client’s sales, deliver projects ahead of schedule, or receive positive feedback? Try to express these accomplishments in numbers, percentages, or outcomes.

Instead of writing “Created marketing materials for small businesses,” say “Designed promotional campaigns for three small business clients, resulting in a combined 25% increase in monthly sales.” Resume builders typically allow bullet points, making it easy to organize these achievements clearly and effectively.

Use Consistent and Professional Formatting

When listing freelance or side projects, consistency is key. Always include your job title (for example, “Freelance Graphic Designer” or “Independent Consultant”), the company or client name (or “Various Clients” if applicable), and the dates of work. Many resume builders allow you to standardize formatting easily — use this to create a polished and cohesive look that aligns with your other professional experience.

Avoid mixing casual descriptions or inconsistent titles like “Side Gig” or “Occasional Work.” Instead, frame your experience in professional terms that demonstrate reliability and skill. Even if your projects were part-time, you should still treat them as legitimate work — because they are.

Include Side Hustles That Demonstrate Initiative

If you’ve launched a side hustle or personal business, such as running an online shop, managing a YouTube channel, or offering consulting services, include it — especially if it relates to the career path you’re pursuing. Employers appreciate candidates who show creativity, self-discipline, and entrepreneurial drive.

For instance, someone transitioning into digital marketing could list “Founder, HandmadeCrafts.com — Built and managed an e-commerce business, generating $15,000 in first-year sales through targeted social media campaigns.” A resume builder’s “Experience” section is ideal for such entries — you can position them just like formal job experiences.

Keep It Honest and Relevant

While it’s important to showcase your non-traditional experience, avoid overloading your resume with every gig you’ve ever done. Focus on the projects and roles that demonstrate skills relevant to your target position. Honesty also matters — never exaggerate responsibilities or claim long-term positions that didn’t exist. Employers value authenticity, and a well-explained freelance career can often be more compelling than an inflated job title.

Non-traditional work experience is no longer something to hide — it’s something to highlight. With the right resume builder and approach, you can transform your freelance projects, gig roles, and side hustles into a professional narrative that captures attention. Focus on transferable skills, measurable results, and consistent formatting. By treating your independent work as a legitimate part of your professional journey, you demonstrate adaptability, creativity, and initiative — all traits that today’s employers actively seek.

Your career story doesn’t have to follow a straight line. When presented thoughtfully, every project, client, and side hustle becomes part of the bigger picture — one that shows you’re capable, versatile, and ready for what comes next.