A presentation by Laura Maddison at SuperMondays

SuperMondays June 2010
Laura Maddison
Freelance CV

My Background
Worked in creative and digital recruitment for 7 years
Started out in PR
Made web design hobby into a full- time job, grad scheme for a software company then for a direct marketing agency working on loyalty sites and e-commerce sites.
Moved into web marketing and was made redundant after the bubble burst so moved into recruitment
Set up own agency 4 years ago for flexibility around my little boy >>
Partner in a tech startup currently in beta trial
Self-confessed gadget and tech lover

Freelance CV
Be clear about what you want to achieve with your CV
Take a look at a range of clients that you would like to work for and pick the ones you really want to target
Approach a few at a time so you can keep track of what you are doing
Personalise each application - talk about their work and how your skills fit in, or can enhance what they offer

How To Structure A CV
Chronological works best, skill based looks like you have something to hide
2 pages is best but not essential
Name, Address, Email, Telephone
Work/experience section
Link to portfolio site
References & testimonials

Work Section
The name of each of your employers/contracts and the position/job title you had there
Tell us about the employer, what sort of organisation are they and what kind of work do they do
The number of staff you manage (if applicable)
Planning, analysis, design, implementation and testing responsibilities as a web developer
Details of specific architecture, systems,and software
The projects you completed and if they were on time and on budget, and the team you worked alongside (if applicable)
Be mindful that some potential clients and recruiters may keyword search your CV so make it friendly - i.e. Vb.net or asp.net (vb)

Work Section
New techniques, procedures, practices and processes that you have introduced or developed.
Let the client know how you reduced time, effort and ultimately money for the project/company
How you have increased / helped to increase revenues and profits in your department (if relevant) and for the company in general.
Any other achievements that have benefited your employers

Portfolio Section
Remember that employers/clients will look at personal information, so keep it professional
If you can’t host it, use something like Behance, Coroflot, carbonmade or wordpress
Always get the approval of former clients to showcase their work
Give the design some thought if you can, or enlist another freelancer to set it out if your specialism lies in coding :)
Keep it up to date
If you keep it keyword focused and do a bit of SEO on it, then work might just come to you...
Give information on how you work - timesheets, billing etc, gives a more rounded view on a freelancer
Great info on Six Revisions

References Section
References and testimonials can be invaluable
ASK!
Great for future work & portfolio site
Help recruitment consultants as well as clients :)

Working With A Recruiter
Be open about the companies you’ve approached
Ask where your details will go to
ask advice on how to present yourself and your work
Expect to negotiate rates - both trying to make a living!
Ask for CV and interview advice
Invoice/send timesheets on time
They are there to help you but need you to help them too
Payment is generally hassle free for the freelancer

Sample CV achievements contact info clear details

Sample CV important info contact details repeated

Sample CV/Portfolio showcases his work

Sample CV/Portfolio memorable but not cheesy contact details at the end again

...Finally
Make it memorable
Be realistic
Don’t wait for the phone to ring
Enlist a recruiter to help you

Contact Me
@lauramaddison
@altitudetweet
[email_address]
www.altituderecruitment.co.uk

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A presentation by Laura Maddison at SuperMondays

by Ross Cooney on Jun 30, 2010

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A presentation by Laura Maddison at SuperMondays — Presentation Transcript