Resume vs Portfolio: What You Really Need to Land Freelance Writing Jobs in 2025

If you're a freelance writer in 2025, especially someone new to the game, you know how tough it is to get those first few clients rolling in. Clients aren't combing through bullet points about your time as a barista in 2018. They're clicking links, skimming headlines, and asking one simple question: Can this person write what I need, in the tone I want, without wasting my time?

But because we're all trained to job-hunt like it's still 2009, a lot of freelancers waste hours tweaking Word docs and adding keywords for the algorithm gods, instead of focusing on the one thing that actually gets them hired: showing the work.

If you're confused about whether you need a resume, a portfolio, or both, you're not alone. And you're not wrong for asking. But here's the truth: This isn't a "both/and" situation. This is a "one does the heavy lifting, and the other gets attached if someone insists" kind of deal.

In this post, we're breaking down what freelance writing clients are actually looking for in 2025, why resumes have their place, but shouldn't be your priority, and how to build a portfolio that does your pitching for you.

What Is A Resume, And Do You Need One As A Freelancer?

At its core, a resume is a one-page summary of your work experience, education, and skills. The idea is to give hiring managers a quick snapshot of who you are and why they should care.

For traditional roles (especially corporate, full-time jobs), a resume is table stakes. It's scannable. It's structured. It's built to run through the cold machinery of ATS software.

Unfortunately, clients who are looking for freelancers aren't hiring the way employers are.

They don't want to read about your high school newspaper or the four internships you juggled in undergrad. They want to see proof that you can deliver clean, compelling writing on the topics they care about.

Resumes Still Matter As A Freelance Writer

That said, resumes haven't gone extinct. There are a few scenarios where having a freelance writing resume can come in handy:

• Content agencies: Some agencies hire freelance writers on a contract basis and require a resume as part of the application process.

• Occasional clients: Occasionally, you'll run into a client who needs a resume for paperwork or tax purposes.

• LinkedIn/Indeed jobs: Job boards sometimes require you to upload a resume to apply, even if no one actually opens it.

So no, you don't have to delete yours. But think of it like a passport photo: useful when required, never the main attraction.

The Problem With Relying On A Resume

Here's where things fall apart: a resume can't show your writing voice. It doesn't prove you know how to hook a reader, hit a word count, or follow a brief.

Even if you've got a stacked history of writing gigs, there's no way for a client to tell whether you're actually any good unless you link out to a freelance writer portfolio that shows your work in context.

Plus, resumes are static, while freelancing is dynamic. The stuff that gets you hired this month might look different three months from now, and constantly tweaking your resume is a time suck you don't need.

Your Online Writing Portfolio Should Do The Heavy Lifting

An online writing portfolio is your digital proof of work. It's a curated space where clients can quickly read your writing samples, skim headlines, and check bylines to decide whether you're the right fit for the job.

Think of it as your professional highlight reel, except instead of sifting through bullet points about your "attention to detail," people are reading your actual words. Done right, your portfolio tells a potential client everything they need to know before they ever get on a call with you.

Why Portfolios Matter More Than Resumes In 2025

In today's market, clients are making decisions fast. You've got maybe 30 seconds to stand out, and no one is using that time to scroll through your resume.

Here's why a strong writing portfolio beats a freelance writing resume every time:

• It's immediate: Clients can see your writing style, not just read about it.

• It's relevant: You can showcase samples by niche, tone, or format (hello, case studies vs blog posts).

• It builds trust fast: A good portfolio shows you've done the kind of work they're hiring for, and you've done it well.

• It makes you look legit: Even if you're newer to writing, a clean portfolio helps you look like a seasoned pro.

5 Essentials For Building A Strong Portfolio Website As A Writer

Your portfolio isn't just a place to dump links. It's a reflection of your voice, your strengths, and the kind of work you want to be hired for. Whether you're building your first portfolio or refreshing an outdated one, here's what to focus on when creating a site that stands out in all the right ways.

A Clean, Professional Layout

The best portfolios don't need to be flashy. In fact, minimal is often better. Choose a layout that's easy to navigate and puts your writing front and center. That means no cluttered sidebars, no confusing menus, and definitely no endless scrolling just to find your contact info.

Journo Portfolio makes this process easier by giving writers plug-and-play layouts that don't require any coding or design knowledge. You can customize your site's structure, organize your clips, and publish everything in minutes.

An Introduction That's Personable and Authentic

Your "About" section doesn't need to be long, but it should feel like something you actually wrote. A couple of sentences is all it takes to share who you help, what you specialize in, and a little personality. If you focus on SaaS blog content, say that. If you're into email strategy for e-commerce brands, say that. Clarity beats cleverness here.

The goal is to help clients understand what kind of projects you're best suited for, without reading between the lines.

A Curated Selection of Work Samples

More isn't always better. Focus on 5--10 strong samples that reflect your current strengths and the kind of work you want to do more of. Prioritize relevance and variety: include different formats (blog posts, newsletters, sales pages) or highlight different industries if you're multi-niche.

You can also add context with a short line or two about each project. What was the goal? Who was the audience? Did it perform well? These small details show that you think strategically about your writing.

Testimonials and Social Proof

Even a single line from a happy client can go a long way. Testimonials help potential clients feel more confident about hiring you, especially if you're newer to freelancing or pitching cold. You don't need a dozen---just a few that highlight your professionalism, clarity, or the results you've delivered.

Journo Portfolio allows you to include testimonials directly on your homepage or create a separate page if you want to keep things more organized.

Clear Contact Information

It's surprisingly common for portfolios to bury the "Contact Me" section, or forget it altogether. Don't make people search. Add a dedicated contact page or embed a form right on your homepage. You can also include an email address and links to relevant platforms like LinkedIn.

If you're using Journo Portfolio, you can do this with a drag-and-drop block and skip the backend headaches.

Do You Need Both A Writing Resume and A Writing Portfolio?

Short answer: sometimes.

Long answer: It depends entirely on who you're pitching and how formal their process is. While your writing portfolio will do most of the heavy lifting in freelance work, there are still a few cases where having a resume on hand can save you time and help you look more prepared.

How To Make Your Resume and Portfolio Work Together

If a client or platform requires one, your resume doesn't need to be fancy. In fact, the simpler, the better. Use a clean one-pager that outlines your writing background, relevant experience, and specialties, and then point them to your portfolio for the good stuff.

Include your portfolio link at the top of your resume in the contact section. That way, even if your resume is uploaded into a system, there's still a clear path to your actual work.

That said, make sure not to send your resume instead of a portfolio, unless someone specifically asks for it. In freelance writing, the resume is background noise, while the portfolio is the main event. Leading with a resume can make you feel like just another applicant, rather than a working writer with actual results to show.

Creating a Portfolio If You're New and Inexperienced

No bylines? No problem. Every writer, no matter how successful now, started with zero published work and a whole lot of Google searches. The key is to start showing up and advocating for yourself without waiting around for someone to hire you.

Here's how to do that, even if no one's paid you to write (yet).

Create 2-3 Strong Mock Pieces

Instead of spinning in circles about your lack of experience, start by writing samples in the style of the work you want to be hired for.

• Want to write for SaaS brands? Create a blog post that solves a real pain point for a fictional software company.

• Hoping to get into email copy? Write a welcome sequence for a brand you love.

• Curious about e-commerce content? Try a product description or landing page mockup.

You don't need a client to write something good. You just need a clear audience and a bit of intention behind what you create.

Publish That Content

Once your sample is written, don't let it rot in a Google Doc. Put it somewhere public.

Medium, Substack, LinkedIn articles, or your own site all work. The goal is to create a live link that you can showcase in your portfolio, so potential clients can see your formatting, your voice, and how your writing shows up in the real world.

Even a self-published sample looks more legit than a mystery document labeled "writing_sample_FINAL_FINAL(2).docx."

Package Them Like Real Projects

Treat your sample work like client work. Give each piece a title, add a short description, and then add them into your online portfolio. Write one or two lines of context to help potential clients understand what they're looking at.

For example: "This blog post was written as a sample for a fictional mental health app, targeting college students navigating burnout. The tone is conversational but grounded in research."

You're not pretending these are paid pieces, but you are showing you know how to think like an established writer.

Start Simple With An Intuitive Portfolio-Building Platform

Even if you only have two or three pieces, it's worth putting them into a polished, branded home.

Journo Portfolio is great for this. You don't need to be a designer or a developer. You can create a clean portfolio in minutes, organize your samples by category, and add a short bio and contact info so you're ready the next time someone asks for clips.

You might not have bylines yet, but you can still look like someone worth hiring.

Ditch The Resume and Get Started Today Using Journo Portfolio

In 2025, attention is short, and inboxes are overflowing. Clients don't have time to decode resumes or dig through attachments. They want to click a link, skim a few samples, and make a decision.

That's why a strong writing portfolio is the most important asset you can have as a freelance writer, especially if you're still early in your career. It's proof of your skills, your voice, and your potential all in one place.

If your best writing is buried in Google Drive, stuck in email chains, or labeled "draft-final-edited-NEW," it's time to give it a proper home. Go ahead and build the asset that will really get you paid; start today!

Journo Portfolio prides itself on balancing ease of use and potential for customization, making it one of the best portfolio builders online. It's in the name, after all! Check out our complete list of features, and get started with your free account today.