3. Update your CV with plenty of information
Freelance work in Ireland has increased over the past 20 years, but its growth has been slow. In fact, it accounts for just 2% of the Irish labour market - well below the EU average.
So, it's fair to say that many employers won’t be familiar with freelancers and how they work. While hiring managers in creative industries may have experience working alongside them, others won’t.
Ana Ribeiro, Senior Marketing Recruiter at Prosperity, acknowledges that some employers can see freelancing experience in a negative light. “You don't really know if the person was actually working or taking a break. So when you freelance, your CV needs to state that you have a wide range of clients,” she says.
It is easier to lie about freelancing on your CV than other roles, so provide information to address doubts before they arise. Link to projects you’ve worked on, sites you’ve built, articles you’ve written or create a digital marketing portfolio. Alternatively, you could ask past clients for recommendations or references.