I've been working as a freelancer for about 2 years doing design and video editing, but I've never had a formal job with an employment contract. I'm looking to enter the formal job market now and I'm not sure how to present this in a way that looks professional. Should I list it as experience or does it come across as weird?
Yes, absolutely go for it, and don't worry about it at all. Freelance experience is legitimate experience, there's nothing weird about it. What you need to do is structure it so it's clear and professional. In the experience section, put the timeframe (2023-2026, or whenever you started), the title of what you did (like "Freelance Designer" or "Independent Video Editor"), and describe the projects and results in concrete terms. Instead of saying "I made several videos," say something like "edited content for 15+ clients" or "produced videos that generated X views" - numbers and scope matter.
The detail that makes a difference is not being vague. If you worked for well-known brands, mention it. If you built a solid portfolio, reference it. You can also make it clear that you worked independently to show that you have discipline, autonomy, and responsibility - things that formal companies value. And maybe the most important part: if you have a portfolio or case studies, put the link in your resume or be ready to show it during the interview. Recruiters want to see what you actually do, not just read that you did it.
As for "looking professional," having a signed employment contract doesn't validate you more than the actual work you already have in your hands. What companies want to know is whether you can deliver quality, be responsible, and work as part of a team - all of this you can demonstrate through the projects you've already done as a freelancer. Just pay attention to how you describe it, use clear language and get straight to the point.
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