Resume or Portfolio: Which Matters Most to an African Freelancer?

For traditional 9-to-5 jobs, resumes have been the standard. But with freelancing, which is gaining popularity in Africa for professionals who crave independence and access to international job opportunities, there is a change in the job application approach. Freelance job platforms like Upwork, LinkedIn, and Twitter need more than just the long list of your formal experience; they need proof of value. Still considering whether to choose a resume or portfolio? We’ll find out! 

With this guide, you will find the balance between both and decide what matters as an African freelancer. 

What’s The New Reality of Freelance Hiring: Resume or Portfolio 

Unlike in the process of corporate job searches, where HR offices place great emphasis on written or designed CVs and resumes, freelance clients are more interested in results (what have you done). They’d rather see what you’re capable of doing and not merely what you claim you can do. Now that’s where your portfolio proves to be a lifesaver. Right there to show your recruiters what you’ve done! 

A solid portfolio gives potential clients a taste of what you’re capable of. It’s proof that you’ve made a difference in the freelance world, and they can trust your abilities. It doesn’t matter if you’re a developer, content or copywriter, digital marketer, UI/UX designer, or graphic designer; your freelance portfolio is physical evidence of your skills.

And let’s face it, many African freelancers are currently landing international freelance jobs without ever sending a traditional resume, as their portfolios speak for them.

When Do You Need a Resume?

As an African freelancer, while you question the importance of a resume or portfolio, don’t throw your resume in the bin yet. As much as portfolios are powerful and highly convertible, getting freelance work on a resume can still carry some power, especially when:

• Applying for agency or part-time work: These kinds of freelance work may still require resumes.
• Pitching to corporate clients: Large corporations are more likely to request formal documentation as part of their job requirements. 
• Showing professional continuity: A resume effectively demonstrates consistency, and its layout indicates the time spent at each work experience. 
• Freelancers transitioning to full-time work: If you’re transitioning back to a 9–5 after a few experiences in freelancing, a resume is essential.

No matter the advancement in the world, a resume still has its place in the freelancing world, especially when you’re dealing with more structured clients or applying on platforms that embrace formal onboarding.

You should know that resumes won’t get you the most freelance contracts, though. Many freelance clients want to see that you can do the work, and this is where your portfolio steals the show.

When Portfolios Matter to African Freelancers

Resumes might seem unnecessary for freelancers, but they are not entirely negligible. So here’s when you need a portfolio: 

1. Evidence Beats Claims

A portfolio won’t just tell you “I’m a great web designer.” It shows the websites you’ve designed, the result of the design, and many more metrics. It reveals your unique eye for detail, style, and skill.

In freelancing, clients hire for output, not potential. A clean, organised portfolio that demonstrates past work is one of the most effective tools for African freelancers to build credibility and, of course, help them charge more.

2. Easier to Build Without Formal Experience

Many African freelancers have not fully mastered resumes over time, and others struggle to build one, as their jobs often involve contracts or project-based work. A portfolio freelancer does not need to worry about that. Even as a newbie, you can include the following in your portfolio: 

• Personal projects.
• Spec work.
• Open-source contributions.
• Volunteer work.
• Work for friends, churches, or NGOs.

It does not matter to most clients as long as the result is convincing. Your portfolio opens up a way for you to shine without many words.

3. International Clients Don’t Always Care Where You Worked

An Australian startup hiring a UI designer in Kenya likely does not care where you went to school, but whether you can design clean, user-friendly interfaces. And this is where your portfolio does the talking.

African freelancers with only their resumes and skills might not get the necessary attention in the international freelance market. However, those who go out of their way to showcase their work visually, with case studies, screenshots, videos, and links, are the ones who receive repeat business.

Finding a Balance: Resume or Portfolio 

In giving the best answer to your question of whether to use a resume or portfolio as an African freelancer. Here’s a simple answer: have both if possible. Your portfolio should be the main attraction, accompanied by a current resume. 

Use your resume as a support document. Send it when asked (you might meet some long-term oriented clients who love resumes) or attach it to cold emails and formal proposals. You can also link your portfolio to your resume. Make it a clickable URL so the client can easily view your experience. 

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re an African freelancer as a designer, developer, writer, marketer, or virtual assistant, and you’re looking to secure international clients, now’s the time to build for you to do a complete overhaul of your portfolio. You can check out our tips on portfolio building, and you can join our community of freelancers to stay ahead of others.