How to Showcase Your Side Hustle on Your CV
I remember a friend who started baking cakes from home. At first, she thought it was just a hobby, but after a year, her small business grew, and she landed a job interview where her baking experience became a key talking point. That’s the power of owning your hustle.
Have you ever felt like your side hustle isn’t “real” enough to include on your CV? Maybe you’re tutoring friends, selling handmade products online, or freelancing with a skill you love. It might seem small or informal, but here’s the truth: your side hustle is real work, and it deserves to be part of your professional story.
Why Your Side Hustle Matters More Than You Think
Side hustles show employers that you are proactive, creative, and determined. They prove you can manage your time, communicate with clients, solve problems, and grow a business, all skills that matter in any workplace.
Including your side hustle on your CV tells a story of grit and growth. It helps you stand out from the crowd.
How to Add Your Side Hustle to Your CV
Here are some simple steps to make your side hustle shine:
1. Choose a clear, professional title.
Instead of “Selling clothes on Instagram,” try “Social Media Seller” or “Online Retail Entrepreneur.” Clear titles show professionalism.
2. Describe what you did.
Use short, focused sentences. For example:
- Managed product listings and customer orders
- Created marketing content and engaged with clients
- Provided tutoring services to improve student grades
3. Highlight your achievements.
Numbers and results grab attention. Consider statements like:
- Increased sales by 30% in six months
- Built a loyal client base of 20 customers
- Maintained a 5-star rating on tutoring platforms
4. Add dates to show commitment.
Use a timeline like “March 2021 – Present” to show consistency.
5. Include transferable skills.
Skills like time management, communication, and problem-solving are valuable everywhere. Mention these in a skills section or within your job descriptions.
Your CV Is Your Story—Tell It Proudly
Remember, your CV isn’t just a list of jobs. It’s a reflection of your journey and growth. Your side hustle shows initiative and resilience, so don’t be afraid to own that part of your story.
Starting small is still starting, and every step forward counts.
You Don’t Need a Big Title to Tell a Big Story
Every great journey begins with a single step, and sometimes, that step looks like baking at home, teaching a neighbor, or selling crafts online. Don’t wait for a promotion, a diploma, or a fancy office to recognize your worth.
You’ve already started. That’s what matters.
So, wear your side hustle with pride. Let your CV reflect all of you, not just the formal titles, but the bold choices, the late nights, and the dreams in motion.
Because starting small doesn’t mean thinking small, it means thinking ahead.
Let your hustle speak.
