How to count your years of experience

Question

Hey, just wondering if someone can help me figure out how recruiters view my years of experience. I have about 2 years and 8 months of professional experience and about 2 years and 8 months in freelancing (I got paid peanuts by a non-profit to build out an app for them as the sole developer doing frontend and backend as well as design and left before it was complete).

I am trying to figure out if a recruiter sees that as closer to 3 years of experience (ignoring my freelance work) or closer to 5 years of experience (including my freelance work).

And if any of you have tips on how to make my freelance work experience count as much in years of experience as possible in interviews.

appleiphonepro · Accepted Answer

If you can back the non-profit experience up (name of non-profit, project details etc) and list  your tasks and achievements, I don’t see a reason why it wouldn’t count as experience

bringee · Answer

Recruiter here! I'd agree with the other comment, if it was full time freelancing work (or close to), I'd consider it as actual experience, so I'd consider you closer to 5 YOE.

That said, context is everything. If you're applying to a larger FAANG company, it might be a tougher sell because there are a lot of other considerations that those teams make in terms of work culture, interacting with bosses, peers, customers, etc. So while it could be considered professional experience, it might not be the 'right' type of experience they're looking for.

If I had to connect a level, I'd say you're square in 'mid-level' category. Not entry level at all, but not quite senior level.

capitalconsultant · Answer

General rule I would follow is counting all your experience post-graduation. Still include your experience freelancing during undergrad as projects/accomplishments, but it will not count as years of experience. Make sure to not misrepresent those years or try to conceal your graduation year. I have had a few candidates try this and ultimately the manager decided to not pursue the candidate because they felt it was a sign of dishonesty.

How to count your years of experience

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