What is a Combination Resume? How to Craft the Perfect Hybrid Resume for Any Job

A combination resume will allow the interviewer to view you as an all-around candidate. It merges the significant factors of both chronological and functional resumes, which will enable you to emphasize the most relevant skills and experiences you have, while also showing a sequential record of your work history. Whether you are changing careers, overcoming gaps in employment, or placing additional emphasis on your skill set, a combination resume gives flexibility in tailoring an application to the job.

In this blog, we’ll explore what a combination resume is, when to use it, and how to craft one that stands out to employers.

What’s a Combination Resume?

A combination resume manages to make the best of both worlds: it fuses the skill-focused approach of the functional resume with the chronological structure of a traditional resume. This type of format works well for those job seekers who want to highlight their skills and achievements yet still have a clear timeline of work history. This type of combination resume is best used by individuals with varied experiences or changing fields since it will enable you to emphasize your relevant skills without dismissing your professional life path.

When to Use a Combination Resume?

The combination resume format works for a handful of instances, such as when someone has a strong work background but wants to also point out a few specific skills they have that match the job they are applying for. It's also beneficial when there are gaps in your employment record or when transitioning into a different industry. When you give attention to your skills first, the recruiter will be led to notice what makes you a fit for the job, even when the work history is not in a perfect linear pattern.

What to Put on a Combination Resume?

When crafting a combination resume, it’s essential to follow the combination resume format, which includes the following sections:

1. Contact Information: This should always be at the top, including your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile.
2. Resume Summary: This section is your elevator pitch. It should briefly summarize your key qualifications and the value you bring to the role.
3. Skills Summary: Highlight your most relevant skills here. This section is crucial in a combination resume as it draws attention to the abilities that make you a perfect fit for the job.
4. Work Experience: List your work history in reverse chronological order. Focus on achievements and responsibilities that align with the skills you’ve highlighted earlier.
5. Education: Include your educational background, especially if it’s relevant to the job. You can also add certifications or courses that enhance your profile.
6. Additional Skills: If you have other skills that don’t fit neatly into your skills summary or work experience, include them in this section. This can include language skills, technical proficiencies, or any other abilities that may give you an edge.

Add Contact Information the Right Way

Your contact information should be easy to find and accurate. Place it at the top of your resume, and make sure it includes your full name, a professional email address, a phone number, and a LinkedIn profile. You can also add a personal website or portfolio if it’s relevant to the job.

Grab the Recruiter’s Attention With a Resume Summary

The resume summary is your chance to make a strong first impression. In just a few sentences, you should convey who you are as a professional and what you bring to the table. Focus on your most impressive achievements and how they relate to the role you’re applying for. Keep it concise but impactful.

Use Your Work Experience to Show Off Relevant Skills

In the work experience section of your combination resume, list your previous roles in reverse chronological order. For each position, include your job title, the company’s name, the location, and the dates of employment. Under each role, list your responsibilities and achievements, emphasizing those that align with the job you’re applying for. Use bullet points for clarity, and quantify your achievements where possible.

Show You’re the Right Person With the Skills Summary Section

The skills summary is the real opportunity to make your combination resume targeted toward the position. Choose the most relevant skills for the position and highlight them. If you can, give short examples of how you used the skills in your previous work. This will help tie the gaps between your skills and work experience sections and make your resume templates cohesive.

Combination Resume Skills Summary Example

Here is a simple example of how you might position your skills summary in a combination resume:

Skills Summary

Project Management: Managed numerous cross-functional teams to deliver projects on time and within budget.

Data Analysis: Using data analysis as a tool in driving insight to effectively make good decisions and further process improvements.

Customer Service: Came highly rated each time in customer satisfaction and resolution.

Additional Skills for a Combination Resume

Besides the key skills, there may be other types of abilities that you could use for the job. This may involve language proficiency, superior knowledge of software, or any other technical knowledge which is valued. You may put these in a separate section so they are not lost among the rest of your resume.

Combination Resume Skills Example

Here is another example of how you might present your skills on a combination resume:

Technical Skills

• Programming Skills: Python, Java, SQL
• Skill Experience: Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, Tableau
• Languages Spoken: Fluency in Spanish, fluency in French

Write an Education Section That Stands Out

Your education section should be straightforward yet complete. You must specify where you graduated, with what degree, and your graduation date. Relevant coursework, honors, or any special certification is welcome in this section, too. If your education is, in fact, the "hook" that will sell you for the job, think about placing this section above your work experience.

Key Takeaways

The combination resume is a little bit flexible in that it gives a quick glimpse of your most relevant skills while providing a manageable work history. Ideal for job seekers who want to put more emphasis on touting their abilities and achievements in cases of career changers or diverse backgrounds. By crafting each section from the summary to the education part get a resume that stands out and will be sure to get you an interview.

Remember, the whole point of a combination resume is to present one's best features to a future employer. Adapt your resume for each job you apply to, emphasize your strengths, and don't mess up the format to make it readable. If this is done right, this already will be a guarantee that your combination resume will help you impress and get closer to the position you have been dreaming about.