Writing A Combination Resume: A Comprehensive Guide

The combination (or hybrid) resume format, as its name suggests, combines elements of both the chronological and functional resume formats, marrying a meaty skills section with details on work achievements. Check out the sample resume format below and use it as inspiration:

The combination resume format can work for a variety of circumstances. If you have a few years of experience in a particular field and are applying for a higher-level job, this is the best resume format to feature career progression and key skills. It’s also a good option if you’re switching careers but can feature “transferable” achievements and skills from previous jobs.

Writing tips for the combination resume format

Summary: Provide a two- to three-sentence summary of your best skills and work experiences. If you’re coming from a different field, this is also your opportunity to explain how your skills and experiences from previous positions fit your new career path.

Skills: A combination resume format gives you the option of splitting your skills into two sections: a summary of qualifications and a key skills section. In your summary of qualifications, describe your prime abilities, referencing how you’ve used them in previous jobs. Your key skills section will focus on specific abilities that address the requirements from the specific job.

Work history: As with the chronological resume format, focus on unique achievements from previous jobs, quantifying your results whenever possible (e.g., “Improved on accounting processes, gaining $4 million for the company in the last fiscal year”). Zero in on accomplishments that can be applied to your new job or career (e.g., highlight your mathematics skills and attention to detail from an accountant job if you’re applying for a statistician position).

Education: Present your top academic achievements (e.g., high school diploma or graduate degree) and additional training that has a bearing on the job you want (e.g., first aid and CPR training for a medical assistant job).

PROS:

Spotlight skills and work experience equally in this resume format.

Emphasize relevant work highlights from your career.

Contextualize your skills with work achievements.

CONS:

Not the best resume format for first-time job seekers or workers who lack experience.

Skills and work achievements must complement each other for the format to be effective.

Resume format can be difficult for applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan.

MASTERING THE ART OF CRAFTING AN EFFECTIVE RESUME: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE