What is a Combination Resume? Definition, Types, and Examples

Today's highly competitive job market requires job seekers to have a resume that not only highlights key skills but also demonstrates a clear career progression. And the combination resume format perfectly fits this need.

According to a recent survey, 83% of hiring managers say that they're more likely to hire a candidate who has tailored their resume to the specific job they're applying for. (Jobvite)

This guide effectively serves as a comprehensive combination resume guide intended for aspiring job seekers and seasoned professionals looking to land their dream job by showcasing their professional experience and transferable skills.

What is a combination resume?

A combination resume, also known as a hybrid resume, is a resume format that merges the best features of a functional resume and a chronological resume.

Unlike a chronological resume, which lists job history in reverse chronological order, or a functional resume, which focuses primarily on skills without much emphasis on work history, the hybrid resume balances both.

It opens with a summary of your most relevant skills, followed by your professional experience in reverse chronological order. This unique resume format is a powerful tool for career changers, job applicants with gaps in their job history, and seasoned professionals who want to highlight both their professional achievements and skills.

How is a combination resume different?

The hybrid resume format differs from other resume types in key ways:

1. Functional resume: Focuses strictly on relevant skills and abilities, often downplaying or omitting chronological work history. It's great for candidates changing careers or with employment gaps, but it may leave hiring managers wanting more context about career progression.
2. Chronological resume: Lists job titles and work experience in reverse chronological order, emphasizing career growth and recent accomplishments. It works best for candidates with steady employment histories related to the position.
3. Targeted resume: Tailors all sections, including skills and work history, specifically for one job posting. While a targeted resume can use a combination, functional, or chronological format, its defining feature is customization to the job.

The combination resume is a hybrid that provides the benefits of both a skills-based and a chronological resume, making it versatile and effective. It demonstrates relevant skills upfront using a skills summary section and supports these with detailed work history and education.

How to write a combination resume: What to include

Writing a combination resume requires a strategic approach to balance skills and experience. Here is a breakdown of the essential components to include in a proper hybrid resume layout:

Summary

Begin your hybrid resume with a professional summary. This is a brief snapshot, usually two to three sentences, that highlights your career goals, top professional skills, and key accomplishments. Use action verbs to convey confidence and focus, and tailor this summary to align with the job description of the position you are applying for.

Name and contact information

Place your full name prominently at the top using a larger and bold font. Include your phone number, professional email address, and location (city and state). Optionally, add links to your LinkedIn profile or professional online portfolio, especially if relevant coursework, projects, or certifications are displayed there.

Professional experience

The work experience section lists previous positions in reverse chronological order, starting from your most recent job. For each role, include:

• Job title
• Company name and location
• Employment dates

3 to 6 bullet points describing key responsibilities and professional achievements

Focus your bullet points on using action verbs and quantifying results where possible (e.g., "Increased sales by 20% through customer retention programs").

Integrate relevant skills you highlighted in the skills summary section by demonstrating how you applied them in past roles. Remember that this section connects your skills to real-world outcomes, reinforcing your value as an experienced candidate.

Education

Your education section follows your work history. List your highest degree first, including:

• Degree name and major
• University or institution
• Graduation date
• Relevant coursework or honors (optional, especially useful for recent graduates or those changing careers)

Combination resumes allow flexibility, so you might move this section higher on the resume if your education is more relevant to the job than your work history.

Skills and abilities

This section is key to the hybrid resume format. Include a well-organized skills summary section where you list:

1. Hard skills: Technical competencies like proficiency in software, tools, or specialized knowledge.
2. Soft skills: Team player, time management, communication, problem-solving, etc.
3. Additional skills: Languages, certifications, or volunteer work relevant to the position.

Use keywords from the job description to optimize your skills section for applicant tracking systems (ATS). Avoid listing generic skills. Focus on essential skills that differentiate you from other candidates and align with your target role.

Combination resume tips and examples

1. Customize every hybrid resume template to the specific job description. Use keywords and phrases found in the job posting to increase your chances of passing ATS scans.
2. Prioritize the most relevant skills by placing them near the top of your resume in a dedicated skills section.
3. Use bullet points to make your professional achievements and responsibilities easy to scan.
4. Focus on measurable achievements rather than daily tasks to demonstrate your impact.
5. Maintain a clean and professional layout with consistent font styles and sizes (Arial or Calibri, 10-12 pt, one-inch margins).
6. Keep your resume sample to one or two pages, depending on your experience level.
7. Examples of workplace integrity on a resume might include volunteer work showcasing honesty and reliability, or past achievements where ethical decision-making led to positive outcomes.

A combination resume format empowers job seekers and professionals alike to craft resumes that effectively communicate their professional skills and career history, positioning them strongly in a competitive job market. Use a hybrid resume format to highlight both your accomplishments and the right skills to stand out among other candidates and move closer to securing your dream job.

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FAQs

When should I use a combination resume vs. a functional or chronological resume?

Use a hybrid resume if you want to highlight both your relevant skills and your work history, especially if you're changing careers, have gaps in employment, or want to showcase transferable skills. Functional resumes are best for career changers with little relevant work history, while chronological resumes suit those with strong, continuous career experience.

How can I tailor my combination resume for a targeted job application?

Review the job description carefully and incorporate keywords related to essential skills and job duties throughout your summary, skills section, and professional experience. Highlight accomplishments and skills that directly relate to the position to demonstrate you're the best fit.

How long should my combination resume be?

Ideally, keep your hybrid resume to one page if you have less than 10 years of experience. Seasoned professionals with extensive careers may extend to two pages, but ensure every detail supports your candidacy and maintain a clean layout.