A combination resume is a powerful format that blends the best features of chronological and functional resumes. This hybrid style is ideal for professionals who want to emphasize both their skills and work experience, especially those transitioning careers, re-entering the workforce, or holding diverse roles across industries. Understanding how to build an effective combination resume can give you an edge in today’s competitive job market.
What Is a Combination Resume?
A combination resume, also known as a hybrid resume, merges two formats:
- Chronological: Focuses on your work history in reverse chronological order.
- Functional: Highlights your skills and competencies upfront.
By combining these formats, job seekers can showcase key skills while still demonstrating a solid work history—something many recruiters appreciate.
Who Should Use a Combination Resume?
This format is especially effective for:
- Career changers wanting to highlight transferable skills.
- Job seekers with a strong employment history and diverse skill set.
- Professionals with gaps in employment.
- Freelancers or consultants who’ve held varied roles.
- Applicants with both traditional and non-linear career paths.
Key Components of a Combination Resume
A well-structured combination resume includes:
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- Contact Information
- Professional Summary
- Skills Summary
- Work Experience
- Education
- Optional: Certifications, Volunteer Work, Languages, or Projects
1. Contact Information
Include your full name, phone number, professional email address, LinkedIn profile, and optional portfolio URL.
2. Professional Summary
A brief 3–5 sentence overview highlighting your career achievements, unique skills, and professional goals.
Example: “Multifaceted marketing professional with over 10 years of experience driving brand growth through strategic digital campaigns and content development. Proven track record in team leadership, project management, and data-driven strategy. Passionate about transforming insights into actionable plans.”
3. Skills Summary
Group your skills by theme and present them in a bulleted list or brief paragraph. Focus on hard skills, tools, and soft skills relevant to the job.
Example Format:
- Digital Marketing: SEO, Google Ads, Email Campaigns, Analytics
- Leadership: Team Supervision, Mentorship, Cross-functional Collaboration
- Technical: Adobe Creative Suite, HubSpot, WordPress
4. Work Experience
List your roles in reverse chronological order. Include job title, company name, location, and dates. Provide concise bullet points with achievements and quantifiable results.
Example: Marketing Manager
BrightEdge Media, New York, NY
Jan 2020 – Present
- Increased organic traffic by 60% within one year through targeted SEO strategies.
- Managed a team of five content creators and designers.
- Launched a rebranding campaign resulting in 35% revenue growth.
5. Education
List your highest degree first. Include degree, institution, location, and graduation year. You may add GPA, honors, or relevant coursework if applicable.
Example: B.A. in Communication
University of California, Berkeley — Berkeley, CA
Graduated: 2014
6. Additional Sections (Optional)
Depending on your background, consider adding:
- Certifications: PMP, CompTIA, Google Analytics
- Languages: Bilingual or multilingual capabilities
- Volunteer Work: Relevant community or non-profit involvement
- Projects: Freelance, academic, or personal projects that showcase your skills
Formatting Tips for Combination Resumes
- Use clear headings to separate sections.
- Keep your layout clean with ample white space.
- Stick to 1–2 pages depending on your experience.
- Use active language and measurable achievements.
- Tailor your content to each job posting.
Advantages of a Combination Resume
- Balances skills and experience effectively.
- Ideal for candidates with diverse backgrounds.
- Reduces the impact of employment gaps.
- Customizable for various industries.
- Gives recruiters a quick view of qualifications and job history.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
- May be too long or complex if not well-organized.
- ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) might struggle with non-standard formats.
- Requires more effort to tailor for each application.
Sample Combination Resume Structure
[Full Name]
[Phone Number] | [Email] | [LinkedIn] | [Portfolio URL]
Professional Summary
Dynamic IT specialist with 8+ years of experience in systems administration and cybersecurity. Proven success in managing infrastructure and leading teams in high-stakes environments.
Core Skills
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- Network Security: Firewalls, VPN, IDS/IPS
- Systems Management: Windows/Linux Servers, Active Directory
- Project Leadership: Agile, Cross-functional Teams, Vendor Management
Work Experience Systems Administrator
SecureNet Solutions, Austin, TX
March 2018 – Present
- Led migration to cloud infrastructure, reducing operational costs by 40%.
- Developed internal cybersecurity protocols, decreasing incidents by 70%.
Education B.S. in Information Technology
University of Texas, Austin, TX
Graduated: 2015
Certifications
- CompTIA Security+
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect
When to Avoid a Combination Resume
Avoid this format if:
- You’re a recent graduate with little work experience.
- You want to strictly follow traditional resume expectations.
- Your experience is minimal and doesn’t require emphasis.
In these cases, a chronological or functional resume might be more effective.
Optimizing Your Combination Resume for ATS
To ensure your resume passes ATS scans:
- Use standard section titles: “Work Experience,” “Skills,” etc.
- Avoid complex layouts, graphics, or tables.
- Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description.
- Save and upload as a Word document or PDF (check job posting instructions).
Start Crafting Your Combination Resume Today
A combination resume can highlight your most marketable strengths while maintaining the clarity and credibility of a chronological structure. If you’re looking to showcase both your accomplishments and your abilities, this format is one of the best choices available.
Need help building your resume to impress employers and beat the bots? Explore our Professional Resume Writing Services and get started today!
