Combination Resume Format: Examples + Templates
A combination resume — also known as a hybrid resume — blends the critical elements of functional and chronological resumes by equally highlighting skills and work experience. Use our Resume Builder to write an excellent combination resume quickly and easily.
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What is a combination resume?
As its name suggests, the combination resume is a format that combines aspects of chronological and functional resumes. Like the chronological format, it details your work experience, highlighting significant responsibilities and achievements. Like a functional resume, it also prominently displays valuable skills.
The combination resume format is ideal for job applicants with at least one year of relevant work experience looking to advance their careers, career changers and those re-entering the workforce after an absence.
Our user-friendly Resume Builder will help you craft the perfect combination resume to set you apart in your job search.
Combination resume examples
Use these combination resume examples as a foundation for your resume or visit our resume examples library for more job and industry-specific hybrid resume examples.
Combination resume example for an executive assistant
Stress your organizational and administrative skills, as this hybrid resume example does. Add previous experiences where you’ve collaborated effectively with others. Mention crucial soft skills such as attention to detail and time management.
See also: executive assistant resume examples
Sample combination resume for a nursing aide
This hybrid resume template features key soft skills that show the candidate understands the job’s interpersonal demands and technical skills requirements. The mention of a Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) credential in the education section demonstrates that the applicant has gone the extra mile to train in the field.
See also: nursing aide resume examples.
Combination resume sample for a personal trainer
In your hybrid resume, provide details on any physical fitness work and feature any work where you’ve positively impacted others through mentorship and collaboration. Remember to include knowledge of diet and nutrition in your combination resume’s skills or work history sections.
See also: personal trainer resume examples.
Combination resume format for a cosmetic phlebotomist
Follow the lead of this combination resume sample and feature any work you’ve done that has involved interacting with others and using health and safety protocols. Also, note your familiarity with medical terminology and equipment.
See also: cosmetic phlebotomist resume examples.
Combination resume example for a billing and collections team leader
In addition to highlighting important skills such as Microsoft Excel and data analysis, this hybrid resume example showcases responsibilities from previous roles that function well with a billing and collections job, including team management, heading quality assurance programs and processing insurance payments.
See also: billing and collections team leader resume examples.
Sample combination resume for a paralegal
Show off your organization and administrative skills, and emphasize job experiences in your hybrid resume format. This shows the employer you’ve handled legal documents such as briefs, wills, contracts, pleadings or appeals.
See also: paralegal resume examples.
Combination resume sample for a marketing project manager
Outline your successes in positioning and developing products and running campaigns that improve sales, like in this combination resume template. Don’t forget key skills like strong communication, teamwork and copywriting skills in your hybrid resume to complement your work history.
See also: marketing project manager resume examples.
Combination resume format for a caregiver
Use your hybrid resume to detail past work experiences where you’ve proven capable of caring for and attending to others. In your skills section, list any specialized medical knowledge you have.
See also: Caregiver resume examples.
Combination resume example for a pharmacist
Similar to this combination resume sample, highlight your client-facing skills, such as good communication abilities, commitment to excellent patient service and knowledge of pharmacy processes and related software.
See also: pharmacist resume examples.
How to write a combination resume
Whether you have over 10 years of work experience or want to highlight a diverse skill set, a well-crafted combination resume can help you stand out to potential employers.
Here are five steps to writing a combination resume.
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When to use the combination resume format
You have some work experience and are ready to advance
If you are a mid-career or seasoned job seeker, the combination resume format can emphasize the potent mix of skills and notable achievements from your work experience.
You’re changing careers
A combination resume allows you to draw focus to the transferable skills you used throughout your career while allowing you to demonstrate your career growth and training.
You’re re-entering the workforce
If you’re returning to work after retirement, raising children, or on a planned leave, or if you have career gaps, a combination resume will display a balanced view of your skills, education and previous work experiences that match your target job.
Maximize the impact of your combination resume
The combination resume format is one of the most effective ways to showcase your professional skills, accomplishments, and work experiences. However, more than a combination resume is required to guarantee success in your job search. To stand out from the competition, you need to maximize its effectiveness.
Let’s explore some simple strategies to help you optimize your combination resume and increase your chances of landing your desired job.
Tailor your resume to the job
Customize your combination resume for every job you apply to. Before writing your resume, read the job description and select keywords matching your qualifications. For example, suppose you are a business analyst writing a resume for a job that lists “manage an operating budget” as a task. In that case, you might write in your combination resume, “Accomplished analyst with experience managing budget for five retail chain stores,” and list matching accomplishments from similar jobs in your work history section.
Feature the right skills in your hybrid resume
The primary advantage of a combination resume is that it features skills and qualifications that are most relevant to the job you want. So, even if you’ve worked at a job that doesn’t seem like a natural fit with the new position, you can highlight elements of the job that do.
For example, if you’re writing a resume for a job as an office manager resume but don’t have previous office experience, display hard skills such as invoicing or schedule organization you’ve gained in previous jobs or volunteer work and emphasize your transferable skills, such as collaboration and verbal communication.
Show how you put your skills into practice
The work history section of your hybrid resume is your opportunity to show how you have used your skills to make an impact in previous roles. For example, if you mention analytical ability as a skill in your combination resume; give an example of how you’ve used your analytical skills to improve a company’s bottom line. Employers don’t just want to know your abilities; they want to see proof of how you’ve put your knowledge into action.
Display coursework and training
A combination resume with a separate section to showcase additional pertinent coursework or certifications can go a long way toward showing your dedication to your field. For example, training as a certified supply chain professional (CSCP) will help when applying for a logistics job.
Use action verbs to describe your accomplishments
Using action words, also known as power verbs, is one of the most effective ways to maximize the impact of a combination resume. These words help convey a sense of accomplishment and initiative in your resume. By using these power verbs to describe your achievements and responsibilities, you can make a strong impression on hiring managers.
More reasons to consider using a combination resume
You are a job hopper
A combination resume enables job hoppers to demonstrate their diverse experiences, making them more attractive to employers seeking versatile candidates. This resume format allows job hoppers to focus on their most relevant experiences and skills rather than a strictly chronological work history.
You’re re-entering the job market
A combination resume is highly advantageous for job seekers re-entering the job market after an absence. This hybrid format allows them to highlight their skills, accomplishments and qualifications upfront, regardless of any employment gaps they may have. By focusing on their transferable skills and relevant experiences, a combination resume enables these job seekers to showcase their value to potential employers, increasing their chances of securing an interview and effectively reintegrating into the workforce.
You are a gig worker or freelancer
The combination resume format is an excellent way for gig workers and freelancers to showcase their diverse work experiences and skills. The functional section of a combination resume is handy for gig workers and freelancers because it enables them to emphasize their strengths.
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Combination resume format FAQ
What is the combination resume format?
A combination resume format is a hybrid of the functional and chronological resume formats. It allows you to highlight your skills, achievements, and work history in reverse chronological order. This format is handy if you have relevant skills and experiences that need to be reflected in your work history or want to emphasize specific qualifications for a particular job.
Who should use a combination resume format?
Anyone who has worked in an industry for at least one year and wants to move to a higher position, change careers, or reenter the job market after a pause should use a combination resume.
Here are some examples of people who could benefit from using a combination resume format:
- Career changers: If you are changing careers, a combination resume can help you showcase your transferable skills and relevant work experience.
- Job hoppers: If you have had multiple jobs in a short period, a combination resume can help you present your work experience in a cohesive and organized manner.
- Mid-career professionals: If you have several years of work experience and want to highlight your skills and accomplishments, a combination resume can help you.
- Freelancers or independent contractors: A combination resume can help you showcase your skills and experience clearly and concisely if you work on a project basis or have worked for multiple clients.
Overall, the combination resume format can be a good choice for job seekers who want to showcase their skills and work experience in an easy-to-read and understandable way.
How is a combination resume different from a chronological and functional resume?
Combination resumes are also called hybrid resumes because they combine aspects of the chronological resume and functional resume formats.
Combination resumes emphasize skills over work experience, like functional resumes, but like chronological resumes, they display job history prominently.
Review the combination resume examples on this page to get an idea of how a combination resume should look, and browse our library of sample resumes for more great examples.
Should I use a combination resume template?
We recommend using a resume template for combination resumes because they make it easy and quick to build. We have dozens of ATS-friendly combination resume templates to get you started.
How do you make an ATS-friendly combination resume?
Making an ATS-friendly combination resume involves incorporating the right elements of chronological and functional resume formats. Here are some tips to help you create an ATS-friendly combination resume:
- Use a resume grader: Use our free ATS resume checker to scan your resume for common errors that might prevent it from passing automated resume screening systems.
- Use relevant keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords throughout your resume, especially in the skills and work experience sections.
- Use simple formatting: ATS systems may have trouble reading resumes with complex formatting, such as tables, graphics and images. Stick to simple formatting, such as bullet points and basic fonts, to ensure that your resume is readable by the system.
- Use standard section headings: Use standard section headings such as “work experience,” “education” and “skills” to make it easy for the ATS to identify these sections.
How do I decide what to include in the skills section of a combination resume?
When deciding what to include in the skills section of a combination resume, it’s important to consider the job requirements and tailor your skills accordingly. Start by identifying the key skills directly related to the job you are applying for. These can be technical, computer, interpersonal or specific industry-related proficiencies. Remember to provide specific examples or achievements demonstrating your proficiency in each skill to make your combination resume more impactful and convincing to potential employers.
