Combination Resume Template 2017

Crafting a standout resume in today's competitive job market requires a strategic approach. The combination resume format, blending elements of both chronological and functional layouts, offers a powerful solution for job seekers in 2017. This template is designed to help you showcase your skills and experience while highlighting your career achievements in a way that resonates with potential employers, regardless of your career stage.

This template provides a flexible framework to effectively communicate your unique value proposition. It allows you to emphasize your most relevant skills upfront, while also providing a clear overview of your work history. Whether you're changing careers, have gaps in your employment history, or simply want to showcase your transferable skills, the combination resume format offers a compelling narrative that catches the eye of recruiters and hiring managers.

Download this 2017 combination resume template and use the provided structure and guidelines to create a resume that truly reflects your qualifications and ambitions. It's time to present your best self and land that interview!

Why combination resume template 2017 still works

Despite its age, the combination resume template 2017 remains a viable option because its core structure addresses key employer needs: showcasing both relevant skills and demonstrable experience. This format allows candidates to highlight their strongest assets upfront, making it particularly beneficial for those with career gaps, diverse backgrounds, or seeking to transition into a new role. The emphasis on skills, followed by a chronological work history, provides a balanced view of a candidate's qualifications.

The enduring appeal of the combination resume also lies in its adaptability. While the "2017" iteration might lack the modern visual flair of newer templates, the underlying principle of blending skills and experience remains relevant. Candidates can easily update the design with contemporary fonts, layouts, and color schemes while retaining the core structure. This allows for a visually appealing resume that is also ATS-friendly, focusing on keyword optimization in both the skills and experience sections.

Furthermore, the combination resume's structure allows for strategic placement of information. The skills section provides an opportunity to highlight keywords relevant to the target job description, increasing the likelihood of passing through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). The subsequent experience section then supports these skills with concrete examples of how they have been applied in previous roles, adding credibility and demonstrating impact. This strategic approach ensures that the most important information is readily accessible to both human recruiters and automated systems.

In conclusion, while design trends may evolve, the core principles of the combination resume template 2017 – highlighting relevant skills and showcasing experience – remain fundamental to effective resume writing. Its adaptability allows candidates to modernize the design while maintaining the strategic advantage of a format that effectively communicates their qualifications to potential employers.

Key elements of a combination resume: Skills and Experience

The skills and experience sections are the heart of any resume, but they are particularly crucial in a combination resume. This format aims to showcase both your abilities and your career progression in a way that convinces employers you're the perfect fit. Unlike a chronological resume that focuses solely on work history or a functional resume that emphasizes skills at the expense of experience, the combination resume strategically blends both to highlight your overall qualifications.

When crafting the skills section, focus on relevance and keywords. Tailor the skills listed to match the specific requirements outlined in the job description. Use a mix of hard skills (technical abilities, software proficiency) and soft skills (communication, teamwork, problem-solving) that demonstrate your well-roundedness. Consider using bullet points to make the skills easily scannable and ensure they are ATS-friendly. Avoid vague or generic skills; instead, provide context or examples whenever possible.

The experience section should go beyond simply listing your job titles and responsibilities. Quantify your achievements whenever possible, using metrics and data to demonstrate the impact you made in previous roles. Highlight experiences that directly align with the target job's requirements, emphasizing transferable skills and accomplishments that showcase your value. Use action verbs to describe your accomplishments and structure your descriptions to focus on the results you achieved. Don't hesitate to rephrase or reframe your experience to better match the language and priorities of the target employer.

Consider these points when building your skills and experience sections:

• Relevance: Tailor everything to the specific job you're applying for.
• Quantifiable Results: Use numbers to showcase your impact.
• Keywords: Incorporate keywords from the job description.
• Transferable Skills: Highlight skills that are applicable across different roles.
• Chronological Order: Within each job description, focus on accomplishments from most recent to least recent.

Resume Example: combination resume template 2017

Below is a simple and clean resume example tailored to combination resume template 2017. Replace placeholder details with your own achievements.

Optimizing your skills section for keywords

The skills section in a combination resume is crucial, especially when using a 2017 template, as it bridges your functional and chronological experience. This section should not just list your abilities; it should strategically incorporate keywords relevant to the jobs you are targeting. These keywords are the terms and phrases that employers and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) use to search for qualified candidates. A well-optimized skills section significantly increases your chances of getting noticed.

Identifying the right keywords requires research. Start by carefully reviewing job descriptions for positions that interest you. Note the skills, software, and industry jargon that are frequently mentioned. Use online tools like LinkedIn Skills and Google Trends to identify popular and trending skills in your field. Remember, it’s not just about listing every skill you possess, but about showcasing the ones that align with the employer's needs. Tailoring your skills section for each application, even slightly, can drastically improve your chances of success.

When listing your skills, consider grouping them into categories. This enhances readability and allows you to showcase a broader range of abilities. For example, you could have sections for "Technical Skills," "Communication Skills," and "Project Management Skills." Within each category, use bullet points to list individual skills. Be specific and use the exact phrasing from the job descriptions whenever possible. Avoid vague terms like "team player" and instead opt for concrete skills like "Collaborative Project Management" or "Cross-Functional Team Leadership."

A common mistake is simply listing skills without providing context. While the skills section is primarily a list, you can subtly reinforce your abilities within the experience section by mentioning how you utilized those skills. For instance, if you list "Data Analysis" as a skill, make sure your experience section includes examples of how you used data analysis to achieve specific results. This provides concrete evidence of your capabilities and further validates your qualifications to both human reviewers and the ATS. Consider including both hard skills (technical proficiencies) and soft skills (interpersonal abilities) to present a well-rounded profile, remembering to prioritize those most relevant to the targeted roles.

Presenting work history effectively

The work history section of a combination resume is crucial. It bridges the gap between your skills summary and tangible accomplishments. It's not just a list of job titles and responsibilities; it's a powerful narrative showcasing your career progression and the value you've brought to previous employers. The key is to tailor this section to the specific requirements of the jobs you're targeting, emphasizing experiences and skills that directly align with the desired role.

When detailing your work history, focus on achievements rather than just duties. Use action verbs to describe your accomplishments and, whenever possible, quantify your results with numbers and metrics. For example, instead of saying "Managed a team," say "Managed a team of 10, exceeding sales targets by 15% in Q3." These tangible results demonstrate your impact and make your resume more compelling. Furthermore, use keywords from the job description throughout your work history descriptions. This not only shows that you possess the required skills but also helps your resume get noticed by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

In a combination resume, the work history section provides crucial evidence supporting the skills highlighted in your skills section. Structure each entry with the job title, company name, and dates of employment. Below that, use bullet points to outline your key achievements and responsibilities. Prioritize the most relevant experiences and quantify them whenever possible. For older or less relevant roles, you can provide a brief summary without going into extensive detail. Remember, the goal is to showcase your career trajectory and highlight the skills and experiences that make you the ideal candidate for the target position. Prioritize achievements that demonstrate impact, leadership, and problem-solving abilities.

Consider using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your bullet points. Briefly describe the situation you were in, the task you were assigned, the actions you took, and the positive results you achieved. This helps to provide context and demonstrate the impact of your contributions. Also, tailor the content to each specific job application. Review the job description carefully and highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the role. You might need to rephrase or reorder your bullet points to emphasize the most important qualifications.

Resume Example: combination resume template 2017

Below is a simple and clean resume example tailored to combination resume template 2017. Replace placeholder details with your own achievements.

Quantifiable achievements and action verbs

In a combination resume, showcasing quantifiable achievements and utilizing strong action verbs is crucial for making a strong impression. This section needs to demonstrate the value you've brought to previous roles, going beyond simply listing responsibilities. Quantifiable achievements provide concrete evidence of your capabilities, while impactful action verbs make your contributions more dynamic and memorable.

When crafting your achievement statements, focus on using numbers, percentages, and specific metrics to highlight your impact. Instead of saying "Improved customer satisfaction," try "Improved customer satisfaction scores by 15% within six months by implementing a new feedback system." This approach clearly demonstrates the scale and impact of your work. Always aim to translate your contributions into tangible results that potential employers can easily understand and appreciate. Think about cost savings, revenue increases, efficiency improvements, error reductions, or project completion rates.

Selecting the right action verbs is equally important. Avoid passive verbs like "was responsible for" or "assisted with." Instead, opt for strong, active verbs that showcase your initiative and accomplishments. Some effective examples include: Led, Managed, Developed, Implemented, Increased, Reduced, Negotiated, Optimized, Trained, and Achieved. Choosing the right verb can significantly enhance the impact of your achievement statement and make you appear more proactive and results-oriented. Furthermore, strategically weave industry-specific keywords and technical terms into your achievement statements to optimize your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Remember that the combination resume format allows you to highlight both your skills and your experience. Therefore, use the skills section to list your core competencies, and then use the experience section to provide quantifiable evidence of those skills in action. This approach creates a cohesive and compelling narrative that demonstrates your suitability for the target role.

Here's a simple template to structure your achievement statements: "[Action Verb] [What you did] resulting in [Quantifiable Result] by [How you did it/using what tools]". For example: "Developed a new marketing campaign resulting in a 20% increase in lead generation by leveraging social media advertising and SEO strategies." This structured approach helps you create clear, concise, and impactful statements that showcase your value proposition effectively.

Resume Example: combination resume template 2017

Below is a simple and clean resume example tailored to combination resume template 2017. Replace placeholder details with your own achievements.

Design and Layout considerations

The combination resume format, especially in 2017 and beyond, necessitates a careful balance between chronological work history and skills-based sections. The design should guide the reader's eye to the most relevant information first. This often means placing the "Skills" or "Areas of Expertise" section prominently, perhaps directly below the summary, depending on which accomplishments you want to highlight. Using clear section headings and consistent formatting throughout the document will ensure readability and allow recruiters to quickly scan for keywords relevant to the job description. Keep in mind that Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are prevalent, so design choices should prioritize scannability over purely aesthetic considerations.

Choosing the right font and font size is crucial for both visual appeal and ATS compatibility. Opt for clean, professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, avoiding overly decorative or script fonts. A font size between 10 and 12 points is generally recommended for the main body text. Use slightly larger font sizes for headings and subheadings to create visual hierarchy. Also, think about margin sizes. Sufficient white space around the content is important. Cluttered resumes are hard to read. Typically, 1-inch margins on all sides provide a good balance.

Regarding layout, consider a two-column format if you have a lot of skills or projects you want to showcase. A single-column format is often preferred for more straightforward career paths where the chronological work history is the most important aspect. Whichever layout you choose, ensure that it is well-organized and easy to navigate. Use bullet points effectively to highlight achievements and responsibilities, and use bolding or italics sparingly to emphasize key information. Consistent use of these elements improves visual consistency. Remember to save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting when sending it to employers, unless explicitly asked for a different format.

Cover letter integration

The combination resume template 2017 emphasizes both skills and experience, requiring a cover letter that effectively bridges the gap between them and aligns them with the specific job requirements. Rather than simply reiterating your resume, the cover letter should tell a story, showcasing how your unique combination of skills and experience makes you the ideal candidate for the position. It's your chance to add context and personality, highlighting your motivations and demonstrating a genuine interest in the company and the role.

To effectively integrate with the combination resume, your cover letter should directly address the key requirements outlined in the job description. Identify the skills and experience that are most critical and explain how you have successfully applied them in previous roles. Provide specific examples that demonstrate your ability to deliver results, quantifying your achievements whenever possible. Tailoring your cover letter to each specific job application will demonstrate your attention to detail and your commitment to the role.

Furthermore, leverage the cover letter to expand on the highlights mentioned in your combination resume. If you've included a compelling project in your resume, use the cover letter to elaborate on the challenges you faced, the strategies you employed, and the outcomes you achieved. This provides the hiring manager with a deeper understanding of your capabilities and allows you to showcase your problem-solving skills and your ability to learn and adapt. By strategically connecting the information presented in your resume with compelling narratives in your cover letter, you can create a powerful and memorable application.

FAQs

The combination resume format is a versatile choice, blending elements of both chronological and functional resume styles. This makes it particularly effective for candidates with a solid work history who also want to highlight specific skills and achievements. But it often brings up specific questions. Understanding these common inquiries will help you tailor the template to your unique circumstances and career goals. Remember to tailor your resume to each specific job application for best results.

One frequently asked question is whether the combination resume is suitable for career changers. The answer is often yes! The skills section allows you to showcase transferable abilities that are relevant to your target role, even if your previous experience is in a different field. However, emphasize the skills that directly align with the job description. Consider adding a brief summary explaining your career transition and highlighting your motivation and relevant accomplishments. Also, address any experience gaps honestly and proactively.

Another common concern is how to prioritize the skills and experience sections. The rule of thumb is to lead with your strengths. If your skills are your most compelling asset, place the skills section above the experience section. If your experience is more impressive, highlight it first. Regardless of the order, ensure that both sections are well-organized and easy to read. Use bullet points to present information concisely and quantify your achievements whenever possible. Remember, the combination resume aims to balance your skills and experience effectively.

Refine Your Combination Resume and Achieve Your Goals!

We hope this 2017 combination resume template has provided a strong foundation for showcasing your skills and experience. Remember that a successful resume is a dynamic document. Take the time to tailor it to each specific job you apply for, highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to the position.

Don't hesitate to revisit our site for more examples, updated resources, and tips on crafting the perfect resume and cover letter. We are here to support you in your job search and help you achieve your career aspirations!