Combination Resume Template

Crafting the perfect resume can feel like navigating a maze, especially when you're trying to showcase a diverse skill set and career history. Traditional chronological or functional resumes might not fully capture your unique blend of experience and qualifications. That's where the combination resume template comes in! It offers the best of both worlds, allowing you to highlight both your skills and your work experience in a compelling and easily digestible format.

This template is designed for job seekers who want to emphasize their key abilities while still providing a clear timeline of their professional journey. It typically starts with a strong skills section that spotlights your expertise, followed by a chronological work history to demonstrate how you've applied those skills in real-world settings. This approach is particularly effective if you're looking to transition into a new role or industry, or if you have gaps in your employment history that you want to downplay.

Ready to build a resume that truly reflects your potential? Our combination resume template provides a customizable framework to help you present yourself in the most impactful way possible. It's designed to be ATS-friendly and visually appealing, ensuring that your resume gets noticed by both human eyes and automated systems. Let's get started on crafting a resume that opens doors to your dream career!

What is a combination resume?

A combination resume, also known as a hybrid resume, strategically blends the elements of both chronological and functional resume formats. It's particularly effective for individuals with a diverse skillset, a significant career gap, or those looking to transition into a new industry. This format allows you to showcase your skills and accomplishments prominently, while still providing a clear picture of your work history.

The combination resume typically starts with a compelling summary or profile section highlighting your key skills and qualifications relevant to the target role. This is followed by a dedicated skills section that elaborates on your abilities, often using bullet points or keywords to catch the attention of recruiters and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). A chronological work history section then follows, providing details about your previous positions, responsibilities, and accomplishments.

The strength of a combination resume lies in its flexibility. It allows you to emphasize the aspects of your background that are most relevant to the specific job you're applying for. For example, if you're changing careers, you can highlight transferable skills and relevant projects in the skills section, while downplaying the experience that's less pertinent. This makes it a versatile choice for candidates with varied experiences or unique career paths.

Here's a breakdown of the typical sections in a combination resume:

• Contact Information: Name, phone number, email address, LinkedIn profile URL.
• Summary/Profile: A brief overview of your qualifications and career goals.
• Skills: A list of your key skills and abilities, often categorized by area of expertise.
• Work History: A chronological listing of your previous jobs, with details about your responsibilities and accomplishments.
• Education: Information about your degrees, certifications, and other relevant training.

When creating a combination resume, it's crucial to tailor it to each job you apply for. Carefully review the job description and identify the skills and experience that are most important to the employer. Then, prioritize those qualifications in your resume's skills and summary sections. This targeted approach will significantly increase your chances of getting noticed and landing an interview.

Key elements of a combination resume format

The combination resume format, also known as a hybrid resume, strategically blends elements of chronological and functional resume formats. This approach is particularly effective for individuals with a diverse skill set, career changers, or those who want to emphasize specific achievements while still showcasing a solid work history. The key is to highlight your most relevant qualifications at the top, followed by a chronological overview of your professional experience.

A well-structured combination resume typically begins with a strong skills section or professional summary. The skills section allows you to showcase your core competencies and technical abilities, making it easy for recruiters to quickly identify your strengths. The professional summary provides a concise overview of your experience and career goals, highlighting your value proposition for the target role. Both sections should be carefully crafted to align with the specific requirements of the job description.

Following the skills section or professional summary, the work experience section provides a chronological account of your previous roles. However, unlike a purely chronological resume, the combination format allows you to emphasize your accomplishments and responsibilities that are most relevant to the desired position. Use action verbs and quantifiable results to demonstrate the impact you made in each role. Consider using bullet points to break up the text and make it easier to read. This approach balances highlighting skills and demonstrating real-world application.

To maximize the effectiveness of a combination resume, focus on tailoring each section to the specific job requirements. Research the company and the position carefully, and identify the key skills and experiences that are most valued. Then, prioritize those skills and experiences in your resume. Include keywords from the job description to ensure that your resume is easily searchable by applicant tracking systems (ATS). Consider also including a projects or portfolio section if you have relevant examples to showcase.

Resume Example: combination resume template

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

Who should use this format?

The combination resume format is a versatile choice suitable for a wide range of job seekers. However, it particularly benefits individuals who possess a diverse skill set and significant experience, or those who are looking to change careers. It effectively highlights both skills and work history, allowing you to emphasize your strengths and tailor your application to the specific requirements of the desired role.

This format is also ideal for professionals with gaps in their employment history. By prioritizing skills and accomplishments, the combination resume can minimize the focus on chronological employment and instead showcase your capabilities and relevant experience. This is particularly beneficial when transitioning between industries or after a period of unemployment.

Furthermore, the combination resume is useful for individuals targeting roles requiring specific expertise or proficiency in certain tools or technologies. The skills section, placed prominently near the top, allows you to immediately demonstrate your qualifications and capture the attention of hiring managers or Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). This ensures that your key skills are readily apparent and aligned with the job description.

In summary, consider a combination resume if:

• You have a diverse skill set and substantial experience.
• You are looking to change careers and emphasize transferable skills.
• You have gaps in your employment history.
• You want to highlight specific skills and expertise relevant to the targeted role.

Ultimately, the decision to use a combination resume depends on your individual circumstances and the requirements of the job you are applying for. Carefully evaluate your strengths, weaknesses, and career goals to determine if this format is the best way to present your qualifications.

Crafting a compelling skills section

The skills section of your combination resume is critical for showcasing your abilities to potential employers. It serves as a quick snapshot of your qualifications, allowing recruiters to quickly determine if you possess the necessary skills for the role. In a combination resume, this section bridges the gap between your experience and functional skills, highlighting what you've learned and what you can actively contribute.

When crafting your skills section, focus on relevance and specificity. Avoid generic terms like "teamwork" or "communication." Instead, tailor your skills list to match the keywords and requirements outlined in the job description. Quantify your skills whenever possible, demonstrating the impact of your abilities. For example, instead of listing "Project Management," consider "Project Management (Agile, Waterfall) – Successfully managed cross-functional teams to deliver projects 15% under budget and ahead of schedule."

Consider organizing your skills section into categories for enhanced readability. This allows recruiters to quickly scan for specific skills they're seeking. Example categories include: Technical Skills, Software Proficiency, Project Management Skills, Communication Skills, or Industry-Specific Skills. Use bullet points for easy scanning, and prioritize your most relevant and impressive skills at the top of each category.

Remember to keep your skills section updated and reflective of your current capabilities. Regularly review your skills list and add new skills as you acquire them. Remove any skills that are no longer relevant to the types of roles you're targeting. Keep the skills section concise and impactful, aiming for a balance between breadth and depth. Don't be afraid to list both hard and soft skills, ensuring a comprehensive representation of your professional skillset.

Finally, optimize your skills section for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Use keywords and phrases that are commonly used in job descriptions for the types of roles you're interested in. Avoid using jargon or acronyms that may not be recognized by ATS software. Test your resume through an ATS scanner to ensure that your skills section is being properly parsed and recognized.

Highlighting accomplishments in work experience

The work experience section of a combination resume is where you really get to showcase your value. It's not just about listing your responsibilities; it's about demonstrating the positive impact you made in each role. Focus on quantifiable achievements whenever possible. Use action verbs to start each bullet point and provide specific examples to back up your claims.

To effectively highlight your accomplishments, consider the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Briefly describe the situation you were in, the task you were assigned, the action you took, and the result you achieved. This framework helps you provide a clear and concise narrative that demonstrates your skills and accomplishments. Think about what problems you solved, what processes you improved, and what contributions you made to the overall success of the company.

Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. Use numbers, percentages, and dollar amounts to illustrate the impact you made. For example, instead of saying "Improved customer satisfaction," say "Increased customer satisfaction scores by 15% in Q2." Be specific and avoid vague language. This data-driven approach will make your accomplishments more credible and impressive.

Tailor your accomplishments to the specific job you're applying for. Carefully review the job description and identify the key skills and qualifications the employer is seeking. Then, highlight the accomplishments that are most relevant to those requirements. You can also use keywords from the job description in your accomplishment statements to improve your resume's chances of getting past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Finally, remember to keep your accomplishment statements concise and easy to read. Use bullet points to break up the text and make it easier for the reader to scan. Focus on the most impactful accomplishments and avoid including unnecessary details. The goal is to quickly and effectively demonstrate your value to the employer.

Resume Example: combination resume template

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

Optimizing your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software programs used by recruiters and employers to filter and manage job applications. To ensure your combination resume template is properly processed and not automatically rejected, you need to optimize it for ATS compatibility. This involves considering factors such as file format, keyword usage, formatting, and section headings.

Here are some key strategies to improve your resume's ATS readability:

• File Format: Save your resume as a .docx file (if specified) or a plain .txt file for the highest level of compatibility. Avoid PDFs unless explicitly requested.
• Keywords: Carefully research the job descriptions for the roles you are targeting and incorporate relevant keywords throughout your resume. These should be natural and contextually appropriate. Look for keywords related to skills, technologies, industry terminology, and job titles.
• Formatting: Use simple formatting. Avoid complex tables, images, text boxes, headers, footers, and unusual fonts. Stick to common fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Use bullet points and clear section headings (e.g., "Experience," "Skills," "Education").
• Section Headings: Use standard, easily recognizable section headings. ATS systems are programmed to identify these sections, so avoid creative or unconventional titles.
• Avoid Graphics and Charts: ATS systems typically cannot read information embedded in graphics or charts. Present this information in text format instead.

By adhering to these best practices, you can significantly increase the likelihood that your combination resume template will be properly parsed by ATS and reach the hands of a human recruiter. Remember to tailor your resume to each specific job application, emphasizing the skills and experience that are most relevant to the role.

Action verbs & keywords to boost your resume

The combination resume strategically balances skills and experience, making it vital to use impactful language. Action verbs and keywords are your arsenal to capture attention and pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Strong action verbs paint a picture of your accomplishments, while strategically placed keywords ensure your resume aligns with job descriptions.

Instead of vague statements, use verbs that demonstrate your capabilities. For instance, instead of "Responsible for project management," try "Managed project timelines and budgets, delivering projects 15% ahead of schedule." The stronger verb "Managed" and the quantifiable result ("15% ahead of schedule") make a far greater impact. Review each bullet point and consider if a more powerful action verb could be used. Think about words like "Spearheaded," "Implemented," "Optimized," "Analyzed," and "Developed."

Keywords are the specific terms employers use to describe the skills and experience they seek. Scrutinize job descriptions and identify keywords related to skills, software, and industry jargon. Incorporate these keywords naturally throughout your resume, especially in your skills section and experience descriptions. Avoid keyword stuffing; instead, weave them into compelling sentences that showcase your abilities.

Consider these examples to differentiate weak vs. strong resume writing:

• Weak: Assisted with marketing campaigns. Strong: Collaborated on integrated marketing campaigns that increased lead generation by 20%.
• Weak: Handled customer inquiries. Strong: Resolved complex customer issues, achieving a 95% customer satisfaction rate.

Remember to tailor your action verbs and keywords for each job application. A generic resume will rarely achieve the desired results. By focusing on action and keywords, you make your combination resume a powerful tool that highlights your qualifications and secures interviews.

Combination resume dos and don'ts

The combination resume format, blending elements of chronological and functional resume styles, is a powerful tool for highlighting both your skills and your work history. However, its effectiveness hinges on proper execution. Understanding the dos and don'ts can make the difference between a resume that lands you an interview and one that ends up in the rejection pile. It’s crucial to strategically emphasize the aspects of your background most relevant to the target job while downplaying less relevant experiences.

One of the biggest "dos" is to prioritize your skills section based on the specific job description. Carefully analyze the requirements and showcase the skills that directly address the employer's needs. Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible using metrics and numbers to demonstrate the impact of your contributions. Use action verbs to describe your responsibilities and achievements. Furthermore, ensure your resume is ATS-friendly by incorporating relevant keywords naturally throughout the document.

Conversely, a major "don't" is neglecting your work history. While the combination format allows you to emphasize skills, a weak or incomplete work history can raise red flags. Even if a previous job isn't directly related, highlight transferable skills or relevant accomplishments. Avoid generic statements and instead focus on specific achievements and quantifiable results. Don’t forget to proofread meticulously to eliminate any typos or grammatical errors, as these can detract from your credibility.

Another common mistake is failing to tailor your resume for each specific job application. A generic combination resume is unlikely to stand out. Take the time to customize your skills section, professional summary, and work experience descriptions to align with the specific requirements of each position. This demonstrates your genuine interest and showcases how your unique qualifications make you the ideal candidate. Doing so significantly increases your chances of securing an interview.

Craft Your Perfect Resume

We hope this combination resume template has provided a solid foundation for showcasing your skills and experience. Remember to tailor each section to reflect the specific requirements of the jobs you're targeting. Refine your content, update with your latest accomplishments, and ensure it accurately represents your professional brand.

Our resources are constantly being updated with new templates, advice, and tools to help you succeed in your job search. We encourage you to revisit our site regularly for the latest insights and inspiration as you progress in your career.