Combination Style Resume Template

Are you ready to showcase your diverse skillset and career history in a way that truly highlights your strengths? Look no further than the combination resume template! This versatile format expertly blends the chronological and functional resume styles, allowing you to emphasize both your experience and your abilities, making it ideal for career changers, those with gaps in employment, or anyone seeking to demonstrate a well-rounded professional profile. It’s a powerful tool for capturing the attention of recruiters and hiring managers by providing a clear and compelling narrative of your qualifications.

The combination resume template prioritizes a compelling skills section at the top, followed by a more concise work history section. This strategic layout enables you to immediately highlight the competencies most relevant to the job you're applying for, while still providing a context of where and when you gained that experience. By carefully curating both your skills and your accomplishments, you can effectively demonstrate your value and make a strong case for why you're the perfect candidate.

What is a combination resume and when to use it?

A combination resume, as the name suggests, blends elements of both chronological and functional resume formats. It typically leads with a skills section highlighting your key competencies and areas of expertise, followed by a chronological work history section. This allows you to showcase your abilities upfront while still providing a clear timeline of your career progression.

The combination format is particularly useful for individuals who want to emphasize specific skills or accomplishments that are highly relevant to the target job, especially when those skills might not be immediately apparent from a purely chronological listing of work experience. This approach can be effective for career changers, those with gaps in their employment history, or individuals who want to demonstrate a specific skill set.

When should you choose a combination resume? Consider this format if:

• You're transitioning to a new industry or role and want to highlight transferable skills.
• You have a diverse skill set and want to showcase your versatility.
• You want to draw attention to specific achievements or projects that demonstrate your capabilities.
• You're targeting a role that requires a specific set of skills, regardless of your work history.

By strategically combining the best features of chronological and functional formats, the combination resume allows you to tailor your presentation to the specific requirements of the job and effectively showcase your value to potential employers. It's a flexible format that can be adapted to suit a wide range of career situations.

Key sections: Skills, Experience, Education, Summary/Objective

The combination resume format strategically blends the chronological and functional resume styles, emphasizing both skills and work history. This approach is particularly effective for individuals with a diverse skillset, career changers, or those looking to highlight specific accomplishments. The key sections – Skills, Experience, Education, and Summary/Objective – each play a crucial role in presenting a compelling and well-rounded profile to potential employers.

The **Skills** section is often placed prominently near the top of the resume to immediately showcase your core competencies. This section should be tailored to the specific requirements of the target job and incorporate keywords from the job description. Think beyond general terms and include specific software proficiency, technical skills, and relevant soft skills. Using a bulleted list or a skills matrix can help organize and present this information clearly. Prioritize hard skills valuable for combination style resume template.

The **Experience** section details your work history, but in a combination resume, it is less about a strict chronological listing and more about highlighting relevant achievements and responsibilities. Focus on quantifiable results and accomplishments that demonstrate your skills in action. Use action verbs and the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe your experiences concisely and impactfully. While dates are important, the emphasis is on what you accomplished in each role. Relevance is key here, so tailor this section to the specific job.

The **Education** section outlines your academic qualifications, including degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework. While often placed towards the end of the resume, it's still important. If you are a recent graduate, you may choose to position this section higher up, particularly if your academic background is directly relevant to the job. Include the name of the institution, degree obtained, and graduation date. List any relevant honors or awards. The **Summary/Objective** provides a brief overview of your skills, experience, and career goals. A summary is ideal for experienced professionals, highlighting key qualifications and accomplishments. An objective is more suitable for entry-level candidates or those changing careers, outlining their career aspirations and how they can contribute to the company.

Resume Example: combination style resume template

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

Skills section: Hard skills vs Soft skills

The skills section of a combination resume is crucial for showcasing your abilities to potential employers. It's not just about listing what you *can* do, but about highlighting the skills most relevant to the target job and demonstrating your overall competency. To effectively leverage this section, it's important to understand the difference between hard skills and soft skills, and how to present them in a balanced and impactful way.

Hard skills are technical abilities or knowledge that are specific and measurable. These are often learned through formal education, training programs, or on-the-job experience. Examples of hard skills include programming languages, data analysis, project management methodologies, software proficiency (like Adobe Creative Suite or Salesforce), and specific tools or machinery operation. When listing hard skills, be as specific as possible. Instead of saying "computer skills," list the specific software or programming languages you are proficient in. ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) often rely on keyword matching, so using the exact terminology from the job description is critical.

Soft skills, on the other hand, are personal attributes or personality traits that enable you to interact effectively with others and perform well in the workplace. These are often less tangible and more difficult to measure than hard skills. Examples of soft skills include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, time management, and adaptability. While you can list soft skills, it's more effective to demonstrate them through your experience section by providing specific examples of how you used these skills to achieve results. For example, instead of simply listing "communication," you could say, "Led cross-functional team meetings, clearly communicating project updates and timelines to ensure timely completion." The combination resume format allows you to highlight both your technical expertise and your interpersonal abilities, making you a well-rounded candidate.

In a combination resume, the skills section often appears near the top, after the summary or objective statement, to immediately grab the reader's attention with your key qualifications. You can choose to create separate sections for "Hard Skills" and "Soft Skills," or combine them into a single "Skills" section, categorizing them as appropriate. When selecting which skills to include, carefully review the job description and identify the skills that are most emphasized. Tailor your skills section to match the requirements of the specific role, highlighting the skills that make you the most qualified candidate. Don't just list every skill you possess; focus on the ones that are most relevant and valuable to the employer.

Experience section: Emphasizing achievements

The Experience section of a combination resume is where your accomplishments truly shine. It's not just about listing your responsibilities; it's about showcasing the positive impact you've had in your previous roles. The key is to quantify your achievements whenever possible, using metrics and data to demonstrate the value you brought to the organization. Instead of simply stating "Managed social media accounts," aim for something like "Managed social media accounts, increasing follower engagement by 30% and driving a 15% increase in website traffic."

To effectively highlight your achievements, use action verbs to start each bullet point or description. Strong verbs like "Led," "Developed," "Implemented," "Improved," and "Increased" immediately draw attention to your accomplishments. Focus on the challenges you faced, the actions you took, and the positive results you achieved. Tailor your descriptions to match the requirements of the target job, emphasizing the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position. Think about the keywords used in the job description and incorporate them naturally into your descriptions.

Consider using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your achievement-oriented bullet points. This framework helps you provide context, describe your actions, and quantify the results of your efforts. For example, instead of saying "Improved customer satisfaction," you could say, "Faced with low customer satisfaction scores (Situation), I was tasked with improving the customer service experience (Task). I implemented a new customer feedback system and trained staff on improved communication techniques (Action). As a result, customer satisfaction scores increased by 20% within six months (Result)."

Remember to keep your descriptions concise and easy to read. Recruiters and hiring managers often scan resumes quickly, so it's important to make your achievements stand out. Use bullet points to break up large blocks of text and make it easier to digest the information. Focus on the most impactful achievements from each role, rather than trying to list every single task you performed.

Finally, don't be afraid to highlight projects or initiatives where you demonstrated your skills and abilities, even if they weren't part of your formal job description. Volunteer work, side projects, or personal initiatives can all be valuable additions to your Experience section, especially if they showcase skills that are relevant to the target job. Always quantify your achievements whenever possible to provide concrete evidence of your contributions.

Summary/Objective: Capturing attention immediately

The summary or objective statement is your first, and often only, chance to make a strong impression on a hiring manager or recruiter. In a combination resume, which highlights both your skills and experience, crafting a compelling summary/objective is even more crucial. This section needs to immediately convey your value proposition: what you bring to the table that makes you a strong candidate for the specific role you're targeting. It's not just about listing your skills; it's about showcasing how those skills translate into tangible benefits for the employer.

For a combination resume, your summary/objective should act as a bridge connecting your skills section and your experience section. It should subtly hint at the key accomplishments you're about to highlight, drawing the reader in and making them eager to learn more. Consider using keywords from the job description to ensure your resume is ATS-friendly and resonates with the specific requirements of the position. Avoid generic phrases like "hardworking" or "team player"; instead, focus on quantifiable achievements and specialized expertise.

Think of your summary/objective as a concise elevator pitch. In just a few sentences, you need to convey your qualifications, your passion, and your understanding of the employer's needs. A well-written summary/objective will not only capture the reader's attention but also set the tone for the rest of your resume, highlighting your strengths and positioning you as a top contender for the job. Tailoring it to each specific job application is key to maximizing its impact. Remember, the goal is to make the reader think, "This is exactly the kind of person we're looking for."

Here are a few tips for writing a captivating summary/objective for a combination resume:

• Be specific: Avoid vague statements and use concrete examples whenever possible.
• Quantify your achievements: Numbers and data make your accomplishments more impactful.
• Use keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description.
• Focus on the employer's needs: Highlight how your skills and experience can benefit the company.
• Keep it concise: Aim for 3–5 sentences that are easy to read and understand.

Resume Example: combination style resume template

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

Template Options and Customization Tips

The combination resume format offers significant flexibility, blending elements of chronological and functional resumes. This allows you to highlight both your skills and work experience effectively. When selecting a template, consider your career trajectory and the specific job you are applying for. If you have gaps in your employment history or are changing careers, a template that emphasizes skills may be beneficial. Conversely, if you have a consistent work history and want to showcase career progression, prioritize the chronological experience section.

Customization is key to making any template work for you. Pay close attention to the sections you choose to include and their order. The "Skills" section, often placed prominently in a combination resume, needs to be highly targeted to the keywords and requirements outlined in the job description. Use action verbs to describe your skills and provide quantifiable results whenever possible. Tailoring the "Experience" section to highlight relevant achievements, even if those achievements aren't directly related to the job title, is crucial for demonstrating your value to potential employers.

Consider the visual design of the template as well. While content is paramount, a clean and professional layout can significantly enhance readability. Use a font that is easy to read and ensure there is adequate white space to avoid overwhelming the reader. Avoid excessive use of graphics or colors, as these can sometimes hinder the parsing of the resume by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Aim for a balanced design that showcases your information clearly and concisely.

Think about adding unconventional sections, especially if they showcase relevant abilities. "Projects" or "Portfolio" sections can demonstrate practical application of your skills. A "Publications" or "Presentations" section establishes you as an expert in your field. A "Volunteer Experience" section can showcase soft skills and a commitment to community involvement. Remember to tailor any additional sections to align with the specific requirements and expectations of the target role.

Resume Example: combination style resume template

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

FAQs

The combination resume format can seem complex, so it's natural to have questions. This section addresses some frequently asked questions to help you understand and effectively utilize this resume style.

When is a combination resume the best choice? A combination resume shines when you want to highlight both your skills *and* your work history. It's particularly useful if you're changing careers, have gaps in your employment history, or possess a diverse skillset that doesn't neatly align with a chronological format. It allows you to emphasize relevant skills upfront while still showcasing your professional experience. This approach is also beneficial for targeting roles where specific skills are highly valued and actively sought by employers.

How do I choose which skills to include? Prioritize skills that are highly relevant to the jobs you're targeting. Review job descriptions carefully and identify the key qualifications they're seeking. Focus on showcasing skills where you have demonstrable experience and can provide concrete examples of how you've used them to achieve results. Use a mix of hard skills (technical abilities, software proficiency) and soft skills (communication, teamwork, problem-solving), ensuring they are industry-appropriate.

What's the best way to order the sections of a combination resume? While there's no single "right" order, a common structure starts with a professional summary or objective statement, followed by a skills section highlighting key competencies. Your experience section should then follow, providing details about your previous roles and accomplishments. Education and any relevant certifications typically come last. The specific order may vary depending on the relative importance of different sections for your target job. For example, if your skills are more crucial than your experience, place the skills section higher up.

Is it okay to include older or less relevant experience? Generally, focus on the most recent and relevant experience. If older experience demonstrates a skill crucial for the target role, you can include it, but condense the description. Avoid including jobs that are completely unrelated to the field you're pursuing, as they can clutter your resume and distract from your core qualifications. Focus on quality over quantity, ensuring each entry adds value and supports your candidacy.

Resume Example: combination style resume template

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

Final checklist before submitting

Before you finalize your combination resume and send it off, take a moment for a comprehensive review. This final check ensures your resume is polished, professional, and accurately reflects your qualifications for the desired role. A well-crafted resume demonstrates attention to detail and maximizes your chances of landing an interview.

Specifically, confirm the following:

• Contact Information: Is your email address professional? Is your phone number correct? Are your LinkedIn profile and personal website links up-to-date? Ensure all links are clickable and lead to the intended destinations.
• Grammar and Spelling: Proofread meticulously! Use a grammar and spell checker, but also read the resume aloud. Errors, even small ones, can detract from your professionalism. Pay attention to verb tense consistency.
• Keywords: Have you incorporated keywords relevant to the specific job description? Scan the job posting for key skills and responsibilities, and ensure they are reflected in your resume, particularly in your skills section and experience bullet points.
• Formatting: Is the resume easy to read? Are the fonts consistent and professional? Is there sufficient white space? Ensure proper alignment and consistent use of bullet points and headings. Test your resume by saving as PDF and sending it to different devices. Does it render properly?
• Content Accuracy: Double-check dates of employment, job titles, and educational details for accuracy. Ensure that all claims made are verifiable and accurate. Quantify your achievements whenever possible with specific numbers and data.

Finally, get a fresh pair of eyes to review your resume. Ask a friend, family member, or career counselor to proofread and provide feedback on clarity, content, and overall impact. This final step can help you catch any remaining errors and ensure your resume is the best it can be.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

We hope this combination resume template has provided a solid foundation for showcasing your unique skills and experience. Remember, a well-crafted resume is a dynamic document, constantly evolving to reflect your career aspirations.

Take some time to refine your resume, tailoring it to each specific job application. Regularly revisit our site for more templates, tips, and resources to help you achieve your career goals. Good luck!