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What is a Combination Resume?
A combination resume is a versatile resume format that merges the best elements of both chronological and functional resumes.
This hybrid approach allows jobseekers to highlight their skills and accomplishments at the forefront while also providing a detailed chronological work history.
By blending these two formats, the combination resume offers a comprehensive view of your qualifications, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of jobseekers.
Who Should Use a Combination Resume?
Ther are several types of jobseekers who may find the combination resume the most suitable resume format for their needs, including:
- Professionals with Diverse Skill Sets: If you have a broad range of skills that don’t fit neatly into one specific job category, a combination resume allows you to emphasize your versatility. This format lets you highlight the skills that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for, ensuring that employers see how well-rounded and adaptable you are.
- Jobseekers with Significant Career Achievements: For those with a rich history of accomplishments and contributions in their careers, the combination resume is an ideal way to showcase these achievements. By placing your key skills and successes at the beginning of the resume, you can immediately grab the attention of hiring managers, while the chronological section provides context and detail.
- Those Looking to Change Careers or Industries: A combination resume is also beneficial for individuals looking to make a career change or enter a new industry. It allows you to emphasize transferable skills and relevant experience from previous roles that might not be directly related to the new position. This format helps to bridge the gap between your past experience and your future career goals, making it easier for employers to see your potential in a new role.
Structure of a Combination Resume
Creating a combination resume involves organizing your information in a way that highlights both your skills and your professional experience. Here’s a breakdown of the essential sections and what they should include:
Contact Information: Like all resume formats, your combination resume will include your contact information at the top of your document.
Profile: Summary or Objective Your combination resume should begin with a brief one to three sentence introduction, known as a resume profile, of your most relevant qualifications so readers are encourage to learn more.
Skills: List a combination of hard and soft skills that are the most relevant to your job. Ensure to be as specific as possible, using language found in the job description so that the skills on your resume stand out.
Professional Experience: Provide information regarding your work history, including job title, name of employer, dates employed, location, and bullet points that list your most relevant responsibilities and achievements.
Education: List your highest level of education, the degree or certification earned, and the name of the institution. You may provide additional information, including honors, awards, or relevant coursework, however, you can also create a separate section for this if you like.
Additional Sections (optional): If you have the space, and the information is relevant, you can further your case as a qualified candidate by providing additional sections such as volunteer work, awards, and professional associations.
Try a Combination Resume Template
Save time by using our online resume builder and choose from a wide variety of templates that will allow you to easily make a combination resume in minutes.
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Artistic
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Essence
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Pacific
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Distinguished
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Managerial
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Emphasized
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Original
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Remarkable
How to Write a Combination Resume
Writing a combination resume begins with understanding the outline and structure. From there, its is simply a matter of filling in each section with the appropriate information, which we will explore in more detail.
Contact Information
Your resume should start with a clear and professional header that includes:
- Name: Your full name, formatted in a larger or bold font.
- Contact Information: Your phone number and professional email address.
- LinkedIn Profile: A link to your LinkedIn profile for additional professional context.
- Portfolio Link: If applicable, include a link to an online portfolio or personal website showcasing your work.
For example:
Alyssa Smith
Chicago, IL
(555) 555 – 5555
a.smith@fake.email.com
fake.linkedin.com/in/a.smith
This information allows hiring managers to quickly place a name to the qualifications and contact you for a job interview.
Profile: Summary or Objective
A good resume begins with a profile of the applicant, which comes in two different forms:
- Summary: A summary statement provides a brief overview of your professional background and key qualifications. This section should be concise, usually 3-4 sentences, and tailored to the job you’re applying for. Focus on your most significant achievements and skills that are directly relevant to the position. The goal is to capture the hiring manager’s attention and provide a snapshot of your career.
- Objective: An objective statement is similar to a summary, but instead of focusing on achievements and work history, you write about your skills and why you want the job. This can be a good choice for those with limited experience.
A successful summary or objective will make it clear that you are a candidate worth further investigation. By placing your top credentials at the top of the resume, you work towards introducing your best self right away.
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Example of Resume Summary:
“Experienced marketing professional with over 10 years of experience in digital marketing, social media management, and content creation. Proven track record of increasing brand awareness and driving online engagement through innovative strategies. Adept at leading cross-functional teams and managing multiple projects simultaneously.” -
Example of Resume Objective:
“Recent college graduate with a degree in marketing. Highly dependable and proficient in data analytics, communication, and social media management. Looking to help increase the value of the company through hard work, persistence, and growth.”
Skills Section
The skills section is where you highlight your relevant abilities, grouped by category.
This makes it easy for employers to see your key competencies at a glance.
Categories might include hard skills, technical skills, soft skills, industry-specific skills, and more.
Example:
Technical Skills
- Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Advanced knowledge of SEO and Google Analytics
Soft Skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong leadership and team management abilities
Professional Experience
In this section, you provide a detailed work history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job.
For each position, include:
- Job Title: Clearly state your role.
- Company Name and Location: Name of the company and its location.
- Dates of Employment: Duration of your employment (month and year).
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Responsibilities and Achievements: Use bullet points to describe your key responsibilities and
accomplishments. Focus on quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your impact.
The professional experience section of your combination resume is an important part to underscore your qualifications.
By quantifying your achievements, you provide a specific, unique context that demonstrates your value as an employee. This, along with using keywords found in the job description, will also help your resume stand out with applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Example:
Digital Marketing Manager | ABC Corp, New York, NY | January 2018 – Present
- Developed and executed digital marketing campaigns, resulting in a 30% increase in website traffic.
- Led a team of 5 marketing professionals, providing training and mentorship.
- Managed social media accounts, growing followers by 50% in one year.
Education
List your academic background, including degrees earned, and institutions attended. You can also include relevant
certifications and coursework pertinent to the job.
Example:
Bachelor of Science in Marketing | University of California, Los Angeles
- Certification in Digital Marketing from XYZ Institute
- Completed coursework in Marketing Analytics and Consumer Behavior
Additional Sections (optional)
Optional sections can add depth to your resume and provide a more rounded view of your professional life.
These might include:
- Awards: Any honors or recognitions received.
- Volunteer Work: Relevant volunteer experience that demonstrates skills or passions.
- Professional Affiliations: Memberships in industry-related organizations.
- Publications: Articles, papers, or books you have authored.
Make sure to only add these sections if they are relevant to the job and do not take up unnecessary space.
Example:
Bachelor of Science in Marketing | University of California, Los Angeles
Awards
- Recipient of the 2020 Marketing Excellence Award from the American Marketing Association
Volunteer Work
- Marketing Coordinator for XYZ Nonprofit, organizing fundraising events and social media campaigns
Combination Resume Template & Example
To help you with the writing process, here’s a template of a combination resume as well as a filled out example that you can use when applying for your next job!
Combination Resume Example:
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[Name]
[Address] | [Phone Number] | [Email Address] | [LinkedIn Profile] | [Portfolio Link] -
Summary Statement
[Brief overview of professional background and key qualifications] -
Skills
[Skill 1]
[Skill 2]
[Skill 3] -
Professional Experience
Job Title | Company Name, Location | Dates of Employment
[Responsibility or achievement]
[Responsibility or achievement]
[Responsibility or achievement] -
Education
[Degree] | [Institution Name] | [Graduation Date] -
Additional Sections
[Awards, Volunteer Work, Professional Affiliations, Publications]
Combination Resume Example:
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Jane Doe
123 Main St, City, State | (123) 456-7890 | janedoe@example.com | linkedin.com/in/janedoe | janedoeportfolio.com
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Summary Statement
Dedicated marketing professional with over 7 years of experience in digital marketing, social media management, and content creation. Proven ability to increase brand awareness and drive online engagement through innovative strategies. Adept at leading cross-functional teams and managing multiple projects.
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Skills
- Digital Marketing
- Social Media Management
- Content Creation
- Data Analytics
- Python
- Excel
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Professional Experience
Digital Marketing Specialist | XYZ Corp, City, State | June 2016 – Present
- Developed and executed digital marketing campaigns, resulting in a 30% increase in website traffic.
- Managed social media accounts, growing followers by 50% in one year.
- Analyzed marketing data to optimize campaign performance and ROI.
Marketing Coordinator | ABC Inc., City, State | January 2014 – May 2016
- Assisted in planning and executing marketing events, increasing event attendance by 25%.
- Coordinated content creation for social media and blog posts.
- Condu
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Education
Bachelor of Science in Marketing | University of California, Los Angeles | Graduated: May 2012
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Awards
Recipient of the 2020 Marketing Excellence Award from the American Marketing Association
More Combination Resume Examples
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Combination Resume: Pros & Cons
There are several advantages and disadvantages to consider when using the combination format for your resume:
Pros
- Allows you to highlight both your key skills and professional experience.
- Provides a comprehensive picture of your qualifications.
- Enables tailoring of the skills section to emphasize the most relevant abilities for the job.
- Supports skills with concrete examples from your work history.
- Easier to customize for different job applications.
Cons
- The combination of a detailed skills section and comprehensive work history can make the resume longer.
- Added length may be a drawback if job postings prefer shorter resumes.
- Customization for each job application can be time-consuming.
- Requires adjusting the skills section and work history to align with each job description.
Combination Resume Tips
Creating a successful combination resume requires attention to detail and strategic presentation. Here are some key tips to ensure your resume stands out to potential employers:
Customization: Importance of Tailoring the Resume for Each Job Application
Tailoring your resume for each job application is crucial for making a strong impression. A customized resume shows that you’ve taken the time to understand the specific requirements of the job and how your qualifications align with them. Here’s how to effectively customize your resume:
- Review the Job Description: Carefully read the job posting and identify the key skills, experiences, and qualifications that the employer is looking for.
- Highlight Relevant Skills: Adjust your skills section to emphasize the abilities that are most relevant to the job. Use similar language to that found in the job description to make your resume more relatable.
- Align Your Work History: Reorder or expand on the responsibilities and achievements in your professional experience section to better match the job requirements.
- Update Your Summary Statement: Tailor your summary statement to reflect the specific needs of the employer, highlighting your most relevant experience and skills.
Keyword Optimization: Incorporating Relevant Keywords for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes before they reach human eyes. To pass through these systems, it’s important to optimize your resume with relevant keywords:
- Identify Keywords: Extract important keywords and phrases from the job description. These often include specific skills, qualifications, and industry terms.
- Use Keywords Naturally: Incorporate these keywords throughout your resume, but ensure they fit naturally within the context. Overloading your resume with keywords can make it difficult to read and may be flagged by the ATS.
- Focus on Key Sections: Make sure keywords appear in critical sections of your resume, such as the summary statement, skills section, and job descriptions.
- Avoid Abbreviations: Use both the full term and its abbreviation (e.g., “Search Engine Optimization (SEO)”) to ensure the ATS can recognize the keyword in any form.
Proofreading: Ensuring the Resume is Error-Free and Professionally Formatted
A polished resume free of errors and inconsistencies reflects your professionalism and attention to detail. Here’s how to ensure your resume meets high standards:
- Check for Typos and Grammatical Errors: Carefully proofread your resume to catch any spelling mistakes or grammatical errors. Consider using tools like Grammarly for additional help.
- Consistency is Key: Ensure consistency in formatting, such as font style, size, and heading styles. Use bullet points uniformly and maintain a consistent tense throughout.
- Professional Formatting: Choose a clean, professional layout with clear headings and plenty of white space. Avoid overly complex designs that can distract from the content.
- Get a Second Opinion: Have a friend, mentor, or professional resume reviewer look over your resume. A fresh set of eyes can catch errors you might have missed and provide valuable feedback.
- Test Readability: Print out your resume to see how it looks on paper and review it on different devices to ensure it maintains its formatting and readability.
FAQ
Updated: November 26, 2024
A combination resume is a format that merges elements of both chronological and functional resumes. It highlights your skills and achievements at the top, followed by a detailed work history in reverse chronological order. This format is ideal for showcasing both your capabilities and your career progression.
A combination resume is suitable for professionals with diverse skill sets, jobseekers with significant career achievements, and those looking to change careers or industries. It allows you to emphasize your relevant skills while providing context through your work history.
A combination resume and a chronological resume are two different resume formats, each with its own structure and focus:
Combination Resume:
- Structure: A combination resume merges elements of both the functional and chronological resume formats. It typically starts with a summary statement and a skills section, followed by a detailed chronological work history.
- Focus: This format highlights both skills and experience. It allows jobseekers to showcase their relevant skills and competencies at the top, while also providing a comprehensive work history.
- Best For: Ideal for professionals with diverse skill sets, significant achievements, or those changing careers. It balances showcasing skills and providing context through job history.
Chronological Resume:
- Structure: A chronological resume lists work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent position. It typically includes sections for contact information, summary statement, work experience, education, and additional sections such as skills or certifications.
- Focus: The primary focus is on work history, emphasizing job titles, companies, and dates of employment. It is straightforward and highlights career progression.
- Best For: Suitable for jobseekers with a strong, continuous work history in the same field. It’s particularly effective for demonstrating steady career growth and relevant experience in a particular industry.
Understanding these differences can help you choose the right resume format based on your career background and the type of job you’re applying for.
Your summary statement should be concise, typically 3-4 sentences, and tailored to the job you’re applying for. Focus on your key achievements and qualifications that are most relevant to the position. Use industry-specific keywords to help pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Group your skills by category, such as Technical Skills, Management Skills, or Soft Skills. List the most relevant skills first and use specific language to describe your abilities. Ensure the skills align with the job description to make your resume more appealing to employers.
The professional experience section should list your work history in reverse chronological order. For each position, include your job title, company name, location, and dates of employment. Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and achievements, focusing on quantifiable results.
To tailor your resume, review the job description and identify key skills and qualifications the employer is looking for. Adjust your skills section to highlight the most relevant abilities, and reorder or expand on your professional experience to better match the job requirements. Update your summary statement to reflect the specific needs of the employer.
