A combination resume (sometimes called a hybrid resume) is a mix of both functional and chronological resumes. It allows you to showcase your skills and qualifications upfront while still presenting a clear work history. This type of resume is ideal if you want to highlight your skills but also want to demonstrate your career progression in a clear, organized way.
Here’s an explanation of how a combination resume works and the key sections to include:
When to Use a Combination Resume
A combination resume is most useful in the following situations:
- You have a strong skill set but also want to show a clear work history.
- You’re looking to change careers or move into a new field where your previous experience is relevant.
- You have a varied skill set gained from multiple roles and want to showcase how those skills are transferable.
- You want to emphasize accomplishments and results in addition to listing your job history.
Key Sections in a Combination Resume
A combination resume typically includes these key sections:
- Contact Information
- Resume Summary or Objective
- Skills & Qualifications
- Work Experience
- Education
- Additional Sections (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Combination Resume
1. Contact Information
Include your name, phone number, professional email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable).
Example:
javaCopyJohn Doe
(555) 555-5555 | john.doe@email.com | linkedin.com/in/johndoe
2. Resume Summary or Objective
- If you have experience, write a resume summary that emphasizes your skills, achievements, and what you bring to the role.
- If you’re changing careers or new to the workforce, write an objective statement highlighting your enthusiasm and transferable skills.
Example (Summary):
pgsqlCopyExperienced marketing professional with 7+ years of expertise in digital marketing, content creation, and SEO strategy. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and increase online engagement by 30%. Seeking to apply skills and expertise to a Senior Marketing Manager role at [Company Name].
Example (Objective):
cssCopyMotivated entry-level graphic designer with a passion for creating visually appealing designs. Looking to leverage strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and design principles to contribute to the creative team at [Company Name].
3. Skills & Qualifications
The skills section in a combination resume is typically one of the most important. It’s where you highlight both hard skills (specific, technical skills) and soft skills (interpersonal skills). Organize your skills into relevant categories to make them easier to read.
Example (Skills section):
markdownCopy**Technical Skills**
- Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Strong knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
- Expertise in Google Analytics and SEO tools
**Soft Skills**
- Effective communication and collaboration
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Time management and multitasking
4. Work Experience
Unlike a functional resume, a combination resume does include your work history. However, the emphasis is still on your skills and accomplishments rather than the chronology of your job titles. Your work experience section can be organized into the following format:
- Job title
- Company name and location
- Employment dates
- Key responsibilities and achievements (focus on skills used and outcomes)
Example:
pgsqlCopy**Senior Marketing Specialist**
ABC Corporation | New York, NY | January 2020 – Present
- Led a team of 5 in executing digital marketing campaigns across social media platforms, resulting in a 25% increase in brand awareness.
- Managed and optimized the company’s PPC campaign, reducing cost-per-click by 15% while increasing conversion rates by 20%.
- Coordinated the content strategy for the company’s blog, driving a 30% increase in traffic within 6 months.
**Marketing Coordinator**
XYZ Agency | New York, NY | June 2017 – December 2019
- Assisted in the development of marketing strategies that contributed to a 15% increase in client acquisition.
- Managed the company’s social media channels, growing followers by 20% year-over-year.
5. Education
Your education section should include your highest level of education. If you have relevant certifications or have taken courses related to the position, include them as well.
Example:
markdownCopy**Bachelor of Arts in Marketing**
University of XYZ | Graduated May 2017
- Relevant Coursework: Digital Marketing, Consumer Behavior, Marketing Research
**Certifications**
- Google Analytics Certified (2020)
- HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification (2019)
6. Additional Sections (Optional)
Depending on your field and the role you’re applying for, you may want to include other sections like:
- Awards and Honors: If you’ve received any professional recognition or awards.
- Volunteer Experience: If it’s relevant to the position.
- Languages: If you’re fluent in multiple languages.
- Projects: If you have any relevant side projects or freelance work.
- Professional Affiliations: Membership in industry associations.
Example:
markdownCopy**Languages**
- English (fluent), Spanish (conversational)
**Awards**
- Best Social Media Campaign, ABC Corporation (2021)
Example of a Combination Resume:
John Doe
(555) 555-5555 | john.doe@email.com | linkedin.com/in/johndoe
Resume Summary
Dynamic and results-driven marketing professional with 7+ years of experience in digital marketing, content creation, and SEO strategy. Adept at managing campaigns that increase online visibility and engagement. Proven ability to lead teams and exceed growth goals. Looking to leverage expertise to contribute to the marketing success of [Company Name].
Key Skills
Technical Skills
- SEO Optimization (Google Analytics, Moz)
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator)
- Social Media Marketing (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
- Google Ads & PPC Campaigns
- Email Marketing (Mailchimp, Constant Contact)
Soft Skills
- Strong written and verbal communication
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Time management and project management
- Team leadership and collaboration
Work Experience
Senior Marketing Specialist
ABC Corporation | New York, NY | January 2020 – Present
- Increased brand awareness by 25% through effective digital campaigns.
- Managed Google Ads campaigns, improving ROI by 18%.
- Directed content strategy, increasing website traffic by 30%.
Marketing Coordinator
XYZ Agency | New York, NY | June 2017 – December 2019
- Contributed to a 15% increase in client acquisition through targeted campaigns.
- Managed social media profiles, boosting engagement by 20%.
- Collaborated on content creation that grew website traffic by 10%.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Marketing
University of XYZ | Graduated May 2017
Certifications
- Google Analytics Certified (2020)
- HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certified (2019)
Languages
- English (fluent), Spanish (conversational)
Final Tips:
- Tailor the resume: Customize the skills and achievements to match the job description you’re applying to.
- Be concise: Keep the resume clean and easy to read while highlighting your most relevant skills and experiences.
- Focus on results: In the work experience section, emphasize your achievements and impact.
A combination resume can be a powerful tool to showcase both your skills and work history in a way that makes you stand out to potential employers!