by A combination resume can be the perfect solution for job seekers who want to showcase both their skills and experience in a compelling way.
Whether you're transitioning careers, have a diverse work history, or want to emphasize key achievements, this type offers flexibility while keeping your qualifications front and center.
In this article, we’ll explore what makes a combination resume unique, when to use it, and how to structure it for maximum impact.
What is a combination resume?
A combination resume, also known as hybrid, merges aspects of chronological and functional formats.
It allows you to showcase your most relevant skills while also listing your work history in a structured way. This is ideal for those who want to emphasize their qualifications but also demonstrate career progression.
Key elements of resume combination format:
- A dedicated section showcasing relevant strengths and achievements in resume.
- A job history segment arranged in reverse chronological order.
- A structure that balances capabilities and work experience effectively
- When should you use a combination resume?
This type is particularly useful for individuals who want to display both strong qualifications and career development without giving undue focus to either. It is especially beneficial in cases such as:
- Career transitions – If moving into a different field, this layout allows you to highlight transferable expertise while still demonstrating past responsibilities.
- Diverse background – Those with experience across various industries can emphasize the most applicable strengths for the position.
- Employment gaps – By prioritizing skills and achievements, the combination style resume shifts focus away from periods of inactivity.
- Seeking new opportunities – If you have a long track record with notable contributions, this format ensures they stand out.
If you’re unsure whether a combination resume is the right choice, consider these alternatives.
1. Chronological
This traditional application type emphasizes job history, listing positions in reverse order by date. It’s ideal for specialists with a steady progression in their field.
Best suited for:
- Candidates with a consistent employment record.
- Those staying within the same industry.
- Individuals with clear career advancement.
Potential downside:
- Offers less focus on specialized abilities.
2. Functional
This format organizes content by skill category rather than past roles. This option suits those with limited job experience or those entering an entirely new profession.
Ideal for:
- Recent graduates with minimal formal employment.
- Career changers stepping into a new sector.
- Applicants with unconventional paths.
Challenges:
- Some employers find it difficult to assess professional history.
- Hiring managers often prefer a more structured timeline.
How to write a combination resume?
1. Start with Contact Information
Like in any application, your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable) should appear at the top. Keep it professional and easy to read.
Emma Johnson Chicago, IL | emma.j@email.com | (555) 123-4567 | linkedin.com/in/emmajohnson
2. Write a Strong Opening
A summary gives a brief overview of your expertise, while an objective states your goals. Choose the one that best fits your situation.
Use a summary if you have relevant experience and want to highlight key strengths.
Results-driven marketing specialist with 7+ years of experience in digital campaigns and brand strategy. Skilled in content creation, SEO, and social media engagement. Seeking to leverage expertise in a leadership role at a fast-growing company.
Opt for an an objective if you’re changing careers or entering a new field.
Detail-oriented graphic designer with a background in traditional illustration. Eager to transition into UX/UI design, bringing a strong foundation in visual storytelling and user experience.
3. Highlight Your Key Skills
This section is a key feature of a combination resume. Focus on the abilities that are most relevant to the role you’re applying for. Include both technical knowledge (e.g., software proficiency) and soft skills (e.g., leadership, problem-solving).
Example:
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Content Marketing Strategy
- Social Media Advertising
- Google Analytics & Data Interpretation
- Team Leadership & Project Management
4. List Work Experience in Reverse Chronological Order
After showcasing your skills, provide a clear career timeline.
Include your job title, company name, location, and dates of employment. Under each role, highlight accomplishments rather than just responsibilities. Use bullet points to make it easier to read.
Digital Marketing Manager
August Agency | New York, NY | 2020 – 2025
- Developed and executed digital marketing strategies, increasing website traffic by 45%.
- Managed a team of 5 content creators, leading to a 20% improvement in campaign engagement.
- Implemented an SEO strategy that boosted search rankings for top keywords.
5. Add Education
Mention your degrees, certifications, or professional training that support your qualifications. You don’t need to include graduation years unless necessary.
Example:
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication – University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA
- Google Analytics Certification – Google, 2023
6. Additional Sections (If Relevant)
If applicable, mention information like volunteer work, awards, languages, or professional affiliations. These extras can make you stand out, especially if they relate to your target role.
- Languages: Fluent in English and Spanish
Final tips for a winning combination resume format
- Tailor it to each role – Match your skills and experience to the job description.
- Keep it concise – Aim for one page (or two if you have extensive experience).
- Use action verbs – Words like “developed,” “led,” and “optimized” make your application more impactful.
- Maintain a clean design – Avoid clutter and utilize clear formatting for readability.
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Combination resume examples
Marketing Manager Combination Resume Sample
Emma Johnson
Chicago, IL | emma.j@email.com | (312) 555-9876 | linkedin.com/in/emmajohnsonSummary
Results-driven marketing professional with experience in digital strategy, brand management, and social media advertising. Adept at leading cross-functional teams and executing high-impact campaigns that drive engagement and revenue.
Key Skills
- Digital Marketing Strategy
- SEO & Content Marketing
- Social Media Advertising
- Google Analytics & Data Insights
- Email Marketing & Automation
- Conversion Rate Optimization
- Public Relations & Brand Positioning
- Copywriting & Content Development
Work Experience
Digital Marketing Manager
BrightEdge Solutions | Chicago, IL | 2020 – Present
- Develop and executed multi-channel marketing strategies, increasing brand awareness by 45%.
- Manage a team of five marketers, optimizing workflow efficiency and campaign execution.
- Launch an SEO initiative that boosted organic traffic by 60% within one year through optimized content and backlinks.
- Conduct market research and audience analysis to refine advertising strategies, improving conversion rates by 30%.
Marketing Specialist
Horizon Digital | Milwaukee, WI | 2017 – 2020
- Created and managed paid social media campaigns that generated over 100K in monthly impressions.
- Developed email marketing campaigns that improved customer retention by 20%.
- Designed PPC ad strategies that reduced cost-per-click by 15% while maintaining lead quality.
- Built partnerships with influencers and media outlets, increasing brand reach.
Education & Certifications
- Bachelor’s in Marketing – University of Wisconsin, Madison
- Google Analytics Certification – Google, 2023
- HubSpot Content Marketing Certification – HubSpot, 2022
Publications
- "Mastering SEO in the Digital Age" – Marketing Today Journal, 2023
- "How to Optimize Social Media for Brand Growth" – Business Insider, 2021
Teacher Combination Resume Template
Software Engineer Combination Resume Example
David Chen
Austin, TX | david.chen@email.com | (512) 555-2345 | github.com/dchenSummary
Innovative software engineer with expertise in front-end development, performance optimization, and scalable applications. Passionate about crafting intuitive user experiences and implementing cutting-edge technologies.
Key Skills
- JavaScript (React, Node.js, Vue.js)
- Python & Django
- RESTful API Development
- Cloud Computing (AWS, Azure)
- DevOps & CI/CD Pipelines
- SQL & NoSQL Databases
- Performance Optimization
- Agile & Scrum Methodologies
Work Experience
Senior Front-End Developer
TechNova Solutions | Austin, TX | 2021 – Present
- Design and develop a React-based web portal, improving usability and reducing page load times by 50%.
- Lead API integration projects that enhanced data retrieval efficiency, reducing response time by 30%.
- Collaborate with UX designers to refine interfaces, resulting in a 20% increase in user engagement.
- Develop automated testing suites to ensure software stability and prevent production issues.
Software Engineer
NexGen Technologies | Dallas, TX | 2018 – 2021
- Built reusable components in React, reducing front-end development time by 25%.
- Optimized SQL queries and database indexing, increasing system efficiency by 35%.
- Developed RESTful APIs that streamlined data processing and reduced overhead.
- Participated in Agile sprint planning, improving team productivity.
Education & Certifications
- Bachelor’s in Computer Science – University of Texas, Austin
- AWS Certified Developer – Associate – AWS, 2022
- Google Professional Cloud Architect – Google, 2023
Open Source Contributions
- Contributor to React.js core updates
- Developed and maintained open-source npm packages
Office Manager Combination Resume Template
Registered Nurse Combination Resume Format
Sophia Martinez
Miami, FL | sophia.m@email.com | (305) 555-6789Summary
Compassionate registered nurse with experience in patient care, emergency response, and medication administration. Dedicated to improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practices and compassionate care.
Key Skills
- Patient Assessment & Care Planning
- IV Therapy & Wound Care
- Electronic Health Records (Epic, Meditech)
- Emergency & Critical Care
- Medication Administration & Safety
- Patient & Family Education
- Infection Control Procedures
- Crisis Management
Work Experience
Registered Nurse – Emergency Department
Jackson Memorial Hospital | Miami, FL | 2020 – Present
- Provide emergency care to 30+ patients per shift, ensuring timely interventions and treatment.
- Assist in high-risk trauma cases, improving survival rates through quick and accurate decision-making.
- Administer IV medications and blood transfusions with precision and adherence to safety protocols.
- Educate patients and families on post-treatment care, reducing readmission rates by 18%.
Staff Nurse
Baptist Health South Florida | Miami, FL | 2017 – 2020
- Managed pre- and post-operative care, leading to a 15% decrease in recovery complications.
- Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient care plans.
- Developed patient education materials, improving health literacy in the community.
- Led infection prevention initiatives that reduced hospital-acquired infections.
Education & Certifications
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – Florida International University
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) – American Heart Association
- Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) – Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing
Professional Affiliations
- Member, American Nurses Association (ANA)
- Member, Emergency Nurses Association (ENA)
Waitress Combination Resume Example
Graphic Designer Combination Resume Sample
Liam Roberts
Seattle, WA | liam.roberts@email.com | (206) 555-1234 | portfolio.liamroberts.comSummary
Creative graphic designer with expertise in branding, digital illustration, and user experience design. Skilled in developing visually compelling materials that enhance engagement and brand identity.
Key Skills
- Branding & Identity Design
- Digital Illustration & Vector Graphics
- UI/UX Design & Wireframing
- Typography & Color Theory
- Motion Graphics & Animation
- Adobe Creative Suite & Figma
- Print & Packaging Design
- HTML, CSS, JavaScript (Basic)
Work Experience
Senior Graphic Designer
PixelVision Studios | Seattle, WA | 2020 – Present
- Develop branding materials for tech startups, increasing customer engagement by 40%.
- Design mobile-friendly UI/UX elements for apps, leading to a 30% improvement in user experience.
- Create marketing materials for social media campaigns that boosted follower count by 50%.
- Lead design workshops for junior designers, improving overall team efficiency.
Graphic Designer
Creative Edge Agency | Portland, OR | 2017 – 2020
- Designed print advertisements that increased client sales by 20%.
- Collaborated with developers to create seamless UI/UX designs for web projects.
- Developed infographics and visual storytelling elements for presentations.
- Provided art direction for commercial photography projects.
Education & Certifications
- Bachelor’s in Graphic Design – University of Washington
- Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) – Photoshop – Adobe, 2022
- Google UX Design Certification – Google, 2023
Software Proficiency
- Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign
- Sketch, Figma, Adobe XD
- Blender, After Effects (for motion graphics)
Bartender Combination Resume Template
Sales Manager Combination Resume Example
Olivia Carter
New York, NY | olivia.c@email.com | (917) 555-7890Summary
Dynamic sales manager with a track record of exceeding revenue targets and leading high-performing teams. Specializes in strategic planning, client acquisition, and relationship management.
Key Skills
- Sales Strategy & Execution
- Client Relationship Management
- Market Analysis & Competitor Research
- Contract Negotiation & Closing Deals
- Team Leadership & Performance Coaching
- CRM Software (Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- B2B & B2C Sales
Work Experience
Sales Manager
Summit Tech Solutions | New York, NY | 2021 – Present
- Increase sales revenue by 35% through strategic market expansion and targeted lead generation.
- Develop training programs that improved team productivity by 20%.
- Negotiate high-value contracts with enterprise clients, securing long-term partnerships.
- Implement CRM automation, streamlining the sales pipeline.
Education & Certifications
- Bachelor’s in Business Administration – Columbia University
- Certified Sales Professional (CSP) – NASP, 2023
Awards
- Top Sales Leader of the Year, Summit Tech Solutions, 2022
- Best Sales Strategy Implementation, Velocity Enterprises, 2020
Conclusion
A combination resume is an excellent choice for job seekers who want to highlight both their skills and experience without sacrificing structure.
By organizing your application effectively and tailoring it to the description, you can showcase your qualifications in a way that grabs attention.
Whether you’re changing careers or simply want to emphasize your strongest assets, the combination resume format offers the flexibility to stand out in a competitive job market.
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