Do you want to write a resume? But not sure if the combination resume format you heard about is as effective as the traditional chronological resume format? Combination resume format is as effective as the other resume format.
When you want to write a resume, you are likely going to choose from one of resume formats. The most common ones include; chronological resume format, functional resume format, and out topic of discussion – combination resume format.
Don’t know how to craft a perfect combination resume? Not tom worry. In the next few minutes I’m going to show you what a combination resume format is, when you are supposed to choose a combination resume, what to include in the resume (i.e. the perfect format), and the perfect example.
What is a Combination Resume?
A combination resume, also referred to as a hybrid resume, emphasizes skills and achievements, and then work history.
From the word “combination”, you can tell that a combination resume format is derived from a combination of resume formats. Namely, functional and chronological resume format.
- Functional resume format: focuses more on transferable and relevant skills for a job.
- Chronological resume format: Provides recent and relevant work history in reverse-chronological order, listing the most recent work experiences first in the professional history section.
When to Use a Combination Resume
If you are reading this guide, you should fall under any of the category listed below before going with a combination resume as your choice resume when writing a resume. Otherwise, you should try other resume formats.
- You are new to the workforce with about 1-3 professional work experience
- You are a recent college or high school graduate with minimal work experience
- You have no gaps in your work history
- You are changing careers or industries
If you are a fresh graduate with no work experience, the ideal resume format to go with is the functional resume forma that emphasizes more on the relevant skills to the job you are applying that your professional work history.
And if you are an experienced professional that has quality work history to showoff, a chronological resume that emphasizes more on a candidate’s professional work history is the ideal choice to go with.
What to Include in a Combination Resume
A resume is meant to tailor the needs of the job you are applying for. Below are vital information to include in your combination resume that prioritizes skills rather than professional work history.
1. Name and contact information
Irrespective of the resume format you are using, it should begin with your name and contact information at the top of the page so that anyone reading can easily remember who you are, and also know how to get in touch with you, click through your portfolio, social media accounts and/or any other important links.
2. Summary statement
The summary statement is a brief statement that should come up below your name and contact information. It sums up who you are professionally and the experiences you have that will be beneficial to the job you are applying for. If you have zero work experience related to the job, a resume objective that briefly summarizes the skills you have acquired that will make you standout in the field should be used.
3. Relevant/Key skills and abilities
The next follow up section you should include in your combination resume is the skills section. Instead of listing all your entire skills, it is best you read through the job description to get all the relevant or desired skills listed by the employer. Using the relevant skills will help you bypass ATS (Applicant Tracking System) used to screen resume.
The skill section is your top selling point when writing a combination resume. Do well to include both your soft or interpersonal skills as well as your hard or technical skills you have acquired in your past employment or training that are relevant to the job you are applying for.
4. Professional work history
Your professional work history can also help support your skills section to improve your resume. In this section, you are to list your past roles and outline the responsibilities and accomplishments below each of the role.
If you know you have a lot of quality work history to showoff, make use of the chronological resume format instead.
5. Education
Education history varies in importance depending on your professional experience. If you are a new college graduate with very little experience, consider including your recent college degree and grade point averages (3.5 or above preferred), relevant projects and coursework, leadership positions and/or volunteer positions.
In your education section, you are to list the degrees or certificates you have in a reverse chronological order (your most recent and relevant degree or certificate first).
Also read – Writing a Perfect Career Change Resume (7 Powerful Tips)
Combination Resume Example
Below is a perfect combination resume you can read through to learn how to craft your own.
Frank Martins
Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue Victoria Island, Lagos • (234) 803-1111-1111 • [email protected]
Summary
A strategically-minded and hard-working sales associate with 2 years of experience increasing sales and increasing brand awareness.
Skills
Sales and marketing skills include: Tableau (intermediate level) • Excel (intermediate level) • SalesForce Administration (entry level) • Team player • Hardworking • Creative
Professional History
XYZ Company, Sales Associate
November 2018—Present
- Utilize SalesForce to help manage client accounts
- Learned and used various data analytics tools, including Excel and Tableau, to provide data insights
- Work collaboratively with other associates and managers to create new marketing strategies
ABC Company, Intern
July 2018—Novemeber 2018
- Trained on industry financial systems
- Assisted sales teams with day-to-day operations
- Learned skills in sales and developing client relationships
- Accepted as full-time Sales Associate following successful internship
Educational History
University of Ibadan
August 2014 – July 2018
B.A., Communications, 4.02 GPA
Conclusion
Combination resume is also a simple and effective resume format you can use. With the above information on what to include in your combination resume and also perfect example to back it up, you should be able to come up with an outstanding combination resume.
That’s it on my guide on what to include in a combination resume with perfect example
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