What is a Combination Resume?
A combination resume is a resume that combines the best parts of the chronological and functional resume styles. A chronological resume focuses on when and where you worked while a functional resume focuses on your skills and accomplishments.
You should use a combination resume to draw attention to the skills and accomplishments that are most important to the job to which you are now applying.
You may want to use a combination resume if:
- You are changing careers. You can use a combination resume to help get employers to focus more on your skills and achievements and less on your previous job titles.
- You have done the same type of work for a number of different employers. This style will prevent the resume from sounding too repetitive.
- You are a recent graduate or looking for an entry level job. A combination resume allows you focus on your skills and achievements gained through activities like volunteering and school.
Sections on a Combination Resume
- Objective or Job Title
- Profile or Summary Section
- Skill Headings Section
- Employment Experience Section
- Volunteer Experience Section
- Education & Training Section
Combination Resume Tips:
- Use the Profile/Summary section to draw attention to your most relevant skills, experience and education.
- Group similar skills together under one skill heading, for example “Customer Service”.
- Under each skill heading create a short list of specific accomplishments.
- You can use the general term “experience” rather than “Employment” if you want to add relevant unpaid volunteering experience or school placements.
- Employers prefer to see dates on your resume even if there is some time in between.