Combination Resume Templates

What is a Combination Resume?

A combination resume blends your work history and skills in one format. It’s great if you want to highlight both your experience and your abilities equally.

You list your jobs in reverse-chronological order and add a section for core skills. This format works well if you have at least a few years of experience.

I often see people use this type of resume during career changes or when they have a mix of skills and roles. It’s not the most common, but it has its place.

When to Use a Combination Resume Format

Thinking about switching industries or highlighting both skills and work history? The combination resume format might fit you.

This format puts skills and achievements up front, then shows your job experience. It’s flexible and works well if you’ve got a mixed background.

You don’t have to choose between a skills-based or chronological resume. If you want to do both, the combination format lets you stand out in a crowded job market.

Pros and Cons of the Combination Resume Template

If you want to show off both your skills and your work history, the combination resume template might be for you. I see a lot of job seekers use it.

This format mixes the best of chronological and functional resumes. But it’s not perfect for everyone. Let’s get into the real upsides and downsides.

How to Write a Combination Resume

How to Write a Combination Resume

Write a Compelling Profile Summary

Showcase Your Experience with Examples

Highlight Key Skills, Education, and Certifications

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A combination resume blends your skills and work history in one place. It highlights your strengths, even if you have job gaps or diverse experience.

You show off your top achievements up front, then back them up with real examples. This format works well when you want to stand out for both your skills and experience.

Write a Compelling Profile Summary

Your profile summary is the first thing hiring managers see, so make it count. I usually keep this section to three to five sentences.

Focus on your top skills and achievements that match the job. This isn’t just about past jobs-education, languages, or unique experiences can fit here, too.

I like to tailor my summary to each job I apply for. This helps show I understand the company’s needs right away.

Showcase Your Experience with Examples

After your profile summary, focus on your work history. List your recent jobs, starting with the most relevant. Use short, punchy bullet points for each role.

You want to highlight specific achievements, not just duties. Numbers work best-like “increased sales by 15%” or “managed a team of 8.” This makes your impact clear.

Keep each job’s details focused on what matters for the roles you’re targeting now. This way, hiring managers spot your fit and experience right away.

Highlight Key Skills, Education, and Certifications

I always put a key skills section right after my profile. This makes it easy for hiring managers to see what I bring to the table at a glance.

You want to list around five to ten skills that match the job you’re after. Choose hard skills, like software expertise, and mix in a few relevant soft skills.

For education and certifications, stick to reverse chronological order. Include the degree or certificate, the school or organization, and your graduation or completion date.

This helps show you’ve got both the credentials and skills for the job. If your education or certifications are a strong fit, move them higher up the page.

With these sections locked in, your combination resume tells a clear story-skills, credentials, and experience-all working together. That’s what gets you noticed.

Tips for Building the Best Combination Resume

If you want your combination resume to stand out, focus on how you present both your skills and experience. This format works for lots of different jobs and career stages.

Getting the basics right makes a big difference. Things like design, font, and layout play a role in how your resume gets noticed and read.

I always suggest paying attention to the number of pages, too. Most recruiters spend under 7 seconds on a resume, so every detail matters.

Choose the Right Design, Font, and Colors

I always start with a clean, professional design. You want recruiters to find your skills and experience fast, so avoid anything cluttered or distracting.

Pick a font that’s easy to read, even at smaller sizes. Fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Lato work well-they’re ATS-friendly and look modern.

Colors matter too. You can use black and white for a traditional look, or add a subtle accent color for personality. Just keep contrast high for readability.

Select the Best Layout and Number of Pages

I always start with the basics: name, professional title, email, phone, and city. You can also add a LinkedIn or portfolio link if it's relevant.

A combination resume usually works best with clear sections-summary, skills, experience, and education. This helps recruiters find what they need fast.

For most people, a one-page resume is enough. If you have 10+ years of experience, two pages can make sense. Anything longer can feel overwhelming.

Think about what’s really important for the job. Cut out anything that doesn’t add value or match the role. Less is often more here.

How to Choose the Best Combination Resume Template

Picking the right combination resume template really matters. You want a template that puts your skills and experience front and center for the hiring manager.

A clean, simple design helps recruiters scan your resume in less than 10 seconds. Always check if the template works with applicant tracking systems.

Look for layouts that highlight your strengths clearly. The right template can make your qualifications stand out from other candidates.

Combination Resume Examples and Templates

If you want to show off both your skills and work history, a combination resume makes sense. It’s flexible and works for many career stages.

Here, you’ll see real examples and templates. These help you understand how to organize both your skills and experience to stand out.