Combination Resume Template, Examples Writing Guide

Combination Resume Template, Examples Writing Guide The Combination Resume: Examples & Writing Guide Combination resumes are perfect for people with solid experience in their industry. Learn how to create your own with our step-by-step instructions, or download our free, HR-approved templates. Build My Resume Now Combination resumes are a proven format across all industries because they highlight both your key skills and employment history. Read on to learn how to create an excellent combination resume with our templates and HR-approved tips. Table of Contents: Who Should Use a Combination Resume? Structure of the Combination Format Combination Resume Templates 1. Who Should Use a Combination Resume? Combination resumes are designed for highly-trained job seekers with work experience. Similar to the functional resume format, a combination resume focuses on an applicants skills. If youre applying to a job that requires technical skills and expertise, a combination format effectively showcases them. Because this format emphasizes skills over work experience, combination resumes are also suitable for job seekers looking to change industries. The Anatomy of a Combination Resume Although the combination style focuses more on skills, it still leaves room to detail your work experience. However, if you want to make your work experience your main focus, then the traditional chronological resume may be better for you. Contact Details Your contact details are in a prominent place so that the hiring manager can easily get in touch. Resume Introduction Combination resumes are best paired with a resume profile to convey your skills. Experience In a combination resume, an outline of your work experience is provided. Skills Because a combination resume is used to showcase your skills, you can include more than one skills section. Education Just as with chronological and functional resumes, you must include a resume education section. 2. The Structure of a Combination Resume 1. Contact Information This section  requires little explanation: include your name, phone number, email, and address. Tip Consider adding links to your LinkedIn profile, personal portfolio, or website â€" especially if they help strengthen your case for the job. 2. Professional Profile or Qualifications Summary A combination resume needs to begin by emphasizing your transferable skills. Starting with a professional profile or achievement-based qualifications summary is the best way to do this. Although both types of resume introductions aim to advertise your skillset, they are structured differently. Whereas a professional profile demonstrates your skills, a qualifications summary emphasizes what you achieved using those skills. Choose one that makes the most sense based on your work history and abilities. 3. Additional Skills In a combination resume, the skills section comes before the experience section. As a mid- to senior-level candidate, you should have enough  skills and abilities to fill both the resume introduction and skills section. Keep this section  organized by grouping similar skills. Also, if you see an opportunity to quantify (add numbers) to your skills, then you should. Quantification strengthens your resume by giving employers something concrete from which to evaluate you. Tip You know you have the skills, but do you know how to present them persuasively? Learn the ins and outs of creating an effective resume skills section. 4. Professional Experience Your experience section will look fairly similar across all resume formats. Use it to provide detailed information  about your employment history â€" mentioning ways you contributed to a companys bottom line. Avoid run-of-the-mill job duties. Instead, focus on accomplishments. Again, adding numbers wherever possible strengthens your case and proves that you can fulfill the needs of the position. For more guidance, read our tips on how to quantify your professional experience. 5. Education The education section of a combination resume can be brief because youre already well into your career. Include your highest degree, school name, and graduation year, and you should be set. if you had a very strong GPA or received impressive academic honors, you can also include those. However, your key selling points reside in your skills and work history, so theres no need to overdo it here. Tip If youre still unclear here, you can learn more about how to write the education section in our writing guide. 3. Four Combination Resume Examples + Text Formats You can easily tailor the following combination resume examples into your very own resume. In fact, we encourage you to do so. Click on the images to view the gallery, or download them all for free with the push of a button. You can also scroll down to view plain text versions. Waitress Open Gallery Bookkeeper Open Gallery Delivery Driver Open Gallery Receptionist Open Gallery Downloadable Combination Resume Templates Combination Resume Example Text Versions Copy and paste these text versions and change them to your own specifications. Note that these were