Guide to Hybrid Resumes: How to Write a Combination Resume

A hybrid resume (also known as a combination resume) is a blend of the traditional chronological resume and a functional resume. Hybrid resumes allow you to delve into both your work history and marketable skills.

This resume format puts your useful and transferable skills at the top of your resume like a hybrid resume would have. It also allows you to list your employment in reverse chronological order, like a chronological resume would do.

A hybrid resume allows you to delve into more details regarding work experience and history than other resume writing formats. It’s an opportunity for someone starting out in the professional field to sell themselves, even without much work experience.

Hybrid resumes allow job seekers to explain employment gaps while detailing their applicable skills from different industries. Here are some reasons why someone might choose to use this type of resume in their job search.

1. 1. If you have employment gaps. If you have any work gaps in your employment history, a hybrid resume may be the best resume format to help you explain them. This can improve an employer’s first impression of your work history.
2. 2. If a functional or chronological resume isn’t sufficient. Functional resumes may leave out details of your work history, and reverse chronological resumes may not elaborate enough on your skills. In this case, a hybrid format might be a more suitable choice.
3. 3. If you’re at the beginning of your career or reentering the workforce. Beginner job seekers, recent graduates, or people seeking a career change should use a combination resume format. A hybrid resume allows you to emphasize your relevant skillsets rather than your professional experience.

If you have the skills to work in a particular industry but not necessarily the experience, you can use a hybrid resume to draw more attention to your abilities. For resume writers looking to create a hybrid resume, see the guide below:

1. 1. Showcase your soft skills and hard skills. Start your resume with a breakdown of top skills that you think will make you an asset for the industry in which you are seeking employment. Break these skills down into bullet points so that the person reviewing your resume has a clear idea of what skills that you bring to the table. Mention any additional skills that can further supplement this section.
2. 2. List your work experience. Outline your job history in reverse chronological order in your work experience section, starting with the most recent job title you held. List a few important notes about each of your positions, including any important achievements or accomplishments along with a brief job description.
3. 3. Include an education section. Beneath your work history, list your highest level of education, complete with years attended and which degree you received. Include any top achievements or accolades received while attending your school.

Get the MasterClass Annual Membership for exclusive access to video lessons taught by business luminaries, including Sara Blakely, Chris Voss, Robin Roberts, Bob Iger, Howard Schultz, Anna Wintour, and more.