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A combination resume merges the strengths of both the chronological and functional resume formats, allowing job seekers to highlight their skills while showcasing their work experience. It’s a powerful tool for those who want to demonstrate their qualifications and abilities in the best possible light. Here are 7 tips for writing a great combination resume:

1. Start with a strong summary statement

A combination resume needs a concise and compelling summary or objective at the top. This section should briefly introduce who you are, what you bring to the table, and the specific job you are targeting. Focus on your key skills and qualifications that make you the ideal candidate for the position. Keep it tailored to each job application.

Example:

“Experienced marketing professional with 7+ years in digital marketing and content creation. Skilled in SEO, social media strategy, and campaign management. Passionate about creating engaging, data-driven content that drives brand growth.”

2. Highlight your skills in a dedicated section

Since a combination resume emphasizes both skills and experience, you should include a well-organized skills section. List the most relevant and impactful skills for the job you’re applying for. You can categorize them into subheadings (e.g., “Technical Skills,” “Leadership Skills,” “Communication Skills”) to make them easily scannable.

Example:

• Technical Skills: HTML, CSS, JavaScript
• Leadership Skills: Team Management, Staff Training, Project Coordination
• Communication Skills: Public Speaking, Copywriting, Social Media

3. Tailor Your Skills to the Job Description

Use the job description as your guide to selecting the most relevant skills. Look for keywords or phrases that are emphasized in the listing and mirror them in your skills section. This makes your resume more likely to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which are used by many employers to filter resumes.

4. Include a professional experience section

Even though the combination resume focuses on skills, you still need to show your work experience in reverse chronological order. For each position, provide a brief summary of your duties and accomplishments, but focus on highlighting how your skills were applied in the workplace. Quantify your results wherever possible.

Example:

Marketing Manager | ABC Corp | 2018 – Present

• Developed and executed a digital marketing strategy that increased website traffic by 30%.
• Managed a team of 5, ensuring on-time delivery of client projects with 100% satisfaction.

5. Use action verbs and results-oriented language

When describing your experience and skills, be sure to use strong action verbs like “managed,” “designed,” “increased,” “improved,” etc. Show the impact of your work by focusing on measurable achievements, such as percentage increases or specific outcomes that reflect your contribution.

Example:
“Led a project that boosted customer retention by 20% over the course of 6 months.”

6. Group similar experiences to demonstrate key skills

Instead of listing each job individually, you can group similar roles under a broader skill or experience category. This is particularly useful for those who have held several similar positions. For example, if you’ve worked in multiple customer service roles, you could have a “Customer Service Experience” section that highlights your skills and accomplishments from all those positions.

7. Keep it concise and focused

While the combination resume allows for both skills and experience to shine, it’s important to keep the document focused. Avoid unnecessary details, and ensure every section supports your overall qualifications for the job. Aim for a length of 1-2 pages, depending on your experience.

By following these tips, you can create a combination resume that effectively showcases your skills, experience, and qualifications, setting you up for success in your job search.