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A combined resume blends the best of both chronological and functional formats, allowing you to highlight your skills while also showcasing your work experience. This hybrid format is perfect for those with a diverse skill set, career changers, or individuals who have gaps in their work history. If you want to craft a combined resume that stands out, follow these expert tips!

1. Start with a Strong Summary

Your combined resume should begin with a compelling summary statement that briefly introduces your professional background and key qualifications. Focus on the skills and expertise that make you a strong candidate. Think of it as your elevator pitch, condensing your career achievements into 3-4 lines.

Tip: tailor the summary to each job application by emphasizing the skills that match the job description.

2. Showcase Key Skills at the Top

Since the combined resume focuses on both skills and experience, place a section dedicated to your key skills right after the summary. This section should be concise and focused on the competencies that are most relevant to the role you’re applying for.

Tip: use bullet points for easy readability, and consider incorporating industry-specific keywords to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

3. Blend Work Experience and Achievements

Unlike the traditional chronological resume, the combined format allows you to highlight your work experience in a way that emphasizes your achievements and contributions. When listing your jobs, include both the role you held and the key skills or accomplishments that you gained during your time in each position.

Tip: focus on measurable achievements, such as “increased sales by 25%” or “reduced operational costs by 15%.”

4. Highlight Relevant Certifications and Education

If certifications, training, or educational background play a significant role in your qualifications, make sure to highlight them clearly. This section can be placed after your skills section or towards the end of your resume, depending on its relevance to the job you’re applying for.

Tip: include dates, institutions, and any notable honors or distinctions.

5. Don’t Forget About Volunteer Work or Freelance Projects

If you have experience outside traditional employment—such as volunteering, freelance work, or personal projects—be sure to include it. These experiences can help round out your skill set and demonstrate your initiative and versatility.

Tip: frame these experiences in terms of the skills or accomplishments that are relevant to the job you’re seeking.

6. Focus on Action-Oriented Language

When describing your experience and skills, use action verbs and strong language. Phrases like “led,” “designed,” “improved,” and “managed” convey a sense of responsibility and achievement. This approach not only makes your resume more engaging but also conveys your proactive attitude to potential employers.

Tip: avoid passive language, and be as specific as possible about your role and impact in each position.

7. Keep It Clean and Professional

While a combined resume allows you to showcase your skills and experience creatively, it’s still essential to maintain a clean and professional layout. Use a clear, legible font, consistent headings, and enough white space to make your resume easy to read. Avoid cluttering the page with excessive text or unnecessary details.

Tip: keep your resume to one or two pages, depending on your experience level. Focus on the most relevant details.

A combined resume allows you to highlight both your skills and your professional journey in one cohesive document. By following these tips, you’ll be able to craft a resume that makes a strong impression on hiring managers and stands out from the competition. Tailor your resume to each job application, and always ensure it accurately represents the qualifications that will make you the perfect fit for the role.