Combination Resume Format

The combination format is a mix of both the traditional reverse chronological and functional formats. To help you figure out if this is the right format for you, here is detailed description.

Who Should Use the Combination Format

As the name suggests, the combination format is a mix of the functional resume at first followed by thereverse chronological format at the end. This format can actually be used by any entry-level or professional looking to showcase particular accomplishments or skills while still maintaining a traditional reverse chronological approach.

Who Should Consider Other Formats

While anyone can really use this format, if you have significant gaps in employment or are making a more drastic career change, the fully functional resume still might be a better choice. However, you can easily make this one work for you as well.

What to Include

To begin you will want to include an appropriate heading (your name and contact information), followed by either an entry-level objective or professional profile. The next section is typically a list of either skills with bulleted accomplishments proving each one or just a list of general accomplishments. Typically this section isn’t overly long. If you are a professional it may finish the first page but really should not carry on to the second page.

After your list of accomplishments and skills, the resume switches to the reverse chronological format for the remainder of the resume. Here you would list your previous positions, companies, and job descriptions in the traditional reverse chronological order.

To get a sense of the layout, here are a few options to consider.

Option 1:
Heading (your name and contact information)
Professional Profile/Entry-Level Objective
Skills/Accomplishments (in bulleted form)
Employment Experience (in reverse chronological order)
Education/Training
Technical Skills

Option 2:
Heading (your name and contact information)
Professional Profile/Entry-Level Objective
Education/Training
Skills/Accomplishments (in bulleted form)
Employment Experience (in reverse chronological order)
Technical Skills

Again, since this format still sticks with the traditional reverse chronological approach while highlighting a few skills and accomplishments, it really can be the best of both worlds for most people. Take a look at the other options and decide which is the best for you before you begin writing.