When you're caught between showing off your strongest skills and demonstrating a proven work history, the combination resume format is your best friend. Also known as a hybrid resume, this layout merges the best of both worlds — spotlighting your key competencies at the top while also walking the employer through your career timeline.
This makes it especially useful for mid-career professionals, career changers, and anyone with a unique blend of experience and skills. If you've ever felt like the chronological format was too rigid or the functional format too vague, the combination resume is the sweet spot.
Below, we’ve crafted a realistic combination resume format template using real-world logic and structure (without personal info). You'll also find writing tips, advice, and FAQs to guide you through the process.
REALISTIC COMBINATION RESUME FORMAT TEMPLATE
John Smith
New York, NY • (555) 123-4567 • john.smith@email.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnsmith123
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Results-driven marketing specialist with over 8 years of experience leading high-impact campaigns across digital, print, and social media platforms. Skilled at using data-driven strategies to grow brand awareness, generate leads, and drive revenue. Known for bridging creative vision with measurable outcomes.
CORE SKILLS
Digital Marketing Strategy
SEO & SEM
Google Analytics & AdWords
Email Marketing (Mailchimp, HubSpot)
Social Media Management
Content Creation & Copywriting
Campaign Performance Analysis
Team Leadership & Collaboration
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
Increased organic website traffic by 130% in 12 months through content optimization and backlink strategies.
Led a team of 4 marketers to launch a new product line, contributing to $500K in revenue within the first quarter.
Reduced ad spend by 20% while improving ROI by restructuring PPC campaigns.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Senior Digital Marketing Executive
BrightReach Media, New York, NY
March 2020 – Present
Designed and executed full-funnel marketing strategies for B2B and B2C clients.
Spearheaded SEO revamp that elevated client site rankings to top 3 in SERPs.
Collaborated with sales and design teams to align brand messaging and lead generation.
Marketing Coordinator
FreshStart Brands, Brooklyn, NY
June 2016 – Feb 2020
Managed social media accounts, increasing engagement rates by 60% year-over-year.
Launched monthly newsletters resulting in a 25% increase in returning customers.
Tracked marketing KPIs and presented findings to senior management quarterly.
EDUCATION
B.A. in Marketing and Communications
University of New Jersey, 2015
CERTIFICATIONS
Google Ads Certified
HubSpot Content Marketing Certification
RESUME-WRITING TIPS FOR USING A COMBINATION FORMAT
Lead with Strength: Start your resume with a summary and core skills that align with the job you're applying for. This gives recruiters a reason to keep reading.
Use Results-Driven Language: Focus on accomplishments and impact. Quantify achievements wherever possible to add credibility.
Tailor It for Each Role: A combination format is versatile but only powerful when customized. Mirror the job description’s language and skill demands.
Balance Is Key: Don’t overload the skills section — keep it concise and meaningful. Let the experience section complement your competencies.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Who should use a combination resume format template?
It's ideal for professionals with a solid work history and strong skills to showcase. Great for career changers, freelancers, or people with varied roles.
2. What’s the difference between a combination and chronological resume?
A chronological resume focuses primarily on work history, while a combination resume blends skills and experience, giving you more flexibility.
3. How many skills should I include in a combination resume?
Stick to 6–10 relevant skills that match the job description. Prioritize those with the most impact and alignment with your target role.
4. Should a combination resume include a cover letter?
Yes. A tailored cover letter strengthens your application by explaining why you're a great fit and how your blended skills match the company’s needs.
By leveraging the combination resume format template, you're not just listing what you've done — you're showing employers what you're capable of. It’s a dynamic, modern way to present yourself as both accomplished and adaptable — exactly what today’s competitive job market demands.
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