What is a combination resume?
Simply put, a combination resume format is the second most popular because this strategy “marries” a chronological and functional resume format. A combination resume format is very top-heavy with skills and accomplishments, which pushes work history back in your resume.
Sometimes, a chronological resume isn’t ideal.
For example …
… maybe you have a gap in your employment.
… maybe your current job doesn’t reflect the skills needed for the job you’re currently pursuing right now.
… maybe your current performance hasn’t been as stellar as in previous jobs.
There are always good, valid reasons for not wanting to lead readers directly to your work history.
When this happens, a combination resume is the better choice. With a twist, a combination resume contains similar characteristics to a chronological resume, yet generally includes alternate categories listed towards the top of the first page; i.e. career highlights, skills & abilities section, list of achievements, and special skills.
Think of these added categories as “good” stumbling blocks for readers.
This way …
… readers aren’t presented with the gap in your employment first.
… readers see your most relevant skills, before seeing those less relevant from a current job.
… readers are presented with your performance as a whole.
By adding a category or two, a jobseeker is given the opportunity for the reader to see necessary skills, highlights, and achievements within the critical top section of the document.
A combination resume layout is fast becoming a favorite because of its lack of limits to the resume layout. A candidate can easily highlight the important information each employer seeks. This layout gives new meaning to a candidate’s job search by “targeting” the first third of the resume, with a thoughtful and job-specific introduction.
Here’s a basic example of what a combination resume might look like:
Operations Logistics / Officer Support / 90 WPM Typist / 130 WPM ShorthandTen-year executive administrator with saturated experience working with business presidents, the board of director committees, and department heads. Keen knowledge of front- and back-office logistics – records management, shipping and receiving, sales and marketing, manpower, cost control, administrative processes, efficiency improvements, and executive officer support.SKILLS AND ABILITIESPersonnel / Human Resources · On-site Training / Employee Development
Sales & Marketing Support · Office Management & Business Logistics
Accounting / Recordkeeping · Conduct & Monitor Daily Operations
Benefits / Compensation Analysis · Presentation & Material DevelopmentCAREER HIGHLIGHTS
* History of working with corporate giants, such as NCR Corporation, Robbins & Myers, Inc., and Citizens Federal (currently Fifth Third).
* Selected to prepare and design a Sales Representative Training Guide and Software User’s Manual.
* Devised company policies and procedures designed to advance and solidify changing business practices, short- and long-term goals.
* Possess competent decision-making abilities to effectively represent any company’s mission statement with demonstrated peak performance, an entrepreneurial vision, solid core competencies, and executive liaison abilities.
* Confidentiality is held in the highest regard.
EDUCATION
Certificate, Executive Secretarial Program – Academic Honors, 4.0 GPA
Clayton County Joint Vocational School, Rose, OH
WORK EXPERIENCE
OFFICE COORDINATOR – INSIDE SALES, 1996 – present
Rose Microchip Corporation, Clayton, OH
(Cover in-house business needs while supporting administrators and sales staff. Provide guidance and assistance relating to order processing, scheduling, record maintenance, price quotes, and merchandise tracking.)
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT, 1994 – 1995
Various employers, Dayton, OH
(Supported office personnel at various work assignments.)
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT, 1993 – 1994
Micron Al-con, Rose, OH
(Executive secretary to the President and Board of Directors. Coordinated office and personal affairs for the President of this computer software development firm.)
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, 1990 – 1993
ABC Company, Clayton, OH
(Provided administrative support to two Vice Presidents and architectural staff members. Involved in benefits administration, market material design and layout, scheduling, training, and personnel functions.)
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT, 1988 – 1989
Computers Corporation, Inc., Goal, OH
(No longer operating — business component and separate entity to Ron & Ron.)
SOFTWARE
MS Office – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Project, OneNote, and Outlook
WordPerfect, Lotus Notes, Lotus 1-2-3, Print Shop, Corel Gallery