A combination resume template is ideal for showcasing a varied work history and the different types of jobs you’ve held. A combination resume is a good fit if you have switched careers, say from a yoga instructor to earning a certificate to teach kindergarten as combination templates allow you to include a range of skills to show your versatility as a team member. Job seekers looking to showcase a diverse work history can benefit from our guide on How to Make a Resume, which explains how to craft an effective combination resume format adaptable to various roles.

Account Manager
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Account Manager
Coaching
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Coaching
Data Engineer
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Data Engineer
Data Entry
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Data Entry
Dental Assistant
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Dental Assistant
Education
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Education
Electrician
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Electrician
Engineering
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Engineering
Flight Attendant
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Flight Attendant
Graphic Design
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Graphic Design
Hair Stylist
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Hair Stylist
Host and Hostess
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Housekeeping
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Housekeeping
Mechanical Engineer
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Office Assistant
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Office Assistant

Combination Resume Templates

Combination resume templates should include clearly organized sections and spaces to highlight your education, skills (both hard and soft), career achievements, licenses, and certifications. Combined resumes might include a simple, bulleted list of your overall work history or a condensed version of a traditional work history section with only one or two bullet points for each job entry. An effective combination resume is easy to skim, offers organized formatting, and allows hiring managers to quickly gain an understanding of the value you bring to an organization.

What makes a combination resume template?

Combination resumes emphasize hard and soft skills, along with qualifications you have earned throughout your varied career path. When choosing a combination resume, pay close attention to formatting and select a template with clear sections, including:

  • Contact information
  • Profile
  • Key skills
  • Professional experience
  • Education
  • Certifications

Read our tips on Skills to Put on a Resume to learn how to integrate key competencies and transferable skills for a powerful combination resume format.

  1. A clean, simple design that emphasizes content rather than heavy graphics
  2. Plenty of white space to break up text
  3. Clearly labeled sections
  4. A link to your LinkedIn profile or website
  5. Strong emphasis on career skills
  6. Creative layout for the skills section to showcase your experience
  7. A fresh feel, avoiding flashy colors and design
  8. Updated contact information presented at the top
  9. A profile that summarizes the value you bring to organizations
  10. Readable fonts such as Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, or Calibri

Our article on Best Resume Formats offers layout inspiration to refine your resume format for maximum impact.

When to pick a combination resume template

Top five reasons to choose a combination resume layout:

  • You changed careers and need a resume that reflects different occupations.
  • You have held more than one job at a time, such as a restaurant server and social worker.
  • Your jobs are seasonal, such as teaching middle school and working at a camp during summer.
  • You are a student and also work a job.
  • Your career history has a heavy emphasis on skills, which is well suited for a combination resume.

For those with varied professional backgrounds, our guide on How Far Should a Resume Go provides insights on optimizing your resume format so that your combination resume highlights every essential detail.

Expert tip:

How to get the most out of a combination resume template

Leverage a combination resume template by focusing on skills, both hard and soft, along with achievements and the value you have delivered to previous employers. Combination resumes are often formatted differently than traditional professional resumes because these templates allow you to zero in on skills. As you build your resume, align your skills section with the posting so hiring managers will see you are an ideal candidate, increasing the likelihood of a job interview.

More Resume Templates

Looking for a different resume template? Check out this list:

Frequently Asked Questions: Combination Resume Templates

In which situation would a combination resume be best?

A combination resume is ideal if you have gained a substantial amount of skills and experiences you want to highlight or have changed careers. Combination resumes are also best if you have gaps in your employment or are re-entering the job market after a break. People who work multiple jobs or hold seasonal jobs should also use a combination resume template.

What is the advantage of a combination resume?

The advantage of a combination resume is to showcase your varied work experience and diverse skill set. If you have held different positions in various industries, a combination resume will help you organize your skills and experience so potential employers can see the value you bring to organizations.

To sharpen your presentation further, refer to our guide on How to List Skills on a Resume, which covers various resume formats and explains the advantages for certain career paths.

How do I showcase relevant skills and transferable skills in a combination resume?

A combination resume is ideal for highlighting both your relevant skills and transferable skills. Begin by creating a clear skills section that lists technical abilities and soft skills important to the job. Then, blend your work history with these skills, using brief bullet points to show how you’ve applied them in different roles. This method ensures employers can quickly see your strengths and versatility. It’s a great way to demonstrate that your background and expertise make you a strong candidate for various positions.

What is the difference between a combination resume and a traditional reverse chronological order resumes?

Combination resume examples differ from traditional resumes that follow a strict reverse chronological order by emphasizing skills alongside your work history. Instead of only listing jobs in order, a combination resume places a strong focus on your key competencies, making it easier for employers to see your value at a glance. This format is especially useful if you have diverse experiences or have switched careers. By integrating both a skills section and a concise work history, you create a balanced document that highlights your achievements and overall career growth.

Andrew Stoner

Executive Resume Writer and Career Coach

Andrew Stoner is an executive career coach and resume writer with 17 years of experience as a hiring manager and operations leader at two Fortune 500 Financial Services companies, and as the career services director at two major university business schools.

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