A hybrid resume – also known as a combination resume – is deployed where a candidate wishes to focus on their skills as well as their work experiences. The skills section is normally a one-word list of top-line abilities, but in a hybrid resume, the section is significantly expanded. It is important that the lines between these two sections do not blur, but in some circumstances, it can be a powerful approach.
At a time when more candidates have multiple jobs and increasingly complicated work histories, focusing on skills as well as work experience can potentially be a powerful approach. You do not have to fit your “different” experience into the tight confines of a standard resume. Employers understand the diversity of career paths, so feel free to make the right resume choice for your situation.
In this blog, we explore the different aspects of creating a hybrid resume:
- What is a hybrid resume and when to use it?
- Benefits of a hybrid resume
- How to write the perfect hybrid resume
What is a hybrid resume?
A hybrid resume, also known as a combination resume, is a format that merges elements of both the functional and chronological resume styles.
It typically starts with a section highlighting an individual's skills, qualifications, and other competencies. This is followed by a chronological list of employment, showcasing the candidate's work history.
The primary advantage of this format is that it allows candidates to prominently display their relevant skills and accomplishments at the beginning, while also providing a chronological record of their work experience. This makes it especially useful for individuals with diverse skills or those who are changing careers, as well as for those with a solid work history who want to emphasize specific qualifications.
Benefits of a hybrid resume
There are several benefits to consider when picking the option of a hybrid resume. When you wish to highlight your skills across the entirety of your career (especially if you have a broad range of employers), this may be a suitable choice.
- Flexibility. Allows candidates to emphasize either their work history or skills, depending on which is stronger and more relevant for the position. The work history and skills section can be presented in the same bullet point format, but the content will be different.
- Highlighting skills. Provides a dedicated section to showcase specific skills and qualifications that are relevant to the job, ensuring they don't get lost in the chronological list of jobs. Sometimes you need to make it crystal clear what you are bringing to your future job.
- Demonstrates career progression. By including a chronological job list, it shows a clear path of career development and progression. If your progression is important, you retain the career story aspects of the work experience section, even if it is less prominent.
- Suitable for various backgrounds. Ideal for candidates with gaps in their employment history, career changers, or those re-entering the workforce, as it doesn't strictly focus on chronological work history.
- Comprehensive overview. Offers employers a comprehensive view of a candidate's career, from skills and qualifications to a detailed employment history. A hybrid resume still contains all the normal sections, just with a simply shifted emphasis.
- Customizable. Can be easily tailored for each job application, allowing candidates to prioritize different skills or experiences based on the specific requirements of each position. Because the skills section is bullet-pointed, it is easy to replace a couple of lines.
- Less redundant. By merging two formats, the hybrid resume avoids repetitive information and provides a concise yet thorough representation of a candidate's professional background.
As with every job search decision, hybrid resumes are only the right choice when the situation demands. If you have a lot of different work experiences, or if you feel that your skillset is particularly unique, by all means, take the plunge.
How to write the perfect hybrid resume
If you are certain that this alternate format is for you, it is important that you commit to it. While the difference resides in the more prominent skills section, it is vital to include all the normal resume sections alongside it. Make sure that you consider the following:
Include full contact details
Placing a professional header on your resume ensures potential employers can easily inquire about your qualifications or arrange an interview. It's advisable to include vital details like your complete name, contact number, professional email, and location. Additionally, consider adding links to your portfolio, personal website, or professional networking profile.
Skills section first
Including the skills section first is central to a hybrid resume. Skills should be listed in bullet point sentences or short paragraphs. Name the skill and then offer some context around how that skill has helped you make a difference in the role. It is critical that each skill should be central to the role in question, so this section may need to be edited each time if you are considering a hybrid resume.
The skills mentioned in this section may overlap several roles, so there is no requirement for the skills to be in chronological order.
Condensed work experience
The work experience section in a hybrid resume is still important to outline quantified accomplishments, but it may have fewer bullet points per position than a normal resume.
When crafting the work experience section of a resume, start by listing positions in reverse chronological order, with the most recent job first. For each position, include your job title, the company name, the location of the company, and the dates of employment.
Follow this with a bulleted list of key responsibilities, achievements, and tasks undertaken during your tenure. Aim to use action verbs and quantify achievements where possible, showcasing the impact you made in each role. Tailor this section to emphasize experiences most relevant to the job you're applying for, ensuring clarity and conciseness throughout.
Don’t forget education
The education section is still crucial for a hybrid resume. Every employer will want to understand your educational achievements, so don’t leave it out. Just because a resume is different in the way it is set out doesn’t mean that you can afford to be too much of a maverick. Include the same educational details that you would on any normal resume.
Key takeaways
There will be some simple decisions during your job search, but this is one of the more controversial ones. Make sure that you are picking the hybrid format for the right reasons. If you see your interview being dominated by a general discussion around your skills rather than job-specific accomplishments, then you are likely making the right decision.
- Consider whether your situation might suit a hybrid resume.
- Commit to the format when you make that decision.
- Ensure that you do not duplicate content.
- Realize that many candidates will be taking this approach.
