Resume hybrid format: what it is and how can you use it

Also known as a combination format, the hybrid resume structure highlights both your skills and your experience at once. If you are struggling with indecision about whether to use a functional format (focusing mostly on your skills) or a chronological format (which prioritizes specific work history), you might find this format to be a happy medium. 

While any professional can use the resume hybrid format, it is especially useful for freelancers, creative professionals, other project-based workers, or those making a career transition. 

Not sure how to craft a winning hybrid resume? In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to get started, including:

• An introduction to the hybrid resume format
• How a hybrid resume differs from other resume formats
• The benefits of using a hybrid format for your resume
• The sections to include when using this structure
• The pros and cons of using a hybrid resume format
• Advice on how to create an interview-winning resume and where to find hybrid resume templates

Hybrid resume template

Hybrid resume examples

How does a hybrid resume format differ from other formats?

The chronological resume format puts the spotlight on your experience, placing this section front and center. On the other hand, the functional format highlights your skills. If neither of those two options appeals to you, you may prefer the hybrid option.

As the name suggests, the hybrid resume format combines key elements from the other two structures. At the top of the page, you have a standard resume header and summary. However, next comes a curated skills section where you can list your core competencies. Directly below that, include your experience and education. 

When you use a hybrid format, it helps the reader take note of your talents immediately upon the first viewing. Then, a simple glance down the page tells them about your experience. 

When should you use a hybrid resume format?

Deciding which format best suits your application can be tough—however, there are times when the hybrid option will be the obvious choice for you. Some of these include:

You’re switching to a new career or sector 

If you’re looking to enter a new sector or transition to a new career entirely, the hybrid format may be the way to go. This option allows you to show off your skills first and foremost, while still delving into your work experience. Since your work history may not be directly applicable to the role at hand, this option lets you showcase your transferable skills before your previous work. 

You work as a freelancer or creative professional 

Working on a freelance basis means that you move from gig to gig swiftly, which is great news if you thrive on variety. However, when it comes to applying for new jobs or gigs, it can be hard to illustrate your prior work in an organized way. The hybrid format allows you to get around that issue. 

In the skills section, you can share the talents that make you the right person for the job—that’s a huge draw for recruiters. Then, you have the chance to talk about any relevant projects or gigs you’ve completed.

You plan to reenter the job market after a break

It’s common for professionals to take a career break at some point in their lives, whether due to caregiving, personal projects, or an unfortunate layoff. This doesn’t have to have a negative impact on your career.

However, when you decide to reenter the job market, chances are a chronological resume format won’t cut it. The first thing recruiters will see when they look at your resume is that you’ve been out of work for a while, which may land your application on the “no thanks” pile.

Using a hybrid resume format means that you can impress recruiters with your dazzling skill set before they even get to the work experience section. By the time they see you’ve had a career break, they’ll already be enamored with your professional talents. 

You have some experience already, but want a step up 

Looking to climb the career ladder, but not certain you have the experience to take the next step? The hybrid format is the way to go. As we have covered, it immediately shows recruiters that you have what it takes to meet the job requirements. When they are reviewing your resume, the skills section will catch their eye before anything else. If you have a robust set of competencies but not quite the required amount of experience, this option gives you the best chance at success. 

Sections of a hybrid resume

Like any other resume format, there are specific sections any hybrid resume template should include. These include the following:

• Resume header. Your name and contact details
• Professional summary. An introduction to you as a professional
• Skills section. Your core competencies and transferable skills
• Work experience. The most relevant full-time jobs or projects
• Education section. A brief summary of your educational credentials

It’s important to recognize that the layout of your resume may differ depending on the template you use. You may, for example, have two skills sections—one for core competencies and one for technical skills. Similarly, you might decide to list some sections to the right or left of the body of the document in a column. 

Regardless of the specific layout that you choose, the resume should include the sections above. Let’s break them down. 

Resume header

This section is at the top of your resume and includes details about you: your name, location, and contact details. You don’t need to do anything fancy here; simply make sure the information is clear and easy for the reader to find. 

Professional summary

The summary section consists of three or four lines that describe you as a professional. Before starting to write, consider your unique selling point. What do you bring to the table that no other candidate can? The more high-value information you can sneak into the section, the better.

Skills section 

The hybrid format emphasizes your top skills, so don’t waste this opportunity to show recruiters that you have what it takes to excel. Choose eight to 10 skills, keeping in mind that the competencies you choose should align with the job at hand. Take a look at your transferable skills and match them to the job posting before you begin. 

Work experience

This is where you spell out any full-time work or gigs you’ve had, listing them in reverse chronological order (starting with your most recent position or project at the top and working backwards). 

Beneath each job or project, include three to five concise bullet points. Focus on the results you achieved and the impact you made instead of simply listing job duties. The more specific metrics or accomplishments you can achieve, the better.

Education section

Although the education section isn’t the main focus—your skills and experiences are, instead—you should still include any degrees or certifications that you have. Keep it brief: simply list the credential, the institute, and, if they’re within the past five years, the dates. You may also want to include additional training or awards in this section if they’re relevant. 

Pros and cons of using a hybrid resume format

Still deciding whether to use a hybrid resume format? We have some points you may want to consider. Here are some to keep in mind: 

Tips for creating the best hybrid resume

To give you a competitive edge as you create the resume that will land the job, we’ve put together some expert tips: 

• The skills section is the star of your hybrid resume, so be selective when choosing your skills. Include a few transferable skills, a few core skills, and a couple of skills that apply directly to the job opening. It may help to start with a long list, then whittle it down to a final selection.
• Play around with the layout. There are a couple of sections that will be smaller than the rest (like education, for example). Consider putting them in a sidebar to shorten your overall document.
• If you are struggling to fit everything onto one or two pages, don’t immediately change the font size. Instead, edit the content: take out any unnecessary words or move sections to the side or bottom of the page. To get some inspiration, check out the examples of hybrid resumes at Resume.io.
• To give yourself an easier time and take the trouble out of designing your resume, use premade templates. This lets you play around with a variety of layouts until you find one that suits your needs.

Key takeaways 

The hybrid resume format shows off both your skills and experience, making it a structure that offers the best of both worlds. While this format includes all of your information, it does differ from other formats as it places the skills section above your work experience and education.

Before choosing such a format, make sure you have a robust set of talents and a background that lends itself well to a hybrid structure.

Finally, take the hassle out of building your resume by using Resume.io’s resume builder, which includes templates for every format, streamlined designs, and tried-and-tested examples.