The Combination Resume: A Combination of the Functional and Categorical Approaches

Although a Chronological Resume may not adequately highlight a job seeker's true skills, employers do tend to favor the format and may look upon a strictly Functional Resume with suspicion. In addition, some find it difficult to track a job seeker's employment history on a Functional Resume (which might have been the intent of the job seeker). Job seekers can address these employers' concerns with a Combination Resume.

A Combination Resume opens with a Summary of Qualifications section, immediately below the job seeker's contact information, that lists those skills the seeker most wishes the employer to see. An Employment History section, in reverse chronological order, follows immediately below.

In addition to the clearly delineated Employment History, many employers are appreciative of the Summary of Qualifications as the information contained in this section can be matched to the qualifications desired. Job seekers, in turn, can customize their Summary of Qualifications section to match the employer's requirements.

The Combination Resume allows job seekers with a stable work history to bring their most marketable skills to an employer's attention. This type of resume can be used to showcase the candidate's skills and prevents the most desirable skills from being buried in the employment history section. A Combination Resume may, however, provide inadequate cover for the deficiencies of job seekers with limited industry experience or a spotty employment history

Click here to view a sample Combination Resume.