How to Write a Hybrid Resume: 2024 Templates & Examples

Some jobs require you to present your experience and show off certain skills. The easiest way to do it is by creating a hybrid resume.

Choosing a hybrid resume format is a job-winning combo that will help you wow the hiring manager with the whole package! You’ve got the skills AND the experience!

However, not everyone should use it, as it can be a double-edge sword. Read our guide and find out if the hybrid resume (or combination resume) is for you and how to write one of your own.

This guide will show you:

• What is a hybrid resume format and when to use it.

• Perfect hybrid resume examples that will inspire you to write your own.

• Hybrid resume templates that will show you how it should be done.

• How to write the perfect hybrid resume.

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Hybrid Resume Example

Now you know what a hybrid resume looks like. Get ready to learn all the basics:

1. What is a Hybrid Resume

A hybrid resume(or a combination resume) is a resume that mixes chronological and functional resume formats. It focuses equally on both important job skills and professional experience. Also known as a chrono-functional resumes, they are best suited for people changing careers, seasoned professionals with extensive experience, and those with gaps in employment.

Hybrid resumes skip the traditional resume introduction and instead lead with a skills summary. The skills section is followed by your work experience section. 

At first glance, this sounds like the best of both worlds—the work experience recruiters want to see and the in-demand skills that’ll make your resume stand out.

So you might be thinking that there’s no competition—the hybrid resume format is king.

Not so fast. Let’s see how the hybrid resume compares to the chronological and functional resume formats:

See that? Even though liger hybrids are bigger—and arguably better—than both tigers and lions, the same doesn’t necessarily hold true for resume hybrids.

The hybrid resume isn’t for everyone—in fact it’s only suitable for a few types of job seekers.

Here’s who could benefit by using a hybrid resume format:

• Career changers: A hybrid resume shifts focus away from solely work experience, and gives you space to expound on the key job skills to write a resume for a career change.
• Experienced professionals: Some professions are more skill-focused than others. If that’s the case, hybrid resumes can masterfully present both your skills and experience.
• Job seekers with gaps in employment but also relevant experience: Make those resume employment gaps seem less important by highlighting your skills first.

If you need more help deciding which resume format is best for your job search, here’s a guide to help you decide: How to Choose the Best Resume Format for You

2. The Hybrid Resume Template 

Now that you know the definition of a hybrid resume, it’s time to get started on your own.

Use this blank template to layout your hybrid resume:

Hybrid Resume Template

Read more: Soft Skills Examples for a Resume & Hard Skills Examples for a Resume

Creating a resume with our builder is incredibly simple. Follow our step-by-step guide and use content from Certified Professional Resume Writers to have a resume ready in minutes.

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When you’re done, our professional resume builder will score your resume and our resume checker will tell you exactly how to make it better.

3. How to Write a Hybrid Resume

“Don’t judge a book by its cover”. A piece of advice that everyone struggles with—including recruiters. 

That’s why it’s important to have the right resume layout and avoid making any resume mistakes. But most recruiters are willing to look past minor imperfections. What’s most important to them is the content—you know, your experience and job skills. And this is exactly what the hybrid resume style will highlight.

Here’s how to write each section of a hybrid resume:

1. Start With a Contact Information

Don’t forget to cover the basics. It doesn’t matter how good your resume is if HR can’t contact you.

Include the following in your contact information resume header:

• Full name
• Job title
• Email
• Phone number
• Email address
• Home address (optional)
• LinkedIn profile (optional)

Read more: Contact Information on a Resume

2. Add a Skills Summary

Here comes the bread and butter of your hybrid resume. Take your time to get this section pitch perfect. You might be tempted to create a skills summary on a generic resume you use to apply to every job application you come across. 

Don’t do that. 

Your skills summary should act like a megaphone shouting “I have the perfect skills for this position” to the recruiter. How do you accomplish that?

By tailoring your resume to the job. 

Let’s take a look at Taylor’s skills summary from the hybrid resume example above:

That’s a great example of a hybrid resume in action. 

See how even though Taylor has experience in many different programming languages, he only focuses on three in his skills summary? That’s because those were the languages mentioned in the job description of the job he’s applying for. 

One more thing to note—

Pay attention to how Taylor showed proof of his skills by quantifying his achievements. Do your best to mention accomplishments more than duties and responsibilities. 

Read more: Targeted Resume Examples

3. Mention Additional Skills

Skills matter. And your resume will look fishy if it’s too targeted (i.e. you seem to only have the skills mentioned in the job description). 

Include up to five bullet points of skills that could be relevant to the position you’re applying for, such as:

• Communication skills
• Software skills
• Management skills
• Teamwork skills
• Language skills
• Technical skills

Wondering what skills look best on a resume? Check out this guide:The Key Job Skills to Put on a Resume [For Any Skill Set]

4. Include Work Experience

Hybrid resumes put slightly more importance on your skills than on your professional experience. But that doesn’t mean you should skimp on your work experience section. Afterall, 65% of employers prefer candidates with relevant experience. 

Here’s how to write a relevant experience section on a hybrid resume:

• Put your current or most recent job first. Next, enter your previous positions in reverse chronological order.
• Include the company name, location, your job title, and dates of employment.
• Add up to two bullet points that illustrate your responsibilities and achievements (preferable).

Here’s some sample text from the hybrid resume example above:

Read more: How to Describe Work Experience on a Resume Using the Job Description

Show Off Your Education

Almost done. The last part of a hybrid resume is the education section. 

If you have extensive work experience, only add the degree, graduation date, and school name.

If you’re a career changer and your degree is highly relevant or if you have gaps in employment, you can make it glitter with the following:

• GPA
• Relevant coursework
• Minor or Major
• Dean’s List
• Honors
• Study abroad
• Extracurricular activities

Read more: How to List Education on a Resume [Includes Examples]

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:

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Key Takeaway

Hybrid resumes can be great for experienced professionals with certain skills they want to put on display, career changers, and those with gaps in employment. 

Follow the following expert advice when writing a hybrid resume:

• Back up your skills by showing off the achievements, awards, or certifications that required them. 
• Tailor your skills summary to the job description. Focus on those most relevant and the ones the hiring manager is undoubtedly looking for. 
• Don’t skimp on your work experience section. Highlight your top achievements and most difficult responsibilities, because employers love to see relevant experience. 

Do you have any questions regarding hybrid resumes? Is the chronological resume failing you and you’re curious about hybrid resume templates? Let’s chat in the comment section!

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Sources

• https://toggl.com/blog/most-in-demand-skills
• https://www.naceweb.org/talent-acquisition/candidate-selection/employers-prefer-candidates-with-work-experience/