- What is a hybrid format?
- Who should use a hybrid resume?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of a hybrid resume?
- Template for writing a hybrid resume
- Key takeaways
Traditional resumes are boring. What can you use instead? We’ll tell you about the hybrid resume format, when to use it, and give you a template.
A traditional or chronological resume is a popular format for resumes. However, the hybrid format has become more widely used. Choosing the right format for your resume is very important because it can emphasize the best aspects of your abilities and background. If you use the wrong format, then the exact opposite will happen, and it may cost you that great new job. In this article, we will explore:
What is a hybrid resume?
The pluses and minuses of a hybrid resume.
Who should use a hybrid resume?
A hybrid resume template.
What is a hybrid format?
The hybrid resume format places a list of skills before presenting the professional experience. The list will be a detailed explanation of skills, versus just listing the name or keyword for the skill. An even more effective way to portray skills is to use achievements to demonstrate how a skill created benefit for the business. This technique is used in many hybrid resume formats.
The hybrid resume format is also called a combination resume because it combines the traits of a chronological (reverse chronological) and functional resume format. This resume format can start with a professional skills or summary of skills section. Some hybrid formats will have the skills as the second section, with a resume summary or introduction paragraph first.
The main difference between a hybrid and traditional format is that a hybrid format always places the skills or qualifications before it lists job experience, and it uses more space for the skills. The professional experience section of a hybrid format is just like a chronological format because it lists work experiences by date (usually reverse chronologically). This is why it is a combination of the functional and traditional formats.
Who should use a hybrid resume?
A hybrid format resume is very flexible and can be used by almost anyone. However, it is more advantageous for people who are experts in their field, are making a big career change, or have some gaps in their work history. It is a very adjustable format because you can scale down the job experience section and put most of the focus on your skills and achievements.
For someone who is changing industries or professional fields, the hybrid format allows you to spend most of your resume space on your skills and knowledge that are transferable. Your professional experience descriptions will be much shorter because they’ll be less relevant for the jobs you’re seeking in your new field or industry of choice.
Gaps in your resume are not ideal, but they’re not the end of the world either. Don’t hide them. Using a hybrid resume will allow you to de-emphasize the gaps because the professional experience section is shorter and compressed. Another way to make gaps less noticeable is by using only years (no months) in your professional experience section.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a hybrid resume?
The hybrid format’s biggest advantage is its flexibility. It allows you to craft your resume around your top skills and accomplishments. You’ve probably had a great career, but maybe not every job has been stellar. A hybrid format puts the focus on all the good stuff you have done in your career before getting to the standard rundown of your jobs.
Putting less emphasis on your professional experience allows you to mold your skills and capabilities to better match with jobs that may not be in your linear career path. This is why it works really well for someone who’s changing careers or fields. This can also be a disadvantage for people who have strong experience and are following a path up the corporate ladder.
The flexibility of the hybrid format allows you to more easily customize your resume to match a specific job you’re applying for. This is really important for making your resume stand out. The hybrid format uses more space for highlighting your skills, and you can use this to include all the skills the employer is looking for. However, limiting the words used for your professional experience can be a negative for companies that are looking for candidates with very specific prior jobs and responsibilities.
Template for writing a hybrid resume
Resume heading: Name, email, phone, location, LinkedIn
Resume introduction: Dedicated and innovative [field] professional with over XX years of experience and an extensive background in [industries or areas of expertise]. Strong leader with a history of driving [field or functional area] teams to achieve success and complete [department or function] projects on time, under budget, and in alignment with strategic objectives.
Summary of Skills:
A bulleted list of skills and accomplishments related to using this skill
Use quantifiable (numbers) examples
Include keywords and names of technology and methods used
Professional Experience: Most recent Job Title, Employer name, Location - starting year to ending year (or Present) Brief (a few sentences) explanation of key responsibilities and functions of the role.
Bulleted list of achievements or recognitions.
Use quantifiable (numbers) examples.
Include some details about processes, tools, technology.
Previous Job Title, Employer name, Location - starting year to ending Year Brief (a few sentences) explanation of key responsibilities and functions of the role.
Bulleted list of achievements or recognitions.
Use past tense and action verbs.
Include some details about processes, tools, and technology.
…continue listing jobs for the last ten years.
Education and Professional Development Degree name/major University, location - degree year
Training course name Provider, location - year …continue listing education and training for the last ten years.
Are you still having trouble figuring out what resume to use? Or do you need some examples of cover letters? Then check out our resumes and cover letters to find the best resume and cover letter for you.
Key takeaways
A hybrid resume format is a combination of the traditional chronological and functional resume formats.
A hybrid format is great for highlighting your skills and accomplishments but puts less emphasis on your professional roles.
Anyone can use a hybrid format, but it works best for people with a lot of expertise, who are changing careers, or who have gaps in their resume.
Choose a format that best matches your background and puts the most focus on your greatest qualities and achievements.
