How To Write a Hybrid Resume

To write an eye-catching hybrid resume, fuse the best aspects of both the reverse chronological and functional formats. This is also known as the combination format, as it allows you to feature your professional experience, skills, and certifications according to your career needs. Our resume examples, tips, and writing techniques will help you translate your career into a powerful marketing document.

  • Entry-Level
  • Mid-Career
  • Senior-Level
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1. Write a dynamic profile summarizing your qualifications

The profile section of your resume serves as an opening summary of your most compelling qualifications. Hiring managers often lack the bandwidth to thoroughly read every resume they receive, so it’s important to make a strong impression early. Keep your profile concise and limited to no more than four or five lines. Start with a sentence that lists your title, years of experience, and three to four skills that match the job posting.

Profile Example #1


A recent graduate with a bachelor’s degree in software engineering, specializing in Python, JavaScript, application development, and software development. Adept at creating scalable code to build high-quality software applications to support users and businesses.

Profile Example #2


A speech pathology graduate specializing in speech-language therapy, ASD, American Sign Language (ASL), and case management. A proven track record of mentoring students within the Speech-Language program and providing English as a Second Language (ESL) tutoring services.

2. Add an accomplishment-driven professional experience section

On a hybrid resume, you may opt to feature skills, certifications, or academic projects above your professional experience section, depending on your career needs. If you take this approach, featuring your achievements and positive contributions remains an essential component of the resume-building process.

That being said, a combination approach is commonly used by candidates who lack hands-on work experience. In this situation, you can leverage your internships or academic projects to demonstrate your industry expertise.

Professional Experience Example #1


Professional Experience

Software Engineer Intern, StarTech Software Solutions Inc., Miami, FL | January 2023 – June 2023

  • Performed testing and supported the development of features for mobile applications in React and Android environments under the supervision of software engineers
  • Attended meetings with the project team to expand knowledge of application development, discuss potential new features, and evaluate user needs

Professional Experience Example #2


Professional Experience

Research Assistant, Dr. William Stern, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA | September 2022 – June 2023

  • Conducted research on a variety of psychology topics and trends, including emotionally-focused therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques
  • Coordinated with a team of scholars to conduct a research project analyzing the psychological effects of poverty in food desert areas, including conducting interviews, developing surveys, and evaluating statistical trends

3. Include relevant education and certifications

On a hybrid resume, you can place your education, coursework, and certifications at the forefront of your document. This is generally recommended for entry-level job seekers or professionals in academia. Even outside of these unique situations, you can still leverage your certifications to drive your career forward. As you progress in your field, pay attention to the types of credentials companies are looking for and determine whether or not the investment might yield dividends.

Education

Template

  • [Degree Name]
  • [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Year]

Example

  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Psychology
  • Temple University, Philadelphia, PA | 2023

Certifications

Template

  • [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]

Example

  • Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer (PCEP™), Python Institute | 2023
  • Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) A+ Certification | 2023

4. List pertinent key skills

The key skills section serves two distinct purposes. First, it allows you to incorporate keywords from the job description to ensure compliance with applicant tracking systems (ATS). Secondly, this section highlights your most relevant skill sets and qualifications for the hiring manager. Incorporate these terms into your bullet points as well during the resume-building process, and provide tangible examples of using these skills throughout your career. Below are keywords you may encounter during the job search:

Key Skills and Proficiencies
Account management Agile methodology
Business development Business intelligence
Client relations Cross-functional collaboration
Data analysis Data analytics
Data-driven decision making Graphic design
Information technology Leadership
Marketing strategy Patient-centered care
Process improvement Project management
Sales management Team management

How To Pick the Best Hybrid Resume Template

A hybrid resume template should be flexible, allowing you to easily adapt the format according to your career goals and professional needs. Opt for a simple, elegant design that features appropriate sections for your work history, certifications, education, and independent or academic projects. Avoid flashy colors, graphics, and overly decorative fonts, as these types of visual elements may distract the reader from your content.

Hybrid Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

  • Example #1
  • Example #2
  • Example #3

Christine Li
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
Philadelphia, PA 12345
LinkedIn | Portfolio

Profile

A psychology graduate specializing in behavioral analysis, cognitive behavioral therapy, and developmental psychology. Adept at executing complex research initiatives and collaborating with diverse academic teams.

Education

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Psychology
Temple University, Philadelphia, PA | June 2023

GPA: 3.8/4.0

  • Vice President, Temple Student Psychology Association, 2019-2021
  • Member, Psi Chi Psychology Honor Society, 2017-2021
  • Dean’s list 2017-2021
  • Magna cum laude

Professional Experience

Research Assistant, Dr. William Stern, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA | September 2022 – June 2023

  • Conducted research on a variety of psychology topics and trends, including emotionally-focused therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques
  • Coordinated with a team of scholars to run a research project analyzing the psychological effects of poverty in food desert areas, including conducting interviews, developing surveys, and evaluating statistical trends

Academic Projects

Psychology Research Projects, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA | September 2021 – June 2023

  • Wrote a 25-page research paper for the psychology capstone course analyzing the cultural experience of Chinese-American immigrants in urban and rural areas and the relationship between institutionalized racism and anxiety
  • Developed a 10-page research paper evaluating the benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to treat depression symptoms

Key Skills

  • Behavioral analysis
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Development psychology
  • Emotionally-focused therapy
  • Trauma intervention

Frequently Asked Questions: Hybrid Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for hybrid resumes?-

Incorporating a range of strong action verbs can help hiring managers and recruiters visualize your contributions and career achievements. That being said, using the same two or three verbs repeatedly may cause your bullet points to appear stale or repetitive. Below are action verbs you can use to build your professional experience section:

Action Verbs
Analyzed Built
Collaborated Conducted
Created Designed
Developed Diagnosed
Drove Enhanced
Evaluated Executed
Identified Implemented
Improved Integrated
Led Managed
Performed Supported
How do you align your resume with a hybrid job description?-

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, total employment is expected to increase by 4.7 million between 2022 and 2032. Although these projects are positive, growth rates will vary greatly depending on your occupation and industry. To improve your odds of landing the interview, tactically align your resume with the job description.

This is where you can use a hybrid resume format to your advantage. For example, if you’re pursuing an entry-level software engineering role but lack industry experience, you might convey your knowledge of programming languages by citing academic projects and coursework. If you’re attempting to pursue a career in social work, you might emphasize volunteer experience and certifications in lieu of a robust work history.

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Expert Advice
Expert advice: include a cover letter with your resume

Adding a matching cover letter can help strengthen your job application. This tells the hiring manager more about who you are as a professional and why you’re the ideal fit for their organization. In the middle paragraphs, mention something specific about the company’s reputation, mission statement, or culture and why this draws you to apply for the position. For more insights, view our cover letter examples.

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Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

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