One piece of fairly consistent resume is advice is to steer clear of functional resumes; they’re often perceived as trying to cover up gaps in employment, short job stints, or other undesirable issues. Job seekers may like them because it’s an opportunity to more directly speak to the skills they have built over the years. A hybrid resume can allow you to find balance between a functional and chronological resume.
When is a Hybrid Resume Good to Use?
A hybrid resume can be helpful when you want to draw attention to specific skills while still highlighting achievements throughout your career. If you’re looking to shift careers or industries, it can provide more insight into transferable skills and why you’re a good fit. The functional part doesn’t replace the chronological portion – it complements it.
Styling a Hybrid Resume
One of the most common ways to style a hybrid resume is to start off with a strong summary of qualifications and then add two or three bullet points below targeting desirable skills such as project management, training and development, or business acumen. Keep these bullets short and to the point, but use them to further emphasize what you bring to the table.
Another option is to include a section after your summary and core competencies labeled “Key Achievements” or “Highlighted Experience.” Don’t go overboard with the Key Achievements. Pick out two or three major accomplishments that you want to drive home and make sure they’re highly relevant to the job opening. Highlighted Experience is beneficial if you worked in a similar role in the past and want to bring attention to it – especially if it’s been several years or you’re looking to go back into a field you used to work in. These sections allow you to showcase relevant information up front when it may otherwise risk being overlooked because it’s further down on your resume.
Be Strategic
Choose your resume format carefully. For many people, a reverse chronological resume works perfectly well. Adding too many extra sections or features can end up making your resume longer and wordier than it needs to be. But when you need to pack a little extra punch or make sure something comes through clearly, a hybrid resume can be a valuable tool to have. Use your best judgment based on your experience and the job description. As we’ve said before, there isn’t one format or style that fits every single person. You have to adjust according to your own career history and goals.
Grammar Chic can help you create a resume that fits your needs and presents you in a positive light. Contact us today at (803) 831-7444 or resumewriting@grammarchic.net to learn more about our process.
Amanda E. Clark founded Grammar Chic in 2008. She is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and holds degrees in Journalism, Political Science, and English. She launched Grammar Chic after freelancing for several years while simultaneously leading marketing and advertising initiatives for several Fortune 500 companies.
