A resume is never a one-size-fits-all kind of document. It should always be tailored specifically to the job opening a person is applying for, and should always be crafted in a way so that it emphasizes the applicant’s strong points. With the growth and the expansion of the job market, knowing how to create the best hybrid resume has become essential.
Currently, there are three types of resumes a job seeker can go for – the classic, chronological resume, the modern and often disputed functional resume, and the hybrid. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the hybrid, explaining what it is and when to use it.
What is a hybrid resume?
Google’s definition of a hybrid is an ‘offspring of two plants or animals of different species or varieties’, or in this case – two different types of resumes. A hybrid resume, or a combination resume, as it is sometimes called, combines the best of the classic chronological resume, and the more modern, but often spoken against, functional resume.
A chronological resume lists all of the candidate’s previous work experiences in a reverse chronological order and is often considered the default choice. In some cases, however, it is better to opt for the functional resume, which highlights a person’s skills and competencies, instead of job history. A functional resume is usually the number one choice for people with employment gaps, or frequent job switchers.
The hybrid resume sits right in the middle – it offers a cross section of a person’s best skills, while still showing the entire (or at least the most important parts of) job history.
What does it contain?
Now that we know what a hybrid resume is, the next question is, what does a hybrid resume include? Even though this information might vary to some degree, there are a few things you should always list, and a few things you should (always) avoid. It is usually good to kick things off with contact information, and a resume executive summary. The summary is a short, three-six sentence piece for those time-deprived executives looking only for the most important bits.
After that, follow up with a list of targeted qualifications, as well as all the skills you find relevant for this particular position. Remember, don’t list everything here – only the most important skills. Below them, list all your job experiences and accomplishments. You can do this in a chronological order, which works especially nice if you don’t have 20-something years of experience and don’t need five pages to fit it all. In that case, make sure to go only for the most relevant and important jobs you’ve done before. Leave the gaps for the interview.
Finally, add your education and professional training. Hopefully, it will all fit on a single A4 page, but if it doesn’t – don’t fret, it’s perfectly fine to have a direct two page resume.
The one thing you should always avoid is adding a job objective. Your employer doesn’t care where you want to be, he cares if you can solve a problem he’s having, and if he can afford it. Adding a job objective is a waste of space and is sometimes even considered too egocentric. In case all this information is too much and you find it somewhat intimidating (and you wouldn’t be alone in this struggle), you can always hire a professional resume writing company in Buckeye Arizona. It will assign you a writer, which will go with you through your career, making sure your resume is spotless.
Who should NOT use a hybrid resume?
Now, the big question: Should I use a hybrid resume? This type of resume is usually the number one choice for career switchers, people with job gaps and graduates (people looking for their first ‘serious’ position).
Career switchers – people whose next job is completely different from the previous one should go for this type of resume, because it will push into the fore certain skills, obtained earlier during the career, which might end up at the bottom of the page on a chronological resume.
People with job gaps and people re-entering the workforce – A job gap is nothing to be ashamed of, which is why you should read "3 Brilliant Ways To Hide Job Gaps On Your Resume". But, as they have a dappled employment history, it’s better to focus on particular skills and competencies.
Graduates – This one is obvious, as graduates are usually entering the workforce with zero (relevant) experience. By opting for a hybrid resume, they will highlight their strong points, instead of the weak ones.
On the other hand, if you are in a specific industry and would want to remain there, a chronological resume is your best bet. These ‘traditional’ fields include medicine, law or finance – professions that are hardly applicable outside their spectrum.
Choose your resume type:
The job landscape of the 21st century is changing – people are opting for remote work, going freelance, or taking time off to travel the world or build a family. Even though the chronological type is still dominant, the change in the way people approach work also means a change in the way we craft resumes. If you feel a chronological resume just isn’t cutting it for you – maybe it’s time for a switch.