What does a combination resume include?

A combination resume is designed to highlight both skills and relevant work experience, making it particularly effective for those who wish to showcase what they bring to the table in terms of capabilities alongside their professional history. This format typically contains a skills-based section at the beginning, allowing the applicant to draw attention to their most pertinent qualifications, followed by a chronological listing of their work experience.

The rationale behind this structure is that it allows candidates to present their skills upfront, which can be particularly advantageous for individuals transitioning into new industries or who have diverse experiences that don't neatly align chronologically. This layout helps potential employers quickly see both what the candidate can do and the context of their past roles, enhancing their overall appeal.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the characteristics of a combination resume, failing to capture the essence of what makes this format beneficial. For instance, a chronological list of work experience would not adequately highlight the applicant's relevant skills, while having a resume consisting of only skills and abilities ignores the importance of professional history. Lastly, a resume lacking references to previous experience would be incomplete and would not serve its purpose of presenting a well-rounded picture of a candidate’s qualifications.