What is Combination CV?

The combination format opens with a skills or competencies section — sometimes called a profile of capabilities — followed by experience listed in reverse chronological order. It aims to give career changers and specialists the best of both worlds: thematic strength plus verifiable dates.

Used well, it helps recruiters map transferable skills to a new sector while still showing recent employment. Used poorly, it becomes long and repetitive, restating the same achievements in the skills block and again under each job.

Keep skills categories grounded in evidence. After listing 'stakeholder management' or 'data analysis', the experience section should contain bullets that prove those claims with metrics and context.

For ATS purposes, maintain simple headings ('Skills', 'Experience', 'Education') and avoid duplicating entire paragraphs. Run your draft through Cvaluate to confirm parsers can still isolate employers and dates beneath a expanded skills section.

Related reading

• Chronological CV
• Transferable skills
• Professional summary