Detective Criminal Investigator Resume Example

Kellie Hanna, CPRW
By Kellie Hanna, CPRW, Career Advice Expert Last Updated: April 28, 2022
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detective and criminal investigator resume example

 

Detective and Criminal Investigator Resume Questions

1. How should you structure your detective and criminal investigator resume?

Your resume structure should be as factual and no-nonsense as a criminal investigation. Keep your layout straightforward, with simple formatting and well-delineated blocks of content. Check the example on our detective and criminal investigator resume sample to see how you can structure your resume with content blocks containing the header, opening summary, skill keywords, work experience, and education section. Make sure to use well-defined headers that neatly section off each content block to allow readers to easily scan and identify for specific items.

2. How do you write an objective statement for a detective and criminal investigator resume?

Rather than a resume objective, instead, write a professional summary. But what’s the difference, you may ask? An objective statement describes what you’re seeking in your next job. A professional summary, however, describes the qualifications you bring to your next position.

Focus on your selling points, using bold, action-driven language to write three compelling sentences summarizing what makes you a great hire. This can be a combination of hard and soft skills, but should focus on what’s most desirable in the law enforcement job market. If you’re still struggling, give our resume builder a try to create your own personalized resume with a strong summary statement.

3. How do you highlight soft skills on a detective and criminal investigator resume?

Even if you’re a hard-boiled detective, you still need to demonstrate soft skills. You’re often working with people who need managing through judicious application of skills in active listening, diplomacy, relationship-building, and interviewing. Showcase these skills by discussing how you used them to resolve problems or uncover information, including calling out accomplishments where your communication skills were instrumental in gathering information needed to close big cases or uncover major leads. For a few more ideas of soft skills valuable in law enforcement, review our detective and criminal investigator resume sample.

4. How do you list certifications on your detective and criminal investigator resume?

Whether you’re a licensed private investigator or have attained firearms certifications or other pivotal law enforcement training courses, you’ll want to spotlight them on your resume. Many times, these certifications can make the difference between an interview call or complete silence, when other candidates may have the same qualifications but fewer advanced certifications.

List your certifications in reverse chronological order, from newest to oldest, in your education section. Ensure you include dates and awarding institutions. Trim anything obsolete; older training often has little value in the modern job market.

5. Should you include references on a detective and criminal investigator resume?

While in many cases there’s no need to include references, for a detective and criminal investigator, it can help to prove your trustworthiness if you can provide references who are prominent in law enforcement. When you’re tasked with solving crimes, any law enforcement department or private investigative organization that hires you needs to know they can trust you.

Including two or three references can help with that, yet if those references push your resume from one page to two, then it’s safe to forego them and simply provide them later upon request. You want to keep your resume to one page, just like our detective and criminal investigator resume sample.

Show Resume Text

Resume Text

 

Gage Kelley
123 Fake Street
City, State, Zip Code
Cell: 000-000-0000
email@email.com

Summary

Resilient Detective and Criminal Investigator performing thorough investigations of fraud, reported deception, infidelity, rumored criminal behaviors and similar activities. Adept at gathering evidence, following leads, conducting interviews with suspects and witnesses and working with law enforcement officials. Displaying excellent observational and deductive skills.

Highlights

 

  • Proficiency in investigative procedures
  • Use of surveillance equipment
  • Police procedure knowledge
  • Data compilation abilities
  • Mentally and physically strong
  • Highly analytical
  • Excellent communicator

    Work Experience

    January 2014 to Present Company Name — City, State Detective and Criminal Investigator

  • Work with police officials to conduct more detailed investigations into suspected criminal activities.
  • Conduct investigations, gather evidence, interview potential witnesses and prepare reports of findings.
  • Analyze evidence collected and review surveillance footage.
  • Go undercover in disguises as warranted to gather additional evidence.
  • Plan and execute strategies to catch suspected criminals in the act of committing additional criminal activities.
  • Evaluate all gathered evidence with a department attorney to determine what can likely be used in court proceedings and what will likely be thrown out.September 2010 to December 2013 Smith & Lawson Investigations — City, State Detective and Criminal Investigator
  • Went on stakeouts and used surveillance equipment to collect usable evidence.
  • Interacted with suspects while in disguise to gather information on anticipated activities.
  • Reevaluated crime scenes to determine if evidence was missed during the initial police investigation when conducting private follow-up investigations for family members or loved ones.
  • Traveled when necessary to investigate possible criminal activity in other locations and contacted appropriate authorities when assistance was required.
  • Contacted the appropriate authorities when there was enough evidence to make an arrest.
  • Conducted investigations of cases involving suspected incidents of fraud and infidelity.

    Education

    2010 University of California, City, State Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice