A Detention Officer's Resume: How to Create One for Yourself
Job searching can be a daunting task, which is why many people just don’t give it the effort they need. One of the most common reasons for this is not having a good resume.

Updated 11 min read
A detention officer is someone who is responsible for the safety of people who are being detained. They have to exercise a different set of skills than most jobs, so it can be hard to know where to start when it comes time to write your resume.
But don't worry, this blog will give you all of the tips and tricks you need to create a great resume as a detention officer. From deciding what information should go on your resume, like education and work history, to writing skills and personal attributes, we've got everything you need. So read on, and find out how to make an arresting resume!
Decide which information should be on your resume
The first step in writing your detention officer resume is deciding which information should be included.
At the top of your resume, you'll want to include your education and work experience. You might also want to include any certifications or licenses that you have, like CPR or firearms training. These are important because they demonstrate that you're qualified for the position.
If you need help writing down all of this information, take a look at our blog post on how to write an effective resume. It'll give you some tips on what should go where on your resume.
Create a good summary to get the interviewer's attention
A few sentences are all it takes to capture your audience's interest. You want to make sure that you include keywords, which will help the employer find your resume, as well as a personal statement about what you're looking for in a position.
Here's an example of a good summary:
"Detention Officer with 5 years of experience working in corrections."
This gives the interviewer key information about what you've done and where you've been in the past five years. It also hints at what you're interested in doing in the future.
The more information you can provide upfront, the easier it will be for employers to make a decision about whether or not they would like to interview you.
Choose a format for your resume
The first step is to choose a format for your resume. There are two main formats: chronological and functional.
A chronological resume starts with your most recent experience, working backwards through your career, while a functional resume highlights skills that are related to the job you're applying for.
So which should you choose? A functional resume is usually better, especially if you're new to the industry or have gaps in employment. With a functional resume, it's easier for employers to see what skills you have that will be useful on the job. You can show off experience from other fields and transferable skills—ones that will work well with the job you're applying for.
The one-page resume
When it comes to writing your resume, you're going to want to think about how to write it in the most effective way. And that includes making sure that it's short and sweet.
A one-page resume is ideal because it gives you enough time to summarize important information without overwhelming the reader. It also shows off your skills concisely.
You'll want to include your personal information like contact information, education, and work history on your one-page resume. You should also include any relevant qualifications or certifications you may have.
Don't forget to include any volunteer experience or extracurricular activities you've had that are related to the job you're applying for!
Reverse-chronological resume
The first thing to decide is what information on your resume should be first. There are a few different schools of thought when it comes to this, but many experts recommend going with a reverse-chronical resume format. This will give people a general idea of your history and how your skills have developed over time.
It may seem like an unimportant detail, but the order of information on your resume can make or break its effectiveness. For example, if you put salary at the top of your resume, you may find that employers won't read past it. By reversing the order, you'll ensure that the most important pieces of information are given precedence.
This is just one example of why you need to think about how things are laid out on your resume before sending it off into the world!
Functional resume or chronological?
Unless you're applying for a position that specifically requires a functional resume, you'll want to list your work experience chronologically. It's just easier to read and quicker to skim.
If you're applying for a job with the government, some schools, or certain non-profits, it may be appropriate to use a functional resume.
There are two types of resumes: Functional and Chronological. The difference is in how they present your skills and experience.
Write about your skills and personal attributes for your resume
One of the most important parts of a resume is highlighting your skills and personal attributes. A detention officer's job requires a lot of specific skills like:
Personal Attributes: Patience, empathy, conflict resolution, and confidentiality.
Education: Degree in criminal justice or related field.
Work History: At least five years working in law enforcement or corrections facility.
Publishing credits: Working with the public entails familiarity with legal ramifications of publishing content on social media.
Shape your Detention Officer Resume Right
The most important thing to remember about your detention officer resume is that it has to be clear and concise. There are lots of skills that you have to display, but you're not going to have a lot of room to do that in one page. So, you'll need to prioritize your skills into sections that will help the employer quickly see what's relevant for them.
First, list your education. This includes where you went to school, the degree you received, what year you graduated, and if applicable, any honors or awards. Next, list skills or certifications relevant to the position. Finally, include any other information that would be helpful for an employer - like relevant experience or personal attributes - before closing with contact information and references.
Detention Officer Resume Objective or Resume Summary
When it comes to your resume summary, you want to make sure you are highlighting the skills that are most relevant to detention officers. For example, if you have experience working with juveniles, or any type of law enforcement experience, make sure those skills are highlighted in your resume summary.
Your objective statement should state the position for which you're applying and why you're qualified for that position. This will let potential employers know what kind of job you're looking for and that you have the skills they need.
Key Takeaway
With this blog post, we've given you everything you need to make a great resume. You can find out how to get started and what information to include on your resume, like education and work history. We also shared tips for writing skills and personal attributes that will be of particular interest to employers.
Now that you know the key takeaways, it's time to get started on your own resume! Get all the details and start preparing for your next job interview.