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How to Write a Detective Resume: The Ultimate Guide

If you are considering a career in law enforcement, one of the first things that you will have to do is write a detective resume.

How to Write a Detective Resume: The Ultimate Guide
Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Updated 11 min read

Becoming a detective can be an exciting, fulfilling career choice. From the fast-paced action to the ever-changing technology, there is always something new to learn and skills to improve. No matter what type of detective you want to be or what type of organization you’re aiming for, this ultimate guide will show you how to write a resume that gets noticed. Learn how to make your resume stand out from others by highlighting your strengths and demonstrating your ability. It’s time to become the best detective you can be!

What To Include In Your Detective Resume

No matter what type of detective you want to be, your resume needs to show off your skills and highlight your strengths. To make it easy for the hiring manager to scan and find what they're interested in, it's best to keep things simple and concise.

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Your resume should include:

A career summary: This is a one or two sentence description that summarizes who you are and what you do - basically, who you would like to be hired as. If this is your first time applying for a job as a detective, this should detail why you wanted to become a detective and what makes you qualified for the position.

Skills: Keep things short and sweet here, too! You want to list all of the qualifications that make you an ideal candidate, so if necessary break them down into categories by experience level.

Experience: This is where most of your information is going to go. Start with your most recent experience first so hiring managers can find out how long you have been in the workforce or working as a detective. Then list previous jobs that are relevant but don't put them in any particular order because the relevance will depend on what type of detective position they are looking for.

How To Sell Yourself On Your Resume

Becoming a detective can be an exciting, fulfilling career choice. From the fast-paced action to the ever-changing technology, there is always something new to learn and skills to improve. No matter what type of detective you want to be or what type of organization you’re aiming for, this ultimate guide will show you how to write a resume that gets noticed. Learn how to make your resume stand out from others by highlighting your strengths and demonstrating your ability. It’s time to become the best detective you can be!

The Importance of a Strong Summary

With so many other people out there applying to the same positions that you are, making your resume stand out can be a challenge. Every detail matters, from your summary to the way you list your skills.

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A summary should tell the reader everything they need to know about you in just one sentence. It should include information on your work experience and education, as well as any other pertinent details about yourself. The goal of this section is for people to get a sense of who you are and what you want.

If you're struggling with how to begin or end your summary, try using this template:

"I'm an organized individual with strong communication skills looking for a position in [x] field."

For example: "I'm an organized individual with strong communication skills looking for a position in law enforcement."

The Importance of an Impressive Skills Section

In a world that's constantly changing, it can be difficult to keep up with what you should know and where you should go. With the skills section of your resume, you have the opportunity to demonstrate your qualifications and work experience in a way that will catch any recruiter's attention.

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This is the perfect place to mention any certifications, training, or other qualifications related to your field. For instance, if you are applying for an IT position, mention any computer languages or IT-related courses you've taken. Or if you're applying for law enforcement job, include any peace officer certification courses taken.

When writing this section of your resume, remember to highlight relevant experiences first and then list out less relevant ones later on. If possible, include little tidbits about how your experience has helped develop or improve certain skills. This will give the hiring manager the sense that they could hire someone who will provide immediate value to their company.

Shape your Detective Resume Right

The first impression is everything when it comes to resumes. So, take the time to make yours rock.

It’s important to highlight your qualifications and how they may be an asset to the position you are applying for. Be concise and list your most relevant skills in bullet points.

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For example, if you have experience in solving cold cases, list that information in a separate section called “cold case detective skills” or “cold case experience.” Make sure all of your skills are consistent with what the position is looking for.

You also want to include any certifications you may have, such as CPR certification or computer-related certifications. Certifications can show employers that you are qualified for the position even if it doesn't align with your previous work experiences.

If you have any awards or accolades, don't hesitate to mention them on your resume! Acknowledge any awards or achievements at the end of your resume with a brief explanation of what they are and why they are relevant to this particular position. These accomplishments will help set you apart from other applicants who may not have anything notable on their resume at all!

How to Write Resume Objective or Resume Summary for Detective

You can use your resume to show that you are qualified for the position. But, how do you write one?

Your resume objective or summary is an opportunity to introduce yourself and showcase what you have to offer. You have limited space, so it’s important to be concise with your wording. Summarize your qualifications in a few sentences so employers know what they're getting if they hire you.

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For example, if you're applying for a detective position, your resume summary might read: "Detective who offers experience solving cases."

Job Description for Detective Resume

The job of a detective is to gather information, solve crimes, and find the truth. A detective's work can range from seeking evidence at a crime scene to interviewing people who are witnesses or suspects in a crime.

A detective's job is challenging and requires patience, intelligence, good listening skills, knowledge of the law, and attention to detail. They must be able to work independently for long periods without supervision while being able to effectively communicate with others. The ability to think quickly on your feet is also necessary in order to handle any unexpected problems that arise during assignments.

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Detectives are often employed by private investigation organizations, security firms, law enforcement agencies, or other government agencies. Some may even be self-employed as private investigators or freelance detectives.

Education Section

As you can probably guess, the education section of your resume is your chance to show off all the things you’ve learned. This section should include any degree or certificate you have earned as well as any other post-secondary programs you’ve completed.

If you don't have a degree, this would be the moment to note any certifications or relevant training programs that may look good on your resume.

Don't Forget your Cover Letter as Detective

Your cover letter is the first impression you give a potential employer. It's a sample of your personality and character, so it has to be perfect! But how do you write a cover letter that will catch the hiring manager's attention?

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In this post, we'll explore how to craft a cover letter that will make them want to hire you as soon as possible. With these tips, you'll be well on your way to landing your dream job as a detective.

Key Takeaway

The key takeaway from this guide is that your resume should be tailored to the position you are applying for. Whatever type of detective you want to be, showing off your relevant skills and past accomplishments will help get you noticed.

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