Writing a Law Enforcement Résumé
Résumés are an important part of the application process for any candidate. While law enforcement positions usually require candidates to complete a formal application, most allow the applicant to attach a résumé that more fully outlines his qualifications. A solid, easy-to-read résumé may be just what your application needs to place it in the "interview" pile.
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Instructions
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Create a personal information block that includes your name, address, email address and phone number. Center this block. Use a slightly larger font or boldface type to make this information stand out clearly.
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Write your objective. Abandon general objectives, such as: "To protect and serve the community," because they tell the interviewer nothing new about you. Instead, try a specific objective, such as: "To prevent crime whenever possible and to act quickly and effectively in defense of the public whenever crime occurs."
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List your law enforcement experience in chronological order. Begin with your most recent position and work backward. List the name of the department, the city and state in which it is located, your unit, your rank and the years worked. Also list any commendations, special committees, citations or other recognition earned.
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List your experience outside law enforcement if you are relatively new to law enforcement, you have gaps in your law enforcement employment or the other experience is relevant (such as two years in private security). List your most recent position first. List the name of the company, the city and state in which it is located, your title and the years worked. List any awards and achievements for each position.
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List your educational background. List the name of any college or technical school you attended, the degree earned, your major concentration (and minor, if relevant) and the year in which you earned your degree. Provide the name, city and state, and year attended for your police academy training.
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List your certifications. List law enforcement certifications first. Include any specialty certifications such as bicycle patrol, K-9 or other specialties. State whether or not each certification is current. Also list other relevant certifications you may hold, such as a C+ certification, particularly if you plan to work in a specialty police division.
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Tips & Warnings
List all certifications, even if they are expired. It shows that you could potentially become certified again.
Use an easy-to-read font such as Arial or Times New Roman in at least 11-point size.
Run spell check and make sure all bullet points and indentations line up correctly.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit street cop image by Aaron Kohr from Fotolia.com
