Investigator Resume Example (Free Guide)

Our Investigator Resume Example article provides an in-depth look at the qualifications and experience required to become a successful investigator. We provide a comprehensive overview of the skills and qualifications required to become a successful investigator, along with a detailed example resume. Our article is a great resource for those looking to break into the field or for those wanting to brush up on their resume. We will also provide helpful tips for writing a winning resume, so you can stand out from the competition.

We will cover:

How to write a resume, no matter your industry or job title.
What to put on a resume to stand out.
The top skills employers from every industry want to see.
How to build a resume fast with our professional Resume Builder.
What a resume template is, and why you should use it.

Plus, we will provide expert resume writing tips and professional examples to inspire you.

What does an Investigator do?

A Investigator is a professional who gathers information and evidence in order to solve a crime or uncover the truth of a situation. They may interview witnesses, collect physical evidence, and analyze data in order to build a case. They may work with law enforcement or independently to uncover the facts and present them to a court or jury.

We’re about to begin, but first, here are some other Investigator related resume examples:

What are some responsibilities of an Investigator?

Conduct interviews with suspects, witnesses and victims
Gather evidence and analyze facts
Write reports and keep detailed records
Testify in court proceedings
Present evidence and reports to the District Attorney
Stay up to date on law enforcement procedures and standards
Work with other agencies on multi-jurisdictional cases
Perform undercover operations, surveillance and background checks
Identify, arrest and interrogate suspects
Provide guidance and instruction to lower ranking officers

Sample Investigator Resume for Inspiration

Investigator - Personal Details

Name: John Doe
Address: 123 Main Street, Anytown, USA
Phone: (123) 456-7890
Email: john.doe@example.com
Date of Birth: 01/01/1990

Investigator - Summary

John Doe is an experienced investigator with over 10 years of experience in conducting investigations and gathering evidence. He is highly skilled in interviewing witnesses and analyzing evidence to determine the truth in various crimes. He is also certified in various fields and proficient in multiple languages.

Investigator - Work Experience

Forensic Investigator - Anytown Police Department (2008-Present)
Investigator - Anytown District Attorney's Office (2005-2008)
Investigator - Private Investigations Firm (2002-2005)

Investigator - Education

B.A. in Criminal Justice - Anytown University (2002)

Investigator - Skills

Interviewing witnesses
Gathering evidence
Analyzing evidence
Interrogation techniques
Investigative research

Investigator - Certifications

Certified Professional Investigator - Anytown Professional Investigators Association (2010)
Certified Forensic Investigator - Anytown Forensic Investigators Association (2011)

Investigator - Languages

English (Native)
Spanish (Advanced)
French (Proficient)

Resume tips for Investigator

Creating a perfect, career-launching resume is no easy task. Following general writing rules can help, but it is also smart to get advice tailored to your specific job search. When you’re new to the employment world, you need Investigator resume tips.
We collected the best tips from seasoned Investigator - Check out their advice to not only make your writing process easier but also increase your chances of creating a resume that piques the interest of prospective employers.

Highlight your investigative experience and qualifications.
Mention any specialized training or certifications you have received.
Include any awards or commendations you have received.
Outline any experience you have in gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and developing cases.
List any special skills you may have, such as proficiency with computers, knowledge of surveillance technology, or fluency in a foreign language.

Investigator Resume Summary Examples

When creating an Investigator resume, it is important to include either a summary or an objective. A summary or an objective provides employers with an overview of your qualifications, experience and skills in order to determine if you are a good fit for the position. A summary or an objective can also help employers to quickly identify the most important aspects of your resume. By including a summary or an objective, you can demonstrate your enthusiasm and qualifications for the job, which may help you to stand out among other applicants.

For Example:

Resourceful and detail-oriented Investigator with 5+ years of experience in conducting detailed investigations into criminal activity. Skilled in interviewing witnesses, analyzing evidence, and gathering intelligence.
Highly organized Investigator, knowledgeable in legal proceedings and protocols. Experienced in conducting thorough investigations, writing reports, and presenting findings to law enforcement.
Efficient Investigator with extensive experience in conducting investigations into criminal activity. Adept in developing investigative strategies, conducting surveillance, and analyzing evidence.
Accomplished Investigator with a proven record of success in conducting investigations and gathering intelligence. Proficient in creating reports, analyzing evidence, and leading teams.
Professional Investigator with 7+ years of experience in law enforcement. Skilled in conducting investigations, testifying in court, and maintaining detailed case files.

Build a Strong Experience Section for Your Investigator Resume

Building a strong experience section for an investigator resume is important for showcasing the candidate's qualifications and accomplishments in the field. It allows employers to quickly scan through the resume and determine whether the candidate is qualified for the job. It also helps employers to evaluate the candidate's investigative skills, such as their ability to handle confidential information, analyze data, develop evidence, and build cases. Furthermore, it enables employers to assess the candidate's knowledge of industry standards and laws, as well as their familiarity with investigative methods and techniques. All of these elements can be highlighted in the experience section of a investigator resume, giving employers an accurate picture of the candidate's qualifications and abilities.

For Example:

Conducted investigations for a variety of cases, including fraud, theft, assault and homicide.
Interviewed witnesses, suspects and victims in order to obtain statements and gather evidence.
Prepared investigative reports and presented findings to prosecuting attorneys.
Provided court testimony in criminal hearings and trials.
Developed and maintained strong relationships with cooperating witnesses.
Analyzed physical evidence, surveillance videos and financial documents.
Conducted background checks and verified information in order to obtain leads.
Reviewed police reports and identified inconsistencies and discrepancies.
Utilized advanced interrogation techniques to obtain detailed information.
Coordinated with other law enforcement agencies on joint investigations.

Investigator resume education example

A private investigator typically needs at least a high school diploma, though many employers prefer to hire those with some college education, such as an associate degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, or a related field. Other important qualifications include strong communication and interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, and the ability to think critically and make decisions.

Here is an example of an experience listing suitable for a Investigator resume:

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, University of Texas, Austin, TX (2002)
Master of Science in Criminology, University of Texas, Austin, TX (2005)
Advanced Law Enforcement Training, Texas State Police Academy (2006)
Forensics Investigator Certification, International Association of Crime Analysts (2008)
Forensic Science Certification, American Society of Crime Lab Directors (2010)

Investigator Skills for a Resume

Adding skills to an Investigator Resume is important because it allows employers to quickly identify the qualities and knowledge that the candidate has that make them an ideal fit for the position. It also serves as an important indicator of the candidate’s level of experience, and the ability to perform the specific duties required of the position. Skills should be relevant to the job and include both technical and soft skills. Examples of skills could include: strong communication skills, problem-solving ability, attention to detail, organizational skills, research and analytical skills, database management skills, and computer literacy.

Soft Skills:

Research Skills
Investigative Skills
Analytical Thinking
Interpersonal Skills
Problem Solving
Organizational Skills
Time Management
Communication Skills
Critical Thinking
Attention to Detail

Hard Skills:

Research Skills
Investigative Techniques
Data Analysis
Interviewing Skills
Surveillance Skills
Observation Skills
Report Writing
Computer Forensics
Written Communication
Case Management

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing an Investigator Resume

In this competitive job market, employers receive an average of 180 applications for each open position. To process these resumes, companies often rely on automated applicant tracking systems, which can sift through resumes and eliminate the least qualified applicants. If your resume is among the few that make it past these bots, it must still impress the recruiter or hiring manager. With so many applications coming in, recruiters typically give each resume only 5 seconds of their attention before deciding whether to discard it. Considering this, it's best to avoid including any distracting information on your application that could cause it to be thrown away. To help make sure your resume stands out, review the list below of what you should not include on your job application.

Not including a cover letter. A cover letter is a great way to explain why you are the best candidate for the job and why you want the position.
Using too much jargon. Hiring managers do not want to read a resume full of technical terms that they do not understand.
Omitting important details. Make sure to include your contact information, educational background, job history, and any relevant skills and experiences.
Using a generic template. Take the time to customize your resume to the job you are applying for. This will show the employer that you are serious about the position.
Spelling and grammar errors. Always double-check your resume for typos, spelling mistakes, and grammar errors.
Focusing too much on duties. Make sure to include accomplishments and successes to show the employer that you are a great candidate.
Including personal information. Avoid including any personal information such as age, marital status, or religious beliefs.

Key takeaways for a Investigator resume

Highlight relevant investigative experience, certifications, and licenses
Include a strong summary statement that summarizes your qualifications
Detail the investigative methods you have used in the past
Showcase your research and analytical skills
Demonstrate your ability to effectively communicate findings
Discuss any specialized training you have received
Highlight any knowledge of relevant laws and regulations
Mention any relevant awards or recognition you have received
List any professional memberships or associations you may have

It's time to begin the job search. Make sure you put your best foot forward and land your next job with the help of Resumaker.ai.