5 Amazing investigator Resume Examples (Updated 2023) + Skills & Job Descriptions

Investigators can work in a lot of industries, from private investigations to audits and risk management, but candidates in almost all of those fields need the same qualifications to be successful. Resourcefulness, substantive expertise, the ability to make connections with others, and potentially an appropriate certification can go a long way toward helping an investigator stand out from the crowd. So if you're looking for a great new job opportunity, we're here to help you write an investigator resume that lets your qualifications speak for themselves. Writing a resume requires more than just making a list of your work history and educational background. Your resume is your first chance to demonstrate several key skills required of an investigator, like identifying and prioritizing the most relevant information and communicating complex ideas in a coherent format. With our resume sample and other expert suggestions, you'll have everything you need to write a resume that makes it clear you're ready for your next step.

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investigator: Resume Samples & Writing Guide

Employment history

Chief Investigator, General Dynamics Falls Church, Virginia

January 2018 – Present

Compile and maintain detailed records of investigation activities
Monitor security systems to detect suspicious activity
Prepare reports and present findings to supervisors and other law enforcement personnel

Associate Investigator, US Department of Homeland Security Washington, D.C.

July 2017 – December 2017

Develop and maintain relationships with other law enforcement and military personnel
Operate specialized investigative equipment and tools
Monitor security systems to detect suspicious activity

Junior Investigator, L-3 Communications New York, New York

December 2016 – June 2017

Establish and maintain contact with informants
Participate in undercover operations and tactical operations
Prepare criminal cases for trial and testify in court

Education

FBI Academy, Quantico, Virginia

Bachelor of Science in Intelligence Analysis, October, 2016

Skills

Negotiation

Emotional Intelligence

Accounting

Listening

Physical Security

Crisis Management

Law Enforcement Procedures

Self-Defense

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Professional Summary

Highly experienced Investigator with extensive knowledge in Law Enforcement & Military & Security operations. Skilled in conducting investigations and gathering evidence to ensure the safety of individuals and organizations.

Employment history

Lead Investigator, SAIC Reston, Virginia

June 2013 – Present

Collect and analyze evidence to determine the facts of a case
Compile and maintain detailed records of investigation activities
Conduct investigations of criminal activity and identify suspects

Investigator, US Army Corps of Engineers Washington, D.C.

December 2012 – May 2013

Prepare and submit case reports and other required documents
Execute search warrants and arrest warrants
Participate in training and educational programs

Entry Level Investigator, L-3 Communications New York, New York

May 2012 – November 2012

Conduct investigations of criminal activity and identify suspects
Interview witnesses and suspects to obtain information about a case
Operate specialized investigative equipment and tools

Education

Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California

Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management, March, 2012

Skills

Risk Management

Teamwork

Problem Solving

Leadership

Criminal Investigation

Interviewing Techniques

Counterterrorism

Weapons Handling

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Employment history

Senior Investigator, US Department of Homeland Security Washington, D.C.

April 2022 – Present

Interview witnesses and suspects to obtain information about a case
Prepare and submit case reports and other required documents
Maintain surveillance of suspects and locations

Associate Investigator, SAIC Reston, Virginia

April 2021 – March 2022

Maintain surveillance of suspects and locations
Prepare criminal cases for trial and testify in court
Collect and analyze evidence to determine the facts of a case

Junior Investigator, Raytheon Waltham, Massachusetts

April 2020 – March 2021

Participate in undercover operations and tactical operations
Prepare reports and present findings to supervisors and other law enforcement personnel
Establish and maintain contact with informants

Education

U.S. Army Military Police School, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri

Doctor of Philosophy in Security Management, March, 2020

U.S. Army Military Police School, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri

Bachelor of Science in Corrections, March, 2016

Skills

Collaboration

Presentation

Organization

Troubleshooting

Surveillance Methods

Self-Defense

Weapons Handling

Law Enforcement Procedures

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Employment history

Senior Investigator, US Army Corps of Engineers Washington, D.C.

January 2021 – Present

Compile and maintain detailed records of investigation activities
Participate in training and educational programs
Operate specialized investigative equipment and tools

Associate Investigator, General Dynamics Falls Church, Virginia

January 2020 – December 2020

Conduct investigations of criminal activity and identify suspects
Compile and maintain detailed records of investigation activities
Execute search warrants and arrest warrants

Entry Level Investigator, General Dynamics Falls Church, Virginia

January 2019 – December 2019

Monitor security systems to detect suspicious activity
Collect and analyze evidence to determine the facts of a case
Interview witnesses and suspects to obtain information about a case

Education

U.S. Army JAG School, Charlottesville, Virginia

Master of Science in Emergency Management, November, 2018

U.S. Army JAG School, Charlottesville, Virginia

Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement, November, 2014

Skills

Business Acumen

Negotiation

Financial Management

Negotiation

Surveillance Equipment

Hand-to-Hand Combat

Law Enforcement Procedures

Counterterrorism

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Employment history

Chief Investigator, US Navy Washington, D.C.

October 2020 – Present

Execute search warrants and arrest warrants
Operate specialized investigative equipment and tools
Collect and analyze evidence to determine the facts of a case

Investigator, Lockheed Martin Bethesda, Maryland

April 2019 – September 2020

Establish and maintain contact with informants
Execute search warrants and arrest warrants
Collect and analyze evidence to determine the facts of a case

Entry Level Investigator, US Navy Washington, D.C.

November 2017 – April 2019

Participate in training and educational programs
Develop and maintain relationships with other law enforcement and military personnel
Monitor security systems to detect suspicious activity

Education

U.S. Army Military Police School, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri

Cybersecurity Certificate, September, 2017

Skills

Written Communication

Networking

Adaptability

Business Acumen

Weapons Handling

Surveillance

Counterterrorism

Security Clearance

Use This investigator Resume Template

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investigator Job Descriptions; Explained

If you're applying for an investigator position, it's important to tailor your resume to the specific job requirements in order to differentiate yourself from other candidates. Including accurate and relevant information that directly aligns with the job description can greatly increase your chances of securing an interview with potential employers.

When crafting your resume, be sure to use action verbs and a clear, concise format to highlight your relevant skills and experience. Remember, the job description is your first opportunity to make an impression on recruiters, so pay close attention to the details and make sure you're presenting yourself in the best possible light.

investigator (detective)

Collaborate with other staff to assist in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, or priorities.
Coordinate or maintain office tracking systems for correspondence or follow-up actions.
Plan and administer budgets for programs, equipment and support services.Provide transcripts of proceedings upon request of judges, lawyers, or the public.
Help develop federal and state programs, draft and interpret laws and legislation, and establish enforcement procedures.
Search for and examine public and other legal records to write opinions or establish ownership.
Probate wills and represent and advise executors and administrators of estates.
Confer with colleagues with specialties in appropriate areas of legal issue to establish and verify bases for legal proceedings.

investigator

Gather evidence to formulate defense or to initiate legal actions, by such means as interviewing clients and witnesses to ascertain the facts of a case.
Review legal publications and perform database searches to identify laws and court decisions relevant to pending cases.
Write decisions on cases.
Sentence defendants in criminal cases, on conviction by jury, according to applicable government statutes.

investigator (sub-contractor)

Factual / Fraud Investigations (fires, thefts, staged accidents, burglaries, drink / drug driving incidents, loss of items and malicious damage claims)
Interviews with insured’s, driver’s, witnesses, police officers, government authorities and other relevant parties
Generating and presenting detailed accurate reports
Scene analysis and reviewing of CCTV footage
Reviewing of bank statements and phone records for suspicious activity
Reviewing Product Disclosure Statements for all Insurance companies
Working closely with emergency Services, including Victoria Police and Australian Federal Police

investigator

Receive statements of child abuse and/ or neglect.
Investigate complaints of child abuse/neglect.
write a report on the findings.
refer affected individuals to counselling in necessary.

investigator

Compute and authorize amounts of assistance for programs such as grants, monetary payments, and food stamps.
Read documents on pleadings and motions to ascertain facts and issues.
Developing a strong database with insurance companies to identify suspicious patterns
Confidentiality in all aspects of investigations

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investigator (detective) Job Skills

For an investigator (detective) position, your job skills are a key factor in demonstrating your value to the company and showing recruiters that you're the ight fit for the role. It's important to be specific when highlighting your skills and ensure that they are directly aligned with the job requirements, as this can greatly improve your chances of being hired. By showcasing your relevant skills and experience, you can make a compelling case for why you're the best candidate for the job.

How to include technical skills in your resume:

Technical skills are a set of specialized abilities and knowledge required to perform a particular job effectively. Some examples of technical skills are data analysis, project management, software proficiency, and programming languages, to name a few.

Add the technical skills that will get hired in your career field with our simple-to-use resume builder. Select your desired resume template, once you reach the skills section of the builder, manually write in the skill or simply click on "Add more skills". This will automatically generate the best skills for your career field, choose your skill level, and hit "Save & Next."

Computer Forensics
Surveillance
Tactical Operations
Security Protocols
Weapons Handling
Surveillance Techniques
Physical Security
Surveillance Systems
Criminal Investigation
Surveillance Equipment
Hand-to-Hand Combat
Law Enforcement Procedures
Self-Defense
Interviewing Techniques
Security Clearance
Evidence Collection
Investigation Techniques
Surveillance Methods
Counterterrorism
Crisis Management

How to include soft skills in your resume:

Soft skills are non-technical skills that relate to how you work and that can be used in any job. Including soft skills such as time management, creative thinking, teamwork, and conflict resolution demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and show that you navigate challenges and changes in the workplace efficiently.

Add competitive soft skills to make your resume stand-out to recruiters! Simply select your preferred resume template in the skills section, enter the skills manually or use the "Add more skills" option. Our resume builder will generate the most relevant soft skills for your career path. Choose your proficiency level for each skill, and then click "Save & Next" to proceed to the next section.

Communication
Interpersonal
Leadership
Time Management
Problem Solving
Decision Making
Critical Thinking
Creativity
Adaptability
Teamwork
Organization
Planning
Public Speaking
Negotiation
Conflict Resolution
Research
Analytical
Attention to Detail
Self-Motivation
Stress Management
Collaboration
Coaching
Mentoring
Listening
Networking
Strategic Thinking
Negotiation
Emotional Intelligence
Adaptability
Flexibility
Reliability
Professionalism
Computer Literacy
Technical
Data Analysis
Project Management
Customer Service
Presentation
Written Communication
Social Media
Troubleshooting
Quality Assurance
Collaboration
Supervisory
Risk Management
Database Management
Training
Innovation
Documentation
Accounting
Financial Management
Visualization
Reporting
Business Acumen
Process Improvement
Documentation
Relationship Management.

How to Improve Your investigator (detective) Resume

Navigating resume pitfalls can mean the difference between landing an interview or not. Missing job descriptions or unexplained work history gaps can cause recruiters to hesitate. Let's not even talk about the impact of bad grammar, and forgetting your contact info could leave your potential employer hanging. Aim to be comprehensive, concise, and accurate.

Professional Summary

A highly experienced Investigator in the Law Enforcement & Military & Security field with a proven track record of success in conducting investigations, gathering evidence, and making arrests. A skilled problem solver and communicator with the ability to make sound decisions in challenging and high-pressure situations.

Employment history

Senior Investigator, Raytheon Waltham, Massachusetts

April 2014 – Present

Maintain surveillance of suspects and locations
Participate in training and educational programs
Prepare criminal cases for trial and testify in court

Associate Investigator, Raytheon Waltham, Massachusetts

April 2013 – March 2014

Operate specialized investigative equipment and tools
Prepare reports and present findings to supervisors and other law enforcement personnel
Maintain surveillance of suspects and locations

Junior Investigator, SAIC Reston, Virginia

April 2012 – March 2013

Education

FBI Academy, Quantico, Virginia

Bachelor of Science in Fire Science, March, 2012

Skills

Training

Supervisory

Troubleshooting

Quality Assurance

Surveillance Equipment

Self-Defense

Criminal Investigation

Computer Forensics

Include your Contact Information and Job Descriptions

Missing job descriptions lessens your chances of getting hired.

Key Insights

Employers want to know what you've accomplished, so make sure to include descriptions for all of your previous jobs.
Keep job descriptions short but don't just list your jobs.
Never copy-paste a job description to post on your resume. Get inspired and use tools to help you write customized descriptions.

How to Optimize Your investigator (detective) Resume

Keep an eye out for these resume traps. Neglecting to detail your job roles or explain gaps in your career can lead to unnecessary doubts. Grammar blunders can reflect negatively on you, and without contact information, how can employers reach you? Be meticulous and complete.

Employment history

Chief Investigator, US Army Corps of Engineers Washington, D.C.

October 2019 – May 2022

Compile and maintane detaled records of investagation activites.
Paricipate in trainning an eductaional programms.
Establishd and maintaing contact with informants.

Associate Investigator, Booz Allen Hamilton McLean, Virginia

October 2018 – September 2019

Colletn and analyzee evidance too determin the facts of a casee.
Parcticipate in undercovers operations and tacticle opertions.
Prepeare report's an' present findin's ta supervisors an' other law enforcemen personnel.

Entry Level Investigator, General Dynamics Falls Church, Virginia

March 2018 – September 2018

Excecute search warrents and arress warrents.
oparate speciallized investigativ equipement an tools
Paricipate in undercoaver operatiosn and tacctical operatiosns.

Education

U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science, January, 2018

Skills

Leadership

Adaptability

Social Media

Reliability

Computer Forensics

Counterterrorism

Self-Defense

Tactical Operations

Correct Grammar and Address Gap Years in Your Resume

Don't leave unexplained gaps in your work history.

Key Insights

When explaining gaps in your employment section, start by being honest.
Elaborate on the gap and show that you never stopped learning.
Explain and elaborate any gap in your work history by highlighting new skills.

investigator (detective) Cover Letter Example

A cover letter can be a valuable addition to your job application when applying for an investigator (detective) position. Cover letters provide a concise summary of your qualifications, skills, and experience, also it also gives you an opportunity to explain why you're the best fit for the job. Crafting a cover letter that showcases your relevant experience and enthusiasm for the Accounts Payable role can significantly improve your chances of securing an interview.

Chief Investigator
Booz Allen Hamilton
McLean, Virginia

To the respected Booz Allen Hamilton Recruitment Team

I am writing to express my interest in the Chief Investigator role at Booz Allen Hamilton. As an Investigator with 7 years of experience, I am confident that I possess the necessary skills and qualifications to excel in this position.

Growing up, I always had a fascination with Counterterrorism. As I pursued my education and gained experience in this field, I realized that this was where I could make the most impact. I have had the opportunity to work on things throughout my career like personal projects and voluntary work, which have developed in me a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this field. I am excited to bring my passion and expertise to the role at and help your organization achieve its goals.

Thank you for considering my application for the Chief Investigator role at your organization. I am dedicated to continuous improvement, and elated about the opportunity to join your team and work towards achieving our shared goals together.

Kindest regards,
Vincent Ingram
877-796-7348
[email protected]

Vincent Ingram

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