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

If you consider it your calling to protect your fellow citizens by upholding the law and you are looking for an exciting change, a career as a special agent may be ideal for you. Government hiring managers look for the best of the best when evaluating resumes, and they may not give yours a second look if it is unclear, sloppy, or disorganized. Be sure that your special agent resume gets the attention of anyone who reads it if you want to pursue this fascinating and sometimes dangerous position. Special agents must complete extensive training, obtain the correct security clearances, and be able to communicate well with others. There is often no consistency in a normal day on the job: You might be asked to investigate drug trafficking and immigration violations in addition to an assortment of white-collar crimes like suspected fraud, extortion, and cybercrime. You are more likely to get the opportunity to put your training to good use after you create a resume with the help of our writing tips and professional resume sample templates. After you have created a clear, polished outline of your skills and experiences, you may be interview-ready for a special agent position!

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special agent: Resume Samples & Writing Guide

Employment history

Lead Special Agent, Northrop Grumman Falls Church, Virginia

September 2022 – Present

Provide security for special events
Prepare and serve subpoenas
Prepare investigative reports

Special Agent, US Navy Washington, D.C.

March 2021 – August 2022

Prepare and present cases in court
Maintain knowledge of current laws and regulations
Use various firearms and other weapons as needed

Junior Special Agent, Northrop Grumman Falls Church, Virginia

September 2020 – March 2021

Utilize informants and other resources
Prepare and present cases in court
Prepare investigative reports

Education

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

Doctor of Philosophy in Law Enforcement, July, 2020

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

Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security, July, 2016

Skills

Documentation

Collaboration

Critical Thinking

Networking

Defensive Tactics

Surveillance Tactics

Evidence Collection

Tactical Planning

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Professional Summary

Highly motivated Special Agent with extensive experience in law enforcement, military, and security operations. Proven ability to lead teams and accomplish objectives while maintaining strict attention to detail and safety protocols.

Employment history

Lead Special Agent, SAIC Reston, Virginia

September 2009 – Present

Participate in training and continuing education
Investigate violations of federal law
Provide security for special events

Associate Special Agent, Lockheed Martin Bethesda, Maryland

March 2009 – August 2009

Execute search warrants
Provide security for special events
Analyze evidence and develop leads

Junior Special Agent, US Army Corps of Engineers Washington, D.C.

September 2008 – February 2009

Utilize informants and other resources
Prepare and serve subpoenas
Execute search warrants

Education

U.S. Marine Corps Officer Candidates School, Quantico, Virginia

Master of Science in Emergency Management, July, 2008

U.S. Marine Corps Officer Candidates School, Quantico, Virginia

Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management, July, 2004

Skills

Flexibility

Mentoring

Documentation

Adaptability

Emergency Response

Surveillance

Surveillance Strategies

Tactical Communications

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Professional Summary

Highly experienced special agent with a proven track record of success in law enforcement, military, and security operations. Skilled in crisis management, strategic planning, and team leadership.

Employment history

Lead Special Agent, Lockheed Martin Bethesda, Maryland

July 2011 – Present

Gather and analyze intelligence
Prepare and present cases in court
Utilize informants and other resources

Associate Special Agent, L-3 Communications New York, New York

January 2011 – June 2011

Use various firearms and other weapons as needed
Participate in training and continuing education
Utilize informants and other resources

Entry Level Special Agent, Lockheed Martin Bethesda, Maryland

June 2010 – December 2010

Prepare and serve subpoenas
Maintain contact with other law enforcement agencies
Utilize informants and other resources

Education

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

Doctor of Philosophy in Fire Science, April, 2010

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

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science, April, 2006

Skills

Collaboration

Networking

Social Media

Negotiation

Surveillance

Surveillance Protocols

Intelligence Analysis

Surveillance Technology

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Professional Summary

Highly experienced Special Agent with a proven track record of success in law enforcement and security operations. Possesses exceptional problem-solving and communication skills, allowing for successful resolution of complex cases.

Employment history

Chief Special Agent, US Department of Homeland Security Washington, D.C.

June 2011 – Present

Utilize informants and other resources
Prepare and present cases in court
Execute search warrants

Associate Special Agent, Lockheed Martin Bethesda, Maryland

December 2009 – May 2011

Prepare and serve subpoenas
Use various firearms and other weapons as needed
Utilize informants and other resources

Jr. Special Agent, Raytheon Waltham, Massachusetts

December 2008 – November 2009

Prepare and serve subpoenas
Interview witnesses and suspects
Analyze evidence and develop leads

Education

Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California

Bachelor of Science in Fire Science, October, 2008

Skills

Innovation

Social Media

Stress Management

Attention to Detail

Evidence Collection

Firearms Proficiency

Surveillance Technology

Surveillance Tactics

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Professional Summary

Highly experienced Special Agent with an extensive background in law enforcement, military and security operations. Proven ability to assess and manage complex situations, while maintaining a dedication to public safety.

Employment history

Senior Special Agent, US Department of Homeland Security Washington, D.C.

May 2013 – Present

Investigate violations of federal law
Interview witnesses and suspects
Maintain contact with other law enforcement agencies

Associate Special Agent, L-3 Communications New York, New York

May 2012 – April 2013

Prepare investigative reports
Gather and analyze intelligence
Provide security for special events

Jr. Special Agent, L-3 Communications New York, New York

November 2011 – May 2012

Participate in training and continuing education
Use various firearms and other weapons as needed
Prepare and serve subpoenas

Education

FBI Academy, Quantico, Virginia

Cybersecurity Certificate, September, 2011

Skills

Negotiation

Research

Training

Accounting

Physical Fitness

Surveillance

Surveillance Techniques

Cybersecurity

Use This special agent Resume Template

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special agent Job Descriptions; Explained

If you're applying for an special agent 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.

special agent

Responsible for a broad range of federal criminal investigative functions relating to trans-national crime, with primary duties (90%) involving counter-proliferation and export compliance.
Served subpeonas, warrants, conducted interviews, reviewed documents, and participated in case prosecution or issuance of civil penalties.
Worked collaboratively with internal divisions and other federal agencies on long-term investigations involving complex jurisdictional, legal, and financial issues often international in scope.
Provided compliance outreach and training to defense manufacturers, higher academia, and foreign law enforcement agencies.

special agent

Conducted criminal investigations of violations of U.S. law related to unlawful take, commercialization, and import and export of wildlife resources.

special agent Job Skills

For an special agent 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."

Cybersecurity
Surveillance
Firearms Proficiency
Physical Fitness
Self-Defense
Investigation
Surveillance Techniques
Surveillance Equipment Operation
Intelligence Analysis
Surveillance Tactics
Counterintelligence
Tactical Planning
Emergency Response
Surveillance Protocols
Defensive Tactics
Evidence Collection
Tactical Communications
Tactical Driving
Surveillance Technology
Surveillance Strategies

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 special agent 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

Highly skilled and accomplished Special Agent with extensive experience in law enforcement, military, and security operations. Proven track record of success in ensuring the safety and security of personnel and assets.

Employment history

Lead Special Agent, Raytheon Waltham, Massachusetts

January 2009 – Present

Investigate violations of federal law
Conduct surveillance and undercover operations
Interview witnesses and suspects

Special Agent, Booz Allen Hamilton McLean, Virginia

July 2008 – December 2008

Maintain knowledge of current laws and regulations
Utilize informants and other resources
Provide security for special events

Junior Special Agent, US Department of Homeland Security Washington, D.C.

December 2007 – June 2008

Education

FBI Academy, Quantico, Virginia

Doctor of Philosophy in Emergency Management, October, 2007

FBI Academy, Quantico, Virginia

Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement, November, 2003

Skills

Process Improvement

Analytical

Communication

Research

Firearms Proficiency

Counterintelligence

Surveillance Tactics

Surveillance Technology

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 special agent 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

Junior Special Agent, US Army Corps of Engineers Washington, D.C.

September 2021 – June 2022

Prepear and serve subpeonas.
Exicute search warrents
Maintan knowledge of current laws and regulatons.

Education

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

Cybersecurity Certificate, July, 2021

Skills

Database Management

Technical

Innovation

Critical Thinking

Physical Fitness

Firearms Proficiency

Tactical Planning

Emergency Response

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.

special agent Cover Letter Example

A cover letter can be a valuable addition to your job application when applying for an special agent 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.

Lead Special Agent
US Navy
Washington, D.C.

Greetings US Navy Recruitment Team

I am excited to apply for the Lead Special Agent role at US Navy. As a highly skilled Special Agent, I am confident that I have the necessary experience and abilities to make a valuable contribution to your organization.

Throughout my life, I have pursued my passion for Intelligence Analysis and sought out opportunities to learn and grow. My experience in Law Enforcement & Military & Security has given me valuable skills such as Documentation and Collaboration that have allowed me to improve professionally and personally. I am excited to bring these skills and my passion as a Special Agent to the position and work with a team of like-minded individuals to achieve our common goals.

Thank you for considering my application for the Lead Special Agent role. I am very passionate about this field and possess a deep understanding of the industry so, I am thrilled about the opportunity to contribute to your organization's success.

Thank you for your time,
Nate Parker
785-013-5094
[email protected]

Nate Parker

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