How to write a military or law enforcement resume in 5 steps

From extensive and intense training to gaining field experience, there is a lot that goes into becoming a military or law enforcement professional. Unlike other career paths, this field of work requires you to have completed specific training programs and meet set physical standards to qualify for the job.

In this guide, we will discuss 5 key steps to writing an effective resume as a member of military or law enforcement personnel. Keep reading to learn the following steps:

• Choose a resume format that fits your rank or experience level
• Write a resume summary that captures your professional goals and values
• Include both technical and interpersonal skills to show your range of abilities
• Create a work experience section that emphasizes your accomplishments
• List your education and training credentials properly

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1. Choose a resume format that fits your rank or experience level

When writing your military or law enforcement resume, you need to consider what level of experience and rank you hold.

There are 3 main options for resume formatting:

• Reverse-Chronological: A resume focused almost entirely on work experience. This format is good for professionals of a higher rank (2nd Lieutenant and up) who have multiple years of experience to highlight and describe.
• Functional: The functional resume focuses on education, training, and skills. This format works well for applicants who have recently graduated or completed training and have not yet had the chance to work in formal positions.
• Hybrid: A hybrid resume combines elements of both of the above formats. It spreads the focus more evenly between all sections.

For high-rank positions in the military or law enforcement, you may need to opt for a longer form resume known as the Curriculum Vitae, or CV.

A CV is typically used for job applications in the fields of academia or science. Military careers can cover a wide range of industries – including academic and scientific positions. If you are applying for a role in one of these fields, the CV gives you the best opportunity to fully describe your ranks, awards, recognitions, and experience.

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2. Write a resume summary that captures your professional goals and values

A resume summary is a brief statement at the beginning of the document that introduces the applicants and their skills to an employer.

While not a required element of a resume, the resume summary can be a powerful tool when used correctly. A well-written summary will hook the attention of the reader – in this case, an employer – and compel them to read the rest of the resume and consider the applicant for the interview stage.

Here is an example of a weak resume summary, followed by a correction and explanation:

Why is this Incorrect?

This example is very vague and offers little valuable insight into the applicant’s skills or accomplishments. By adding more context and detail to this summary, the applicant can create a statement that is much more compelling and reflective of their values.

Why is this Correct?

This example offers the employer a much higher level of detail, including detailing the applicant’s area of expertise (community relations). Along with listing an award they earned, they provide reason and explanation for how that award was earned.

3. Include both technical and interpersonal skills to show your range of abilities

Working in law enforcement or the military is a highly technical career; however, this does not mean you should overlook your interpersonal abilities on a resume. Interpersonal skills on a resume show you understand the importance of not just knowing how to handle yourself but how to work effectively with others as well.

Below we have listed many examples of both technical and interpersonal skills in the realms of military and law enforcement:

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Security Guard Resume Example

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4. Create a work experience section that emphasizes your accomplishments

As a military or law enforcement professional, your first and primary goal is protecting the citizens of your county, city, and country. In your work experience section, it is important to reflect your commitment to this goal by highlighting the key responsibilities and accomplishments you’ve had in a position.

5. List your education and training credentials properly

Listing your education and training as a military or law enforcement professional can be tricky, as there are many components to both your education and training.

When including these items on your resume, always be sure to include:

• The name of the degree, rank, license, or other certification you earned
• The name of the school, military base, or other institution you attended
• The date of completion (& date of expiration for certain licenses and certifications)

Additionally, you should include key academic credentials such as if you were a part of a university ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) program or if you attended a police academy. In some cases, you may even want to separate training into its own dedicated section