Your resume is a tool to convince the reader that you are prepared to fulfill the requirements of the job and are a good fit for the organization. Of all the different parts of a resume, the skills section is one of the sections with the most impact. A resume skills section is a list of skills you have that are relevant to the employer and the position. It is commonly presented in table format with short descriptive phrases explaining how you are prepared for the work and enabling the reader to see you in the role. Creating an effective police officer resume means writing a resume skills section that clearly demonstrates that you have the skills required to perform well in the field.
Should You Include a Skills Section in Your Police Officer Resume?
Choosing to include a skills section in your police officer resume lets the reader quickly see skills that match the job description and are required in police work. A career as a police officer involves a unique set of skills that are not required in other professions, such as having knowledge of all state and city laws. Writing a resume skills section for a police officer resume is the perfect place to highlight skills relevant to police work, from managing high-stress situations involving crime to quickly and diffusing disputes between citizens.
What to Include in a Police Officer Resume Skills Section
When writing a resume skills section for a police officer position, state the skills you have that a police officer needs and a police department requires of its officers. List skills that are most relevant first and then ones that you that you feel are your strongest assets. Describe specific skill sets as well as applicable soft skills without using punctuation like periods at the end of phrases. Employers prefer candidates who have some education or training in law enforcement and related areas, such as criminal justice, security enforcement or police ethics.
There are various ways to format a resume skills section, but one of the most common is to present skills in a table format. Use at least three to four items per column, but try to limit items to no more than 15 items total. The goal is to represent as close a match as possible between your skills and the job requirements, but also create a list that is easy to read and scan through.
Remember that skills are different from degrees and education, so rather than listing security enforcement certification when writing a resume skills section, include specific tasks such as security procedures and firearm use. Place your skills section in the top third of your resume in order for the reader to see them before reading the bulk of the resume with work experience.
Example of a Great Police Officer Resume Skills Section
The following example of a police officer’s skills section can be used as a starting point when writing your own skills section. In the following example, the candidate balances his skills with personal traits in order to come across as well-rounded and adaptable.
Facilities Securities Procedures
Firearms Proficiency
Crisis Negotiator
Self-Defense Expert
Strong Judgment
Courageous and Responsible
Collaborative and Engaging
Observational Skills
Empathetic and Compassionate
Self-starter
Criminal Investigator
Witness and Victim Interviewer
Multitasker
Assertive and Caring
Written and Verbal Communication
When writing a resume skills section for your police officer resume, you may find the resources on the LiveCareer website valuable, such as resume tips and examples.
Be sure to check out more helpful resume formats and cover letter formats !
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