Getting the Job: How to Write a Masterpiece of a Resume

You want to be a crime analyst, investigative analyst, intelligence analyst, police analyst - whatever the law enforcement analyst title - and you will need a great resume for your job search. Student or seasoned professional, the best resume is key to getting in the door to your future place of employment.

You can get professional guidance on writing your resume through a variety of sources - books, articles, college business centers, and even by hiring someone to help you.

How to Write a Masterpiece of a Resume is posted online by the Rockford Institute. It is a good guide to resume writing- here is an excerpt:

"DO

• Sell yourself – first and foremost.
• Always bear in mind the needs of your customer – the employer. What do they need to know to assess that you’re right for the job and will deliver for them?
• Customize your resume for each job application.
• Use keywords selected with your prospective employer in mind.
• Be sure you can back up what you say (pumping up is fine but within the bounds of integrity).
• Use dynamic, high-energy language.
• Tighten up sentences where you can. Space is at a premium.
• Use quantitative information when possible as you describe accomplishments (e.g., ($1 million portfolio, increased sales 30%, double revenues).
• Look at everything you’ve written in your resume and add action verbs wherever possible.
• Make your resume long enough to include all relevant information.
• Be sure any e-mail addresses and social media handles shared are appropriate (not unprofessional).
• Use the same version of your professional “screen name” consistently.

DON’T

• Be unduly modest. You are selling yourself, period.
• Wing it. Real preparation and homework is required – no matter how lucky you’ve been in the past.
• Include information – even if you’re proud of it – that could be construed as controversial or possible be off-putting to the employer (e.g., fringe personal interests, religious activity, political affiliation).
• List everything you’ve ever done. It’s better to leave an employer a little curious and more apt to interview you.
• Include salary information. It is appropriate for you to provide this information only when asked.
• Mention reasons for leaving jobs. You can have tactful, professional reasons ready for interviews.
• Include references. Provide them when requested, and be sure your references know that an inquiry is on the way.
• Try to be funny or cute – no matter how great your personality, these things don’t translate on paper.
• Include every single piece of information about yourself – this is not your resume’s job. If the employer wants to know more about you, they’ll ask you for an interview.
• Get wordy. Don’t use three examples when one will suffice.
• Be hyperbolic. Don’t use more than one power word or adjective in one sentence.
• Underestimate the power of reading the job posting carefully and doing all of your homework. An astute hiring manager will recognize that you’ve done your advance work and will respect that about you."

Good luck!!!!