An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) scans resumes for keywords, dates, and standard section headers. It ranks resumes by relevance, so missing key words can keep you out of the interview pool.

For an Investigator role, ATS looks for terms like "case management", "evidence collection", "interviewing", "surveillance", "chain of custody", "witness statements", "background checks", "forensic analysis", "report writing", "risk assessment", "surveillance planning", "CPI" and licenses such as "Private Investigator" or "CFE". Use the exact terms that appear in job postings.

Best practices:

• Use standard section titles: "Work Experience", "Education", "Skills", "Certifications".
• Include job-specific keywords naturally in bullets and skills.
• Avoid tables, columns, headers, footers, images, and text boxes.
• Use readable fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
• Save as .docx or simple PDF. Keep design minimal.

Keep job entries clear. Start bullets with action verbs like "Conducted", "Collected", "Interviewed". Quantify when you can, such as "Processed 120 case files".

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Using creative synonyms instead of the exact keywords in the posting.
• Relying on layout to show dates or roles, such as hiding info in headers.
• Omitting critical tools or certifications, like surveillance software names or a PI license.

Follow these rules and you increase your chances that a hiring manager sees your experience. Keep it clear, keyword-focused, and simple.

Pick a clean, professional template that highlights your case work and investigative skills. Use a reverse-chronological layout so employers see your recent investigations first. This layout reads well and parses reliably for applicant tracking systems.

Keep length tight. One page usually fits early or mid-career investigators. Use two pages only if you have many relevant cases, certifications, or litigation support roles.

Choose ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Georgia. Use 10–12pt for body text and 14–16pt for section headers. Maintain consistent line spacing and margins so each section breathes.

List standard headings: Contact, Summary, Experience, Investigations or Case Highlights, Education, Certifications, Tools (e.g., databases, digital forensics), and Clearances if you have them. Put measurable outcomes in bullet points, such as case resolutions and evidence findings.

Avoid fancy columns, heavy graphics, or unusual fonts. They can break parsing and distract hiring managers. Keep bold and italic use limited to headers and key results.

Common mistakes include cluttered layouts, tiny font to squeeze too much in, and vague bullets. Use active verbs like 'led', 'uncovered', and 'documented'. Tailor keywords to the job post, such as 'surveillance', 'chain of custody', or 'interviewing'.

Writing a tailored cover letter matters for an Investigator role. You show how your experience fits the job. You also show real interest in the employer.

Start with a clear header that lists your contact details, the hiring manager's name if you have it, and the date.

Opening Paragraph

State the Investigator title you want. Say where you saw the posting. Name one strong qualification that matches the job.

Body Paragraphs

• Connect your work to the role. Describe one or two investigations you led. Include methods or tools you used, like interviews, records review, or data analysis.
• Mention specific skills. Use examples such as case management, evidence collection, report writing, or chain-of-custody handling.
• Show outcomes. Give numbers when you can, like reduced case backlog by 30% or closed 50 investigations in a year.
• Highlight soft skills. Note problem solving, attention to detail, and teamwork.

Tailor each paragraph to the employer. Use keywords from the job description. Mirror language the employer uses when you can.

Closing Paragraph

Reiterate interest in the Investigator role and the company. State confidence in your ability to contribute. Ask for a meeting or interview. Thank the reader for their time.

Tone and style matter. Keep your voice professional, direct, and friendly. Write like you are talking to one person. Use short sentences and active verbs. Edit out extra words. Avoid generic templates and repeat details from your resume only when they add context.

When you apply for Investigator roles, every detail on your resume matters. Recruiters look for clear case outcomes, chain-of-custody care, and legal compliance.

Small mistakes can cost interviews. Use plain language, concrete results, and the right keywords to show you can handle investigations.

If you work as an Investigator, your resume must show analytical thinking, case outcomes, and trustworthiness.

These FAQs and tips help you highlight investigations, evidence handling, and relevant credentials clearly and directly.