Private Investigator Resume Template

A finished one-page private investigator resume with the duties, tools and credentials employers look for. Download it as Word or PDF, print it, or change every line in the builder.

Edit in the builder

Names, employers and dates on the sample are invented. Duties and software come from O*NET 31.0; credentials were checked against the sources listed below.

Licenses and certifications

  • Private Investigator License State licensing board Required in most states

Sources: www.bls.gov

Licensing rules differ by state; check with your state board before you apply.

Skills to list

  • Surveillance Techniques
  • Background Checks
  • Skip Tracing
  • Interviewing Witnesses
  • Case File Documentation
  • Public Records Research
  • Report Writing
  • Court Testimony

Software and tools

  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • LexisNexis
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Web browser software
  • Email software

Duties to describe on a private investigator resume

  • Wrote reports or case summaries to document investigations.
  • Conducted private investigations on a paid basis.
  • Searched computer databases, credit reports, public records, tax or legal filings, or other resources to locate persons or to compile information for investigations.
  • Conducted personal background investigations, such as pre-employment checks, to obtain information about an individual's character, financial status, or personal history.
  • Exposed fraudulent insurance claims or stolen funds.
  • Obtained and analyzed information on suspects, crimes, or disturbances to solve cases, to identify criminal activity, or to gather information for court cases.

Titles along the way

  1. Private Investigator Trainee
  2. Private Investigator
  3. Senior/Lead Investigator

Your salary range

Pick where you work and how long you have done it. The range comes from the published wage percentiles for this job.

Experience
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When they ask “What are your salary expectations?”

An estimate from survey percentiles, not an offer. Employer, industry, shift and credentials move pay within and beyond this range. Full wage page for this job →

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