RESUME MISTAKES
Stop Losing CSI Jobs to Resume Mistakes
Identify and correct the critical errors that keep hiring managers from seeing your forensic expertise.
How This Page Helps
This page helps Crime Scene Investigators recognize frequent resume pitfalls, understand their impact, and apply proven fixes to create an ATS‑friendly, compelling document that showcases forensic expertise.
Learn the 5 most damaging CSI resume errors
Understand why each mistake hurts your candidacy
Step‑by‑step fixes with real‑world examples
ATS optimization tips specific to forensic labs
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Using Generic Job Titles Instead of Specific CSI RolesHIGH
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can’t quickly see your forensic focus
- ATS may not match your resume to CSI‑specific keywords
- Reduces perceived expertise in crime scene work
How to fix
- Replace vague titles like "Investigator" with "Crime Scene Investigator" or "Forensic Evidence Technician"
- Add the department or agency name for context
- Include any specialization such as "DNA Evidence Analyst"
❌ Before
Investigator, City Police Department, 2018‑2022
✓ After
Crime Scene Investigator – Forensic Evidence Unit, City Police Department, 2018‑2022
ATS Tip
Match the exact title used in the job posting; include common industry terms like "CSI" and "Forensic Analyst"
Detection Rules
Title does not contain "Crime Scene" or "Forensic"
Job title length < 3 words
Resumly Tip
Swap generic titles for precise CSI terminology to boost relevance.
Failing to Quantify Impact of InvestigationsMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Numbers make achievements tangible for recruiters
- ATS often scans for metrics like "cases solved" or "evidence processed"
- Without data, your contributions appear vague
How to fix
- Add specific metrics (e.g., number of scenes processed, evidence items cataloged)
- Highlight reductions in processing time or improvements in chain‑of‑custody compliance
- Use action verbs followed by quantifiable results
❌ Before
Collected and processed evidence at multiple crime scenes.
✓ After
Collected and processed evidence for 45 crime scenes, cataloging 1,200 items with 100% chain‑of‑custody integrity, reducing turnaround time by 15%.
ATS Tip
Include keywords such as "evidence processed", "cases handled", and numeric values
Detection Rules
Bullet points lack numbers or percentages
No mention of case count or evidence volume
Resumly Tip
Insert concrete figures to turn duties into achievements.
Omitting Critical Certifications and TrainingHIGH
Why it hurts
- Many labs require certifications like CCE or ATF training
- ATS filters often look for specific credential keywords
- Absence suggests a gap in required qualifications
How to fix
- Create a dedicated Certifications section
- List certifications with issuing organization and date (e.g., Certified Crime Scene Examiner – IAI, 2021)
- Include relevant trainings such as "Advanced DNA Extraction"
❌ Before
Education: B.S. Criminal Justice, State University
✓ After
Certifications: Certified Crime Scene Examiner (CCE) – International Association for Identification, 2021; Advanced DNA Extraction Training – FBI Laboratory, 2022
ATS Tip
Use exact certification names; avoid abbreviations unless widely recognized
Detection Rules
No Certifications heading
Missing keywords like "Certified Crime Scene Examiner"
Resumly Tip
Add a Certifications section to showcase required credentials.
Using Unstandardized Date and Location FormatsLOW
Why it hurts
- ATS may misinterpret non‑standard dates, causing parsing errors
- Hiring managers struggle to scan timelines quickly
- Inconsistent formats look unprofessional
How to fix
- Standardize dates to MM/YYYY
- List locations as City, State
- Apply the same format across all experience entries
❌ Before
June 2019 – Present, Los Angeles, CA
✓ After
06/2019 – Present, Los Angeles, CA
ATS Tip
Consistent MM/YYYY dates improve ATS parsing accuracy
Detection Rules
Date includes month name
Location includes zip code
Resumly Tip
Adopt MM/YYYY and City, State for all entries.
Overloading the Resume with Unrelated SkillsMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Dilutes focus on forensic expertise
- ATS may prioritize irrelevant keywords
- Recruiters may question your fit for a CSI role
How to fix
- Trim soft‑skill lists to those directly relevant (e.g., attention to detail, chain‑of‑custody management)
- Create a targeted Key Skills section with forensic terms
- Remove generic office software unless specifically required
❌ Before
Key Skills: Microsoft Office, Customer Service, Team Leadership, Data Entry, Forensic Photography
✓ After
Key Skills: Crime Scene Documentation, Evidence Collection, Chain‑of‑Custody Management, Forensic Photography, DNA Extraction Techniques
ATS Tip
Prioritize forensic‑specific keywords; keep the list under 12 items
Detection Rules
Skill list contains >8 non‑forensic items
Includes unrelated software like "PowerPoint" without context
Resumly Tip
Focus your skills list on forensic competencies to align with job requirements.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Key Skills, Professional Experience, Education, Certifications, Professional Affiliations
Naming: FirstName_LastName_CSI_Resume
Consistency
Length: 1-2 pages
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use the exact title "Crime Scene Investigator" or a close variant
- Quantify every major responsibility with numbers or percentages
- Include a Certifications section with CCE, ATF, or DNA training
- Standardize all dates to MM/YYYY and locations to City, State
- Limit soft skills to forensic‑relevant items
- Save the final file as PDF with a clear naming convention
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Taleo, Workday, Greenhouse
Keyword Strategy: evidence collection, chain of custody, forensic analysis, crime scene documentation, DNA extraction, forensic photography, CCE certification
Heading Format: Use standard headings: Professional Summary, Key Skills, Professional Experience, Education, Certifications
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current Crime Scene Investigator resume text below
- Replace generic titles with specific CSI titles
- Add quantifiable results to each bullet
- Insert missing certifications and training
- Standardize dates and locations
- Refine the Key Skills list to forensic terms
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