Correctional Officer Resume Example & Writing Guide

Correctional Officer Resume Sample

Personal Summary

A highly committed and driven Correctional Officer with over 5 years of successful experience in the field. Strong communication skills, ability to handle critical situations, and keep a watchful eye on the inmates, ensuring their safety and security. Proficient in several security tactics and emergency procedures, always prepared to respond to any situation that may arise, and committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment.

Professional Experience

Correctional Officer, XYZ State Prison, Los Angeles, CA

June 2018 – Present
- Responsible for maintaining custody, control, and care of inmates.
- Provided a secure and safe living and working environment for inmates and staff by enforcing policies and procedures.
- Maintained peace and control of the housing units and mitigated inmate disruptions and conflicts.
- Escorted inmates to and from various locations throughout the prison, including court appearances and medical appointments.
- Conducted visual searches of inmates and their belongings.
- Provided inmates with crisis counseling and support when necessary.
Correctional Officer, ABC County Jail, San Francisco, CA

March 2015 – June 2018
- Monitored daily activities of inmates and ensured their safety and well-being.
- Conducted hourly counts of inmates and documented all activities and events that occurred during the shift.
- Supervised inmate movement and provided necessary security during inmate activities.
- Participated in emergency response procedures and maintained control of potentially violent situations.
- Assisted with the processing of new inmates and conducted intake screenings.

Education and Certifications

Associate Degree in Criminal Justice, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
California State Correctional Officer Certification
Certified in Crisis Intervention
Certified in First Aid and CPR

Expert Tip

Focus on Hard Skills

While soft skills are important, hard skills are often what get you hired. Prioritize showcasing hard skills that align with the job description.

Correctional Officer Resume Writing Guide

Introduction

Writing a strong Correctional Officer resume is critical to landing your dream job in this competitive field. As a Correctional Officer, your job is to keep the peace, maintain order, and establish a safe and secure environment within a correctional facility. Your resume should highlight your skills and experience that demonstrate your ability to excel in this role.

Formatting and Layout

When it comes to formatting and layout, keep it simple and professional. Use a standard font and consistent formatting throughout your resume. Keep your resume to one page, and use bullet points to make it easy to read.

Use clear section headings, such as "Objective," "Skills," "Experience," and "Education."
Use a reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent experience first.
Include dates of employment, job titles, company or organization names, and job duties for each position you've held.

Objective

Your objective should be clear and specific. It should state the position you're applying for and highlight your strengths and qualifications. Keep it concise and easy to read.

Example: Seeking a Correctional Officer position where I can utilize my extensive experience in maintaining order and security within a correctional facility.

Skills

List your relevant skills, including both hard and soft skills. These skills should be directly related to the position you're applying for. Highlight any certifications or specialized training you have that set you apart from other candidates.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Expertise in inmate management and security systems
Strong understanding of laws and regulations governing correctional facilities
First aid and CPR certification
Proficiency in conflict resolution and crisis management

Experience

Your experience section should list your previous employment, job duties, and accomplishments. Focus on your experience that is most relevant to the position you're applying for. Use strong action verbs to describe your accomplishments and be specific about your impact.

Example: Managed and supervised a caseload of 100 inmates, maintaining order and discipline through effective communication and strict enforcement of facility policies
Example: Conducted thorough searches of inmates and their cells, confiscating contraband and maintaining a safe and secure environment for staff and inmates

Education

List your education, including any degrees, certifications, or training programs you've completed. Include the name of the institution, degree or certification earned, and graduation date.

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, XYZ University, 2014
Correctional Officer Training Academy, ABC Law Enforcement Academy, 2015

Conclusion

Writing a correctional officer resume can be challenging, but by following these guidelines you can make sure your resume stands out. Highlight your skills, experience, and accomplishments in a clear and concise format. With a strong resume, you will be one step closer to landing your dream job as a Correctional Officer.

Common Resume Writing Mistake

Lack of Keywords

With many companies using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that scan for specific keywords, failing to include these keywords could result in your resume being overlooked.

Fire Marshal
Forensic Nurse
Forensic Psychologist
Public Safety Officer
Security Dispatcher
Police Chief
Intelligence Specialist
Safety Coordinator
Forensic Specialist
Deployment Technician