A career in law enforcement can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be physically and mentally exhausting – not to mention dangerous. After years on the force, you may be ready for a change and looking for a second career. Fortunately, through the nature of the job, police officers have a multitude of transferable skills that can prove beneficial in other lines of work.
If you’re looking at staying in security or a related field, some good options may be:
- Security officer
- Parole officer
- Loss Prevention
- Investigator
- Cybersecurity
If you want to transition out of law enforcement, you may explore jobs such as:
- Emergency management
- General management
- Community outreach
- Mediator
- Victim advocate
Some of these positions may require additional training or certifications, but you would already have a strong foundation from which to start.
Structuring Your Resume for the Corporate World
A big step in changing careers is setting up your resume to align with positions other than that of a police officer. Take some time to think about how your skills and experiences could be relevant in other settings. Use terms that people outside of the force would understand.
Not sure where to start? Here are a few transferable skills to consider:
Conflict Resolution: De-escalating tense situations and negotiating with others to come to a mutually agreeable solution are skills desirable in many fields.
Problem Solving: As a police officer, you have to think on your feet and make sound decisions quickly. You are able to analyze a situation while maintaining a calm, professional demeanor and also listen to multiple sides of a story before coming to a conclusion.
Public Speaking: Talking to people from all walks of life is commonplace, and you know how to relate to different people. This can be beneficial when leading meetings, consulting with clients, or communicating with the public.
Analytical Skills: Law enforcement personnel tend to be very attuned to details and recognizing when something is off. These are great skills to have when trying to prevent problems, develop strategic plans, and identify opportunities for improvement.
Leadership: Police tend to be good at taking charge and influencing others while remaining tactful. They understand the chain of command, know how to delegate, and can achieve results.
Documentation: Whenever there is an incident, investigation, or interaction, taking accurate and detailed notes is required. Strong written communication skills and organization can be beneficial in many different fields.
Focus on how you can position your accomplishments in a way that makes you a good fit for a career change, such as:
- Training or mentoring new hires.
- Organizing events.
- Investigating incidents.
- Putting safety procedures in place.
- Helping in the community.
- Coordinating an action plan following an emergency.
- Educating or inspiring young adults.
- Advocating for change.
Talk with family and friends who can give you a different perspective and help you see your strengths and skills in a new light. Working with a professional resume writer can enable you to effectively position yourself for a career change and show potential employers what you have to offer. If you’re ready to retire from law enforcement and embark on a second career, contact Grammar Chic to polish up your resume. Get started by calling (803) 831-7444 or emailing resumewriting@grammarchic.net.
