Skills for Detectives and Criminal Investigators
The skills, knowledge, and tools that matter most for detectives and criminal investigators, ranked by O*NET importance — so you know what to lead with on your resume.
What to lead with
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software as in-demand technologies for this role.
Top skills (ranked by importance)
O*NET importance score in parentheses (1–5).
- 1.Active Listening4.38
- 2.Speaking4.25
- 3.Critical Thinking4.12
- 4.Reading Comprehension3.88
- 5.Active Learning3.5
- 6.Writing3.38
- 7.Monitoring3.38
- 8.Learning Strategies2.75
- 9.Mathematics2.25
- 10.Science1.88
Show these skills on your resume for Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Honest tailoring
See how your resume lines up with Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Refit re-angles your real experience toward this role using the skills above — and never invents skills you don't have. A no-fabrication gate checks every change before you see it.
Free. No account needed to see your first re-fit.
Knowledge areas
- Law and Government
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Psychology
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
- Administrative
Core work activities
- Getting Information
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
- Communicating with People Outside the Organization
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Working with Computers
- Processing Information
In-demand tools & technology
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Adobe Photoshop
- Linux
- Microsoft Visio
- SAS
- Structured query language SQL
- AccessData FTK
- Case management software
- Computer aided composite drawing software
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- Crime mapping software
- DataWorks Plus Digital CrimeScene
- DeChant Consulting Services iWitness
- DesignWare 3D EyeWitness
- Digital Image Management Solutions Crime Scene