Private Investigator Resume Example and Template
Private investigator resumes must demonstrate surveillance proficiency, research capability, and case resolution success. Include types of investigations handled, case closure rates, client satisfaction, and relevant certifications. Investigative agencies and law firms look for personnel with strong observation skills, attention to detail, and ethical judgment.
Hiring managers scan for investigative certifications and licenses first, then case types handled and resolution rates. Experience in law enforcement, legal investigation, or specialized surveillance demonstrates investigative foundation and credibility.
A complete, realistic Private Investigator resume, laid out in an ATS-tested template. The candidate is illustrative: the name, employers and figures were written for this example and identify no real person, so you can copy its structure and wording freely.
Updated September 2026
Also searched as
Senior Investigator, Investigator
Leo Castellano: Private Investigator
Los Angeles, California, United States
Summary
Private investigator with 8 years handling civil investigations, background checks, and surveillance operations. Managed 85+ active cases with 92% resolution rate. Conducted 450+ hours of surveillance across infidelity, fraud, and skip trace investigations. Maintained 100% client satisfaction rating. Licensed by California Department of Justice and certified in advanced investigation techniques.
Work Experience
Senior Investigator, Castellano Investigations
Jan 2021 – Present. Independent private investigation firm
- Managed 85+ active civil investigations including infidelity, fraud, and asset investigations with 92% resolution rate
- Conducted 450+ hours of surveillance operations, documenting evidence and activities for legal proceedings
- Interviewed witnesses and subjects, collecting statements and building investigative records
- Maintained 100% client satisfaction rating and received referrals for 40% of new business
Private Investigator, Guardian Investigations Inc.
Jun 2018 – Dec 2020. Full-service investigation agency serving law firms and corporate clients
- Conducted background checks and investigations for corporate clients, completing 60+ cases annually
- Performed surveillance operations, photographing and documenting activities for litigation support
- Researched public records, financial documents, and digital information for case development
- Testified as expert witness in depositions regarding investigative findings and methodology
Investigator, Los Angeles Police Department
Sep 2015 – May 2018. Municipal police department
- Completed police detective training and advanced investigation coursework
- Assisted in criminal investigations, developing foundation in evidence collection and witness interviews
- Decided to transition to private investigation for civil case specialization
- Obtained California private investigator license and completed required 6,000 hours investigation
Education
California Department of Justice
Private Investigator License, Investigation. Jan 2018 – Jun 2018
Los Angeles Police Academy
Police Academy Certification, Law Enforcement. Jun 2015 – Nov 2015
Skills
Surveillance operations, Background research, Interview techniques, Evidence collection, Public records research, Digital investigation, Photography and documentation, Case management, Report writing, Testimony preparation
Languages
English, Spanish
Certificates and Awards
- California Private Investigator License, California Department of Justice, 2018
- Advanced Investigation Techniques, National Association of Investigators, 2020
Why this look works
Clients hire a private investigator on discretion and trust as much as skill, so this template keeps its visual tone understated rather than flashy, letting your license, resolution rate, and case range speak for themselves. Its restrained structure reflects the same professional discretion your casework requires.
Resume tips for this job
- Always include your private investigator license prominently. This is your legal credential. Include the issuing state and renewal status.
- List your case resolution rate. This is the primary metric agencies and law firms evaluate investigators on. Include client satisfaction ratings if available.
- Specify the types of investigations you handle: civil, criminal background, fraud, infidelity, skip tracing, or corporate investigations. Different case types require different expertise.
- Include any law enforcement background. Police or military investigation experience lends credibility and demonstrates investigative foundation.
Common questions
A past client would probably give me a reference. Can I name them on my resume?
Only with their explicit permission, and even then keep it to a references-available-on-request line rather than printing names in the body of the resume. Most PI engagement contracts include confidentiality clauses that outlast the case itself. Describe case types and outcomes in aggregate instead.
How do I show specialization if I handle diverse case types?
List the range of cases you handle but note any specialization. If you've focused on fraud or infidelity investigations, highlight those. You can note that you handle civil, corporate, and personal investigations broadly. Diversity shows capability; specialization shows expertise.
What if my resolution rate isn't perfect?
Report your actual rate honestly. Not all cases are resolvable, especially skip traces. If your rate is lower, contextualize it: you may handle more difficult case types or longer investigations. Focus on client satisfaction, evidence quality, and investigative integrity instead of raw closure rates.