Border Patrol Agent Resume: Step by Step Guide & Real Examples
As a Border Patrol Agent, you’re an expert in ensuring the limits of the country remain safe and rules are followed. If this isn’t translating to resume writing, use our ready-made resume templates to ensure your job application doesn’t get stuck on the other side of the border.
Border Patrol Resume Example MSWord®
Download our CBP Rsume template in Word format to impress recruiters.
Secure your dream job as a Border Patrol Agent with a strong, professional resume.
Whether you’re an experienced agent or just starting out, our guide will help you create a standout document that showcases your skills and qualifications.
Get expert insights on:
- Essential keywords and action verbs to include
- Effective layout and formatting
- Writing a compelling career objective or summary
- Highlighting key accomplishments and skills
Follow our expert advice to create a Border Patrol Agent resume that opens doors to a successful career in law enforcement.
Try our AI-powered resume builder to get started. You’ll get personalized suggestions and expert tips to build the perfect resume.
Border Patrol Agent Resume Sample
You might use these examples as a sort of border patrol agent resume template if needed!
[Charles Maynard]
[Law Enforcement Officer]
[San Diego, CA 91911 | 619-555-0980 | marnabramsAMHQ@randomemail.com]
>> Summary <<
Accomplished, motivated law enforcement professional with a solid background in public security, as well as customs and immigration laws. Extensive training in weapons handling, drug detection, cargo inspection, and criminal detention. Knowledge of electronic surveillance systems, tracking systems, and radio communication equipment.
>> Skills <<
- Leadership
- Public safety
- Observational
- Attention to detail
- Communication
- Criminal law
- Community policing
- Search and seizure
- Active shooter training
- Firearms training
- Team management
- Defensive tactics
- CCTV and Security Camera monitoring
>> Experience <<
Border Patrol Processing Coordinator
11/2023 to Present
Ortay Border Patrol Station, El Cajon, CA
- Provided transportation of detainees to medical facilities for wellness checkups and/or medical care for injuries or illnesses and to court proceedings for immigration status.
- Oversaw care of detained migrants, including storing and tracking of personal possessions and logging details about health conditions into CBP system.
- Generated administrative paperwork for the processing of detainees, detailing the transportation of migrants and deportation information when applicable.
- Conducted frequent welfare checks of detained migrants and their families which included visual inspections of detainee cells.
Police Officer
03/2021 to 10/2023
San Diego Police Department, CA
- Patrolled assigned areas consisting of homes and businesses to note any possible disturbances.
- Responded to domestic disturbances, business alarms, and disturbances in public areas.
- Completed arrests for law violations, transported individuals to precinct holding cells, submitted administrative paperwork.
- Served warrants and subpoenas.
- Investigated traffic accidents, completed and submitted accident detail reports, conducted traffic around accident sites, and arranged for transportation of disabled vehicles.
Security Guard
07/2019 to 02/2021
Maynard Supplies, Chula Vista, CA
- Maintained log of visitors and distributed visitors’ passes.
- Observed inside areas and parking lot via security cameras.
- Patrolled interior and exterior property on foot and in company security vehicle.
- Assisted investigators in providing reports and observations to expedite investigations into on-site incidents.
- Ensured adherence to all federal and local safety regulations.
>> Education <<
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, 2020
California State University, Los Angeles
Master of Science in Homeland Security, 2023
San Diego State University, CA
>> Certifications, Training, and Memberships <<
- Member: Fraternal Order of Police
- Human Trafficking Training, 2022
- Traffic Accident Specialist, 2021
- First Aid/CPR, 2019
With a resume for Border Patrol Agent such as this, there are few professional borders that you will be unable to cross.
Entry-level Border Patrol resume example
If you are just starting out in your career, consider how you can leverage other experiences, such as internships and part-time jobs, as seen in the example below.
[John Doe]
[Entry-Level Border Patrol Agent]
[Anytown, TX 75001 | (123) 456-7890 | johndoe@email.com]
Summary
Dedicated and detail-oriented recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, seeking an entry-level position as a Border Patrol Agent. Possess strong analytical skills and a commitment to upholding national security. Adept at working in high-pressure environments and equipped with excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
Skills
- Bilingual: English and Spanish
- Strong observational skills
- Physical fitness and endurance
- Quick decision-making
- Team collaboration
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Basic database management
Education
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Graduated: May 2024
- Relevant Coursework: Homeland Security, Criminal Law, Investigation Techniques
Experience
Intern, Department of Homeland Security
Austin, TX
June 2023 – August 2023
- Assisted senior officers in data compilation and analysis for border security operations.
- Participated in community outreach programs to educate the public on border safety.
- Conducted research on illegal trafficking trends to support strategic planning.
Campus Security Officer (Part-time)
University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
September 2022 – May 2024
- Patrolled campus grounds to ensure safety and security for students and staff.
- Responded promptly to incidents and coordinated with local law enforcement as needed.
- Maintained detailed logs of daily activities and incident reports.
Certifications
- Basic Firearms Training Certificate, 2023
- First Aid and CPR Certified, 2022
References
- Available upon request.
The Most Effective Border Patrol Agent Resume Format
When creating a Border Patrol Agent resume, the format should be tailored to your level of experience. Follow these guidelines:
- Choose the resume structure based on experience:
- Seasoned Border Patrol Agents: List work experience first, followed by education and skills.
- Candidates with no experience: List skills and education before work history.
- Follow layout guidelines:
- Maintain proper white space for readability.
- Use a font size between 10-point and 12-point.
- Opt for bulleted lists instead of paragraphs to outline job experience, skills, and achievements.
- Adhere to the federal resume format:
- Expect to provide 4-6 pages for a federal position, compared to the typical one to two pages for non-federal roles.
In any case, check out our helpful resume templates if you’re struggling with any format issues.
Border Patrol Agent Resume Career Objective
What if you have yet to patrol a border, secure any premises, or uphold the law in any way?
No problem! You’ll merely create a Border Patrol Agent resume with no experience. In this case, you would include a career objective rather than a summary.
Like this:
Objective
To obtain a Border Patrol Agent position utilizing my observational, communication, and administrative skills in a challenging environment. Strong Spanish fluency, team leadership capability, and desire to enforce border laws and uphold domestic safety.
Or:
Objective
Seeking a position with U.S. Customs and Border Protection that allows me to apply security knowledge and surveillance and communication skills. Ability to speak Spanish fluently and strong decision-making, leadership, and conflict management skills.
While career objectives are still used, summaries are generally preferred by most recruiters and hiring managers because they focus more on how the candidate can meet the company’s needs and contribute to its success, rather than just stating personal career goals.
Take a look at this example of a resume summary:
Summary
Experienced law enforcement professional with a strong background in public safety, criminal law, and community policing. Proven leadership and observational skills, with expertise in search and seizure, active shooter training, and firearms handling. Dedicated to upholding domestic safety and enforcing border laws, with a Master’s degree in Homeland Security and extensive experience in border patrol and police work.
This is a good resume summary because it clearly states the candidate’s profession and relevant background, highlights valuable skills, and shows dedication to the field.
By including relevant education and experience, the summary provides a concise and impactful overview of the candidate’s qualifications, making it more likely to capture the attention of recruiters and hiring managers.
Writing a Strong Border Patrol Agent Work Experience Section
When drafting your Border Patrol Agent resume, make sure to highlight your achievements and responsibilities with clear and concise bullet points.
Do not just list your job duties—include specific accomplishments that showcase your value, such as drug seizures, curbed criminal activity, or successful investigations.
And remember, as a Border Patrol Agent, you’ll likely need to submit a federal resume, which requires highly detailed descriptions of all your duties and responsibilities.
Aim for 4-6 pages and take the time to get it right – anything less, and you risk coming across as an underachiever. Showcase your skills and experience in the best possible light to stand out.
Effective Border Patrol Agent keywords
Be sure to include Border Patrol Agent resume keywords culled from job postings when you can. This will help your resume stand out when hiring managers track resumes through an ATS.
Some keywords you might focus on for a Border Patrol Agent resume include: “patrol,” “public safety,” “observe,” “surveillance,” “interrogate,” “homeland security,” “investigate,” “detect,” “emergency response,” “protect,” “identify,” and “conflict management.”
💡 top tip
Always start off each bullet point in your work history with Border Patrol Agent resume action verbs.
Example with work experience
First, we’ll see an entry written for a candidate who already has experience working as a Border Patrol Agent.
Experience
U.S. Border Patrol McAllen Station
5/2019 – 10/2023
- Conducted surveillance of crossings at checkpoints and completed patrol along 53-miles of border between Texas and Mexico to ensure adherence to federal immigration laws and identify potential criminal attempts of border crossings.
- Ensured U.S. public safety through the successful detention of individuals making attempts at unlawful border crossings, with a 28% reduction in criminal activity in border communities over a four-year period.
- Identified and prevented drug smuggling attempts resulting in apprehension of 700+ pounds of illegal drugs and 120 arrests.
- Provided material witness testimony in criminal drug smuggling cases.
- Processed and submitted detainee paperwork for personal property holding, medical health, transportation, deportation, and immigration status.
Example without experience
You might not yet have had a full-time job to list in the experience section, but don’t forget you can also list work-shadowing, internships, part-time roles, or relevant volunteering.
Here’s an example listing for an entry-level Border Patrol Agent candidate’s resume.
Experience
Border Patrol Intern
University of Texas at Austin, Department of Homeland Security Partnership
January 2023 – May 2023
- Assisted in research projects focused on border security and immigration policies, analyzing data to identify trends and patterns in illegal border crossings.
- Participated in community outreach programs to educate the public on border safety and the importance of adhering to federal immigration laws.
- Observed and assisted in the preparation of detainee paperwork for personal property holding, medical health, transportation, deportation, and immigration status.
- Collaborated with senior officers to understand the operational aspects of border patrol, including surveillance techniques and checkpoint procedures.
- Developed a comprehensive understanding of federal immigration laws and regulations through coursework and hands-on training.
The Importance of a Detailed Education Section on a Border Patrol Agent Resume
Do not let a lack of information in your education section prevent you from being considered for a Border Patrol Agent opening.
While a formal degree is not necessarily a requirement for becoming a Border Patrol Agent, if you have completed a degree in a relevant area of study, such as criminal justice or homeland security, by all means, include that detail in your document.
For a GL-7 Border Patrol Agent position, you must have qualifying experience, a graduate education, OR a combination of experience and education. So, it’s imperative that you include any education that you’ve completed, especially for a Border Patrol Agent resume with no work experience.
💡top tip
For a resume with no experience as a Border Patrol Agent, list relevant coursework taken and your GPA (if greater than 3.0, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection).
If you are creating a resume for a Border Patrol Agent with no experience, list your education before your work history; otherwise, place it after you list your experience.
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX | 2024
- Relevant Coursework: Homeland Security, Criminal Law, Investigation Techniques
- GPA: 3.5 | Academic Honors: Dean’s List
- Border Patrol Training Program, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, El Paso, TX | 2023
- Completed comprehensive training in border patrol operations, including surveillance techniques, checkpoint procedures, and detainee processing.
Your Border Patrol Agent Resume with a Solid Skills Section
From analytical skills to weapons training, a list of your abilities on a Border Patrol Agent resume is extremely important, as a detailed skills section reflects your experience and professional development that hiring managers will look for as qualifiers for GL-7 and GL-9 consideration.
Abilities and skills listed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to meet qualifications for GL-7 or GL-9 include:
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Interviewing Skills
- Investigative Skills
- Analytical Skills
- Collaborative Skills
- Emergency Management
- Documentation and Record Keeping
- Firearms Handling
- Surveillance Techniques
If you are able to highlight any of these skills in your experience section, by all means, do so. This will definitely help you meet the necessary qualifications!
💡top tip
You might separate soft skills (organizational, communication, customer relations) and hard skills (weapons handling, surveillance systems, hand-to-hand combat) in the Skills section under separate headings.
Access our resume examples to see how skills might be listed on a professional resume.
Additional Sections for a Border Patrol Agent Resume
Additional military or police training, professional certifications, and even fluency in other languages are details that should not be left out of a Border Patrol Agent resume.
These are Border Patrol Agent resume accomplishments that can be added to “other” sections of your document. The Border Patrol Agent resume headline or headlines for other sections might be “Certifications,” “Additional Training,” or “Awards and Accomplishments.”
This section or sections would appear following your work history, education, and skills sections and might look something like this:
Certifications
- Certified CPR and First Aid 2024
- POST Professional Peace Officer Advanced Certification, California, 2023
- Certified Homeland Protection Associate (CHPA) Level III, 2022
Training
- Martial Arts Fitness Training, Black Belt, 2021
- Krav Maga Hand-to-Hand Combat Training, 2022
Memberships
- Active Member, Fraternal Order of Police, since 2019
- Active Member, National Association of Police Organizations, since 2022
Languages
- Fluent in Spanish
Key Takeaways
Now that you’ve gathered all the pertinent info and you’re ready to whip it into shape to create your best Border Patrol Agent resume let’s review the basic elements you’ll need:
- Strong foundation: Begin with a clear and concise career objective or summary that showcases your skills, dedication, and motivation.
- Detailed experience: Provide in-depth descriptions of all relevant experience, highlighting your achievements and qualifications for the role.
- Relevant education: Include postsecondary education information, such as degree earned, institution, dates, relevant courses, and GPA.
- Standout skills: List your strongest hard and soft skills that align with job postings and make you a competitive candidate.
Before you can start preventing undocumented noncitizens from entering the U.S. illegally, your detailed, polished document will open borders to your successful career as a Border Patrol Agent.
Remember, our free online resume builder is an easy tool to help you get started. Simply download a Border Patrol Agent resume template in Google Docs or Word, and you’re well on your way!
FAQ
Border Patrol Agents require a range of hard skills to perform their duties effectively. These include:
- Firearms proficiency
- Surveillance techniques
- Immigration law
- Data entry and computer proficiency
- Emergency response
- Vehicle operation
- Tracking and interdiction
- Intelligence gathering
- Law enforcement procedures
These hard skills are essential for Border Patrol Agents to perform their duties and ensure national security effectively.
Yes, it is possible to work for border patrol with no experience. However, you must meet specific requirements, such as having a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. academic institution or a foreign school recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)13.
Additionally, you must pass the CBP Border Patrol entrance examination, a polygraph test, and a drug screening, and meet the physical fitness and medical requirements12. If selected, you will undergo training at the CBP Border Patrol Academy.
Several factors can disqualify you from becoming a Border Patrol Agent, including:
- Being over 40 years old at the time of selection, with some exceptions.
- Criminal convictions (misdemeanor domestic violence, felonies)
- Recent illegal drug use (marijuana within 90 days, steroids or prescription misuse within 24 months, other Schedule I-V drugs within 36 months)
- Failed background checks, polygraph tests, or urine drug tests
- Certain medical conditions (impaired vision, hearing loss)
- Dishonesty during the application process
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