How to Write a Forensic Psychologist Resume (With Template)

Updated August 12, 2023

If you want to become a psychologist, you may choose a specialty, such as forensic psychology. To apply for a forensic psychologist position, it's important to have a strong resume. Learning more about how to create a resume for this position can help you highlight your skills, experience, and knowledge to show employers why you're the best fit for the job. In this article, we explain what a forensic psychologist resume is, discuss how to create one, offer tips to strengthen your document, and give you a template and example to help inspire your writing.

What is a forensic psychologist resume?

A forensic psychologist resume is a document that highlights the relevant experience, education, and skills you have that can help you succeed in this position. When applying for forensic psychologist jobs, you attach a resume for an employer's consideration. If they assess your resume and believe you have the skills they're looking for in a candidate, they may invite you for an interview. Targeting your resume to each employer can help improve the chance of this happening.

How to create a forensic psychologist resume

If you want to create an effective resume as a forensic psychologist, here are the steps you can follow to do so:

1. Review the job posting

Before you start writing your resume, review the job posting or description. Assess them to determine what skills, experience, education, or other requirements the employer wants applicants to have. This allows you to determine exactly what details to include or highlight when creating your resume. Tailoring your resume to each employer can help improve your chances of receiving an invitation to an interview as you're showing them how you're the best fit for the position. While reviewing the job posting and description, researching the company can be beneficial. This allows you to determine whether your goals and values align.

2. Format your resume

Another element to consider before starting your resume is the format you want to use. Chronological, functional, and combination resumes tend to be the most common choices. Here's an explanation of each format to help you choose the best one for you:

Chronological resume

Chronological resumes highlight your work experience. The format displays your work experience in reverse-chronological order, meaning the most recent position you held is at the top. This is a good option for people with a relevant work history.

Functional resume

Functional resumes focus on highlighting your skills rather than your work experience. To do this, you place a list of your skills at the top of your document before your work history. This is a good option for candidates with limited work experience, typically because they're new to the industry or workforce.

Combination resume

Combination resumes include elements from the chronological and functional formats. You can use this format to highlight both your relevant experience and skills. You can adjust the format based on what the employer is looking for in a candidate. For example, if the job posting mentions that the employer wants a candidate with three years of experience in a correctional facility, placing your work experience section first is more beneficial.

3. Include your contact details

Now you can start your resume by including your contact details. This includes your full name, phone number, e-mail address, and the city and province or territory where you live. Ensure your e-mail address is professional and easy to access in case employers invite you for an interview via e-mail.

4. Compose a professional summary or objective statement

Next, include a professional summary or objective statement. A professional summary outlines your skills and experience to show employers why you are a good fit for the position. An objective statement discusses why you're applying for the role. Limit this section to one or two sentences to encourage employers to continue reading your document.

5. Discuss your educational background

As forensic psychologists require an extensive educational background and up-to-date credentials, it's important to highlight your own education and credentials in your resume. Include details about the educational institutions you attended, the type of degrees you have, and the dates you graduated. If you have a professional licence, include it in this section as well. Highlighting your educational background by including it near the top of your resume shows employers you're qualified and legally able to be a psychologist in your province or territory.

6. Describe your work experience

If you have any relevant work experience, include it next. This includes practicums, internships, volunteer work, or relevant part-time and full-time positions. Include the name of the company you worked for, the position you held, and three to five responsibilities you had. If you had any notable achievements, include them as well to show employers you have proven success in similar roles.

7. List fundamental skills

Finally, end your resume with a list of your skills and attributes. To determine what skills to include, assess the job posting and description again. Look for keywords the employer mentions and include them in your resume to strengthen it. Limit this list to five to ten relevant skills. Here are some examples of skills and attributes of successful forensic psychologists to include on your resume:

Problem-solving skills
Communication skills
Empathy
Attention to detail
Compassion
Analytical skills
Patience
Observational skills

Tips for strengthening your resume

Here are some tips to consider to strengthen your resume and improve your chances of receiving an invitation to an interview:

Proofread your resume. When you complete your resume, ensure you proofread it before submission. This allows you to correct any errors or omissions to ensure your document is professional.

Limit the document to one page. Try to limit your resume to one page to help ensure it's concise and easy to read. If you want to go into further detail about your skills and experience, you can include a cover letter in your application.

Create a new resume for every job application. When applying for multiple jobs, it's best to tailor your resume to each employer. This allows you to include specific information for each application to improve your chances of receiving an invitation to an interview.

Make your resume visually appealing. To make a good impression on prospective employers, create a resume that's detailed and visually appealing. Consider using highly legible fonts to help distinguish your resume.

Forensic psychologist resume template

Here's a template you can use to create your own resume as a forensic psychologist:

[Your name]
[Your e-mail address] | [Your telephone number] | [Your city and province or territory]

Professional summary
[Include one to two sentences discussing your skills, experience, and accomplishments.]

Education
[School name] [Degree type]
[Location] [Year of graduation]

Work experience
[Job title]
[Company name] [Location] [Employment dates]

[Duty or responsibility]
[Duty or responsibility]
[Duty or responsibility]
[Duty or responsibility]
[Duty or responsibility]

[Job title]
[Company name] [Location] [Employment dates]

[Duty or responsibility]
[Duty or responsibility]
[Duty or responsibility]

Skills
[Skill] | [Skill] | [Skill] | [Skill] | [Skill]

Forensic psychologist resume example

Here's an example of what a forensic psychologist's resume may look like to inspire your own writing:

Jacob Lee
123-456-7890 | JacobLee@email.com | Toronto, Ontario

Professional summary
Dedicated forensic psychologist with five years of industry experience. Extensive knowledge of law enforcement procedures, psychological assessment principles, and neuropsychological screening instruments.

Education
White River University, Master of Science in Forensic Psychology
Toronto, Ontario, 2016

Green Valley University, Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Mississauga, Ontario, 2014

Work experience

Forensic Psychologist
Greenwood Corrections Facility, Mississauga, Ontario
September 2016–Current

Interview inmates to obtain medical, family, and social histories
Inform forensic evaluation results to judges and appear in court when necessary
Provide diagnoses and treatment plans to help inmates with behavioural or emotional challenges
Implement a rehabilitation program within the facility to help inmates with their transition back into society
Record accurate records of inmate progress and issues

Program coordinator
Rolling Hills Corrections Facility, Mississauga, Ontario
August 2015–September 2016

Worked with inmates to facilitate bi-weekly programs
Conducted feedback surveys to gather opinions and determine interests
Coordinated with supervisor to assess inmates and brainstorm program offerings

Skills
Excellent communication skills | Strong problem-solving skills | Empathy | In-depth understanding of law enforcement procedures