Unlock a fantastic career with a top-notch military and law enforcement cover letter. This article provides you with expert tips, illustrative examples and easy-to-adapt templates. We help you to construct an engaging introduction, emphasize your unique skills, and conclude with a powerful sign-off.
Read on and learn all about:
- Formatting the header and headline of your law enforcement or military cover letter
- Including a personalized greeting in your law enforcement or military cover letter
- Highlighting your value as a military or law enforcement officer
- Writing a solid final statement to close your law enforcement and military cover letter
- Accessing top job sear resources for military or law enforcement professionals
Still looking for a job? These 100+ resources will tell you everything you need to get hired fast.
1. How to properly layout the header and headline of your law enforcement or military cover letter
Writing a law enforcement or military cover letter starts with a well-structured header and headline. Your cover letter header is the block of text at the top left corner that identifies you and the department you're applying to. Make sure to follow your cover letter headline with a concise title statement to grab the employer's attention.
A cover letter header need not be formatted in a specific way; instead, applicants can alter it to suit their own aesthetic tastes. Nevertheless, a strong header will generally have 3 to 4 lines of text, including the following:
- The name of the agency or department you are applying to
- Your name and your current position in law enforcement
- Your contact details which include phone number information, LinkedIn handle, email address, etc.)
Here is an example of a professional law enforcement cover letter header
To: Central Glasgow Police Station,
Glasgow, United Kingdom
From: Jane Doe,
(123) 456-7890 | linkedin.com/in/jane-doe | janedoe@gmail.com
In creating the suitable headline for your cover letter. You want to make sure you include; a compelling trigger word or number, potent adjectives or verbs and a keyword relevant to the position you're applying for.
Here is an example of an effective law enforcement cover letter headline
My top 5 skills as a law enforcement officer and how they can best benefit your department.
Trigger Word/Number: 5 skills
Keyword: Law Enforcement Officer
Adjective/Verb: Best, Benefit
Promise: Your Department.
By adding information like this at the close of your headline, you let the employer know that you'll speak candidly about how your qualifications and experience can help their business.
2. How to include a personalized greeting in your law enforcement or military cover letter
Cover letters are an employer's first impression of you. So you want to show you've researched the department through a personalized greeting. When researching, look for department or agency initiatives that match your skills, the employer evaluating your cover letter and application, and the department's beliefs and culture. Also, use the recipient's name in your greeting. By doing these, you show attention to detail and research immediately.
Here are 2 examples of personalized cover letter greetings
- Dear Mr. Peter Barkley,
- Dear Peter Barkley & the Human Resources Team,
Say why you want the job, list your qualifications, ask if they have any questions, and end on a positive note.
3. How to write an attention-grabbing military or law enforcement officer cover letter introduction
After your greeting, your cover letter's introduction is next. Include your years of experience, areas of expertise, etc. Mentioning a mutual acquaintance can help you stand out if you have one. You should also write a statement about why you want the job.
Here is a sample of a well-written law enforcement cover letter introduction
Dear Chief Peter Barkley,
I am a law enforcement officer with more than 4 years of experience in professional patrol, conflict resolution, and problem-solving. Tom Homford, a senior officer in your department; a professional acquaintance, strongly encouraged me to apply for this position. I've decided to heed Mr. Homford's counsel because I think my skill set is a perfect fit for your department's present needs.
4. How to effectively showcase your law enforcement or military officer accomplishments
The next step is to sell yourself as the perfect candidate for the position. To demonstrate your ability to make a significant contribution to the department. You should highlight your accomplishments, skill set, and examples of how you have used those skills to produce impressive results. Pay attention to providing clear, concise descriptions of your selling points. Add some examples.
Here is an example of how to describe an accomplishment in an law enforcement cover letter
As an officer at the Boston Police Department, I was charged with patrolling the district, responding to emergencies and alarms as required. It was also my duty to provide detailed reports of crime incidence during my patrol and how I contributed in quelling these incidences among others.
For my efforts in resolving aggressive situations amenably, I have been recognized as a #1 Law enforcement Officer in the district multiple times. I learned you are currently in need of patrol officers with stellar conflict resolution skills. I am convinced I am the perfect fit for you.
5. How to write a solid final statement to close your law enforcement or military officer cover letter
Writing a strong closing paragraph is the last step in creating a cover letter for law enforcement. This paragraph should conclude with a cheerful statement about the role and your goals for the position you've applied for, a timeline for getting in touch with the company again, the best way for them to contact you, and a formal sign-off
Here is an example of an effective closing statement from a legal cover letter
I appreciate you reading through my application and cover letter. I am very interested in finding out more information about this position, and I hope to hear from you within the next week. Any weekday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. is the best time to call me at (123) 456-7890. I will check on the status of my application if I don't hear anything by next Friday.
Sincerely,
[Applicant Name]
If you have ever wondered how a cover letter differs from a resume, this article will tell you everything about the key differences between the two.
6. Top job search resources for military or law enforcement professionals
Navigating the job market as a military or law enforcement professional can be a unique challenge. To help you in your pursuit, here are some top resources tailored specifically for your career path:
- Go Law Enforcement: This website lists job openings in the law enforcement sector across the U.S, including local police departments and federal agencies.
- Hirepurpose: This platform helps veterans, military spouses, and transitioning active-duty personnel find civilian jobs that suit their skills and experiences.
- G.I. Jobs: A comprehensive resource that supports veterans transitioning into civilian careers. It features job listings, career advice, and other useful resources.
- Federal Jobs Net: It offers resources for those interested in federal law enforcement positions, covering job listings, eligibility, application procedures, and test preparation.
- Veteran jobs on military.com: It provides military veterans with tools, from job search to resume advice, to make the transition from military service to civilian work smoother.
- ClearanceJobs: Specializing in connecting job seekers with security clearances to hiring employers, it’s a go-to resource for veterans who worked in intelligence or other classified jobs.
- Police1: An online news and resource portal for law enforcement professionals which also offers job postings.
Those specialising in military and law enforcement have a vibrant professional landscape to explore. Taking full advantage of these expert resources, which cater specifically to your career sector, provides the push you need to steer your job hunt in the right direction.
From job listings to resume advice to application processes, these resources have got you covered. Ready to make your mark? Your next career move is just a click away.
Military / Law Enforcement Cover Letter FAQ
A cover letter highlights your relevant experience, skills, and personal attributes, making you stand out in a pool of applicants.
Yes, awards or ranks can demonstrate your leadership skills and dedication.
Aim for a professional and respectful tone, showcasing your enthusiasm for the role.
No, make sure to tailor your cover letter for each job, highlighting different experiences or skills as necessary.
Absolutely. Real-life experiences or situations where you've displayed key skills can be very impactful.