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Sample resume?

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(@braddial)
Posts: 5
Active Member
Topic starter
 

I am about to apply for a forensics position that would be my dream job. Since I want to make sure I look my absolute best and increase my chances of an in person interview, would anyone be able to post their resume? I'd like to get an idea of what type of information is typically included.

 
Posted : 21/11/2014 1:19 am
(@deltron)
Posts: 125
Estimable Member
 

I am about to apply for a forensics position that would be my dream job. Since I want to make sure I look my absolute best and increase my chances of an in person interview, would anyone be able to post their resume? I'd like to get an idea of what type of information is typically included.

Do you already have a resume made, or are you in the processes of making one now.
You can find several resume online and everyone has their tips for example what to list first, but it all really depends on where you are applying, how you are applying ect. For example applying through linkedin vs applying through a friend may influence how my resume is done ect.

It may be better for you to post your resume, or make a simple on and post it for people to critique.

 
Posted : 21/11/2014 1:55 am
(@braddial)
Posts: 5
Active Member
Topic starter
 

I do have a resume and a cover letter ) I just have a hard time knowing what to write for experience when I'm not allowed to discuss the cases I have worked. I don't know if I should be more specific in my experience (listing what file systems I've worked with, what methods I use to analyze data, etc.) or if what I have written is good. I'd appreciate any input anyone has! Thank you!

Resume- https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/108292257/Forensics%20Resume.docx
Cover Letter- https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/108292257/Forensics%20Cover%20Letter.docx

Employment

University of Central Florida
Risk Analyst Assistant - January 2010 – Current

• Conducted forensic examiniations of workstations, laptops, servers, USB and external disks, virtual machines, cell phones, and CD/DVDs
• Forensic examiniations included processing evidence for employee and student misconduct, theft, system tampering, negligence, and log analysis
• Developed .NET application to retrieve chat history from various Instant Messaging programs
• Imaged devices with FTK Imager, Macquisition, and Tableau Write-Blockers
• Analyzed and processed cases with FTK and Blacklight
• Assisted UCF Police Department by processing a criminal investigation
• Provided data recovery on workstations, laptops, as well as portable storage devices
• Developed a detailed and easy to understand forensic report format
• Performed virus/malware analysis to determine when and where the offending software may have been installed and downloaded
• Configured and updated all forensic applications, forensic hardware, and vulnerability assessment utilities
• Sensitive information and reports were encrypted and/or password protected to ensure safe viewing and storage
• Performed vulnerability assessments with Nessus, SecurityCenter, and Acunetix for 1000+ systems and communicated the results with over 50 departments to mitigate risks
• Researched and recommended various vulnerability assessment applications and phishing programs to ensure ongoing network security
• Demonstrated weaknesses in wireless network security and provided recommendations for improvement
University of Central Florida Police Department
Forensic Analyst Assistant - April 2009 – July 2009
• Forensically analyzed disk images for illegal actions or activities against University of Central Florida policies
• Assisted with training lectures and class material for both the United States Secret Service and the Orlando Police Department
• Researched methods of acquiring email data from live systems without interrupting operations
• Analyzed virus and malware behavior with the use of Sysinternals tools
Omega Business Solutions
Technical Systems Specialist - October 2005- December 2010
• Provided system upgrades through installation of new hardware and software
• Built custom computers to suit the company's needs and budget

Skills & certificates

Application Experience and Skills FTK, FTK Imager, Encase, Blacklight, Macquisition, F-Response, BlackLight, Macquisition, SecurityCenter, Nessus Enterprise, Nessus Perimeter Service, Metasploit, Web application security, Penetration testing, Network auditing, Parallels, VMware Workstation

Operating System Experience Windows, Apple Operating Systems including iOS, and various Linux distributions

Certifications AccessData Certified Examiner (ACE), E-Fense Helix, BICEP (Basic Investigation of Computers and Electronic Crimes Program), ImageScan

Education

University of Central Florida, Orlando December 2007
Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Technology

National Center for Forensic Science, Orlando May 2008
Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics

 
Posted : 21/11/2014 8:19 am
Adam10541
(@adam10541)
Posts: 550
Honorable Member
 

Application Experience and Skills FTK, FTK Imager, Encase, Blacklight, Macquisition, F-Response, BlackLight, Macquisition, SecurityCenter, Nessus Enterprise, Nessus Perimeter Service, Metasploit, Web application security, Penetration testing, Network auditing, Parallels, VMware Workstation

Macquisition is listed twice…..must be favorite tool P

 
Posted : 21/11/2014 9:55 am
(@jelle)
Posts: 52
Trusted Member
 

You fail on my EnCase test ( https://twitter.com/jelle_n/status/525299997102080000 ) - you're doing it right in the cover letter but say Encase in the resume. Doesn't automatically move it to the 'reject' pile but you're already one point down after I skimmed it for 10 seconds… (and now I think about it, I should expand the test to also include MacQuisition - don't you just love all those companies who apply CamelCase to their product names… ;)).

In the resume I would (but this is personal preference) use a few lines to describe your role (along the lines of "Responsible for all digital forensic investigations within the department (X # of employees) as well as information security-related investigations into security incidents and malicious software") followed by bullets outlining key projects or achievements. Now it's a bit of a long list (especially for your current role) and it's hard to distinguish which are general responsibilities and which are example projects or achievements. Also use that short description to describe the type and size of organisation (I don't know Omega Business Solutions for example and it would be useful to understand if they are a 5 or a 5,000 people company) and if applicable also the size of the team you work in.

(note you've misspelled examinations (examiniations) in your second bullet btw)

"Sensitive information and reports were encrypted and/or password protected to ensure safe viewing and storage" -> that's great but I don't think it would have to go in a resume. Maintaining chain of custody - also great, but I would expect that from anybody who is in some sort of forensic role; it doesn't set you apart.

The dates don't make sense - Oct 2005-Dec 2010 Technical Systems Specialist, but also Apr 2009-Jul 2009 UCF PD and Jan 2010-now UCF? If this was some sort of secondment or you were at both organisations at the same time, best to make that a bit more clear.

As the role you are applying for appears to be in information security, I would probably try to stress those elements in your experience a bit more prominently. It sounds like you have done various things in that space, but some are only listed in your cover letter (like the PCI/PII testing) and in general you list most of your infosec activities at the end of your bullet lists. I'd say try to make sure the resume lists all your activities and use the cover letter to specifically highlight a few that are relevant to the position you are applying for.

I don't know what the role is about, but I tend to look for a mix of technical skills but especially also communication, reporting, team work and project management skills - the exact mix might differ between roles/seniority. Examples of solving problems are great, examples of leading teams or inspiring people are great (does not have to be at work - volunteer or sport roles can be good examples as well!). Presentations given at conferences, websites you maintain, articles you have written? If I get the impression you really enjoy this stuff you win back the point you have lost on EnCase 😉

Hope this is useful and good luck with the application!

PS you also want to make sure that your online presence (especially LinkedIn) matches what you have written in the resume - depending on whether that's considered appropriate or not in the country where you are applying, people might check that out.

 
Posted : 21/11/2014 3:24 pm
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