Crime Scene Investigations is a fascinating and worthwhile career. Many people are interested in such a career but find it difficult to get started in crime scene investigations at their local law enforcement agency.

Once you have experience working as a CSI you are very marketable. Most agencies prefer people with experience and will pay higher salaries to attract experienced CSIs. But what if you have no experience? How to you get into crime scene investigations?

If that is you, you pretty much are stuck with finding an entry level CSI job that does not require previous experience. Entry level jobs are available — you may have to move to another state and settle for a lower pay rate — but they are available. Once you have worked a few years as a CSI you will be ready to apply for better paying jobs in more desirable locations. Entry level jobs can be found on the Employment Page of the Crime Scene Investigator Network.

But just getting an entry level CSI job can be difficult. One of the greatest challenges is the competition for the 14,000+ jobs that are in the United States. It is not unusual to have over 100 applicants for an entry level CSI job opening. So how do you become that one candidate that receives the job offer?

Make sure you have the minimum qualifications for the job. Read the minimum requirements and meet them. If you must have a Associates Degree, then go to college and get your degree. (See our college and university listings.)

Often, a candidate will have a the required degree, or even an advanced degree, but the degree does not make the candidate stand out from the other candidates. Does a degree in Criminal Justice really give you an advantage? If you do have a degree you should consider additional training in Crime Scene Investigations to make yourself even more marketable. There are several CSI certificate programs around the country. These certificate programs give you specific knowledge and training in Crime Scene Investigations. You can earn a certificate in Crime Scene Investigation by attending the six week (July 1 - August 9, 2019) Crime Scene Investigation Intensive Academy at the University of California, Riverside. This certificate program can be taken by students with or without a college degree.

Another thing to consider is that if you are selected for an interview you must come across as the best candidate for the job. Sometimes you are qualified but don't quite "ace" the interview so they select someone else who came across better in their interview. Check out these two articles regarding preparing for interviews: Interviewing Tips, by Thomas W. Adair and The Interview, by Steven Staggs.

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