Customs and border protection officers are employed by the Department of Homeland Security.
The BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) reports that the demand for customs and border protection officers will increase by 7% between 2014 and 2024, which is about average for all job sectors.
The median salary for these individuals is $74,000 per year.
What to Include in a Customs and Border Protection Officer Cover Letter?
Roles And Responsibilities
- Enforce laws regarding illegal entry into the United States.
- Examine documentation submitted by people entering the United States.
- Determine whether goods entering the United States are properly classified, valued and taxed; seize smuggled goods; refer persons suspected of violating the law for prosecution; and collect duties owed on imported merchandise.
- Investigate applications for admission into the United States to determine if they should be approved or denied.
- Screen cargo being imported into the country to ensure that tariff duties are paid and that cargo complies with applicable customs laws.
- Control entry to the country through border checkpoints in order to prevent smuggling of contraband
Interpret and enforce trade laws, including those related to import quotas and embargoes.
Education & Skills
Customs and Border Protection Officer Skills:
- Must have normal hearing with no color perception deficiencies. If a hearing aid is used, it must not restrict the ability to hear low or high frequency sounds.
- Good communication skills.
- Interpersonal Skills.
- Analytical Thinking, Problem Solving.
- Able to maintain a cool head in stressful situations.
Customs and Border Protection Officer Education Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree in a field like criminal justice or law enforcement is usually required to work as a customs and border protection officer, although some agencies may accept candidates with associate degrees or extensive military experience instead.
Customs and Border Protection Officer Cover Letter Example (Text Version)
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to you today in response to your open Customs and Border Protection Officer position. I would like to start by saying thank you for taking the time to read through my credentials. I have worked for the United States Border patrol for over 21 years. In my current position, I have the privilege of guarding our borders against illegal immigrants and drugs. My position has given me invaluable experience in this field. As a customs and border protection officer, I would like to continue serving my country in a new capacity.
My main responsibility as a border patrol agent is keeping our borders safe from illegal entry into the United States. During my career, I have also worked with drug enforcement agents to ensure that illegal drugs do not cross our borders. I would be an excellent candidate for your open position because of my extensive experience with these issues and related law enforcement concerns.
Border Patrol has given me valuable experience that is necessary to perform the duties of a customs and border protection officer successfully. I am very familiar with all of the different legal entry points into this country, as well as how to identify people who are attempting to enter illegally. In addition, I am familiar with all types of contraband that may be brought across our borders.
I am incredibly excited at the possibility of joining your team, and would love the opportunity to meet in person so we can discuss this position further. Please feel free to contact me at any time using the details below.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Tips
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers are the first line of defense for protecting our country. If you want to join one of the most trusted law enforcement agencies, your cover letter must show that you are professional, reliable, and trustworthy.
As a potential jobseeker, you should research the CBP website to get a better idea of who they are as an agency and what they do. The CBP mission statement is as follows: Keeping America’s borders safe, secure and resilient against terrorism and other threats.
This is reflected in their five core values: vigilance, service to country, integrity, innovation and respect. As you write your Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers cover letter, keep these values in mind. The way that you represent yourself will leave an impression on your employer. You want them to know that you can fulfill the responsibilities associated with this job and that you have their best interests at heart.
Once you’ve written a great cover letter, it’s time to start working on your resume. Refer our Customs and Border Protection Officer Resume Sample for more tips on how to write your resume and accompany it with a strong cover letter.
