What does a Background Investigator do?
A Background Investigator is responsible for conducting thorough background checks on individuals who are being considered for positions that require security clearance. They investigate an individual’s past employment, education, criminal history, and personal references to ensure that they meet the requirements for security clearance. A Background Investigator must be detail-oriented and analytical, and have strong interpersonal skills to be able to interview subjects and obtain accurate and complete information. They are also required to maintain confidentiality and ensure that all information obtained during the investigation is kept secure. Ultimately, a Background Investigator helps to ensure the safety and security of an organisation by identifying any potential security risks associated with an employee.
Our Background Investigator job description includes the Background Investigator responsibilities, duties, skills, education, qualifications, and experience.
Background Investigator Example
Our Job Advertising Packages
Choose the best package, edit the advert and post your job!
| Starter | Premium | Corporate | National | Branded | Resourcer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reed | ||||||
| Indeed Sponsored | ||||||
| Monster | ||||||
| Google Jobs | ||||||
| Glassdoor | ||||||
| LinkedIn Jobs | ||||||
| Totaljobs | ||||||
| Jobsite | ||||||
| Guardian Jobs | ||||||
| CV-Library | ||||||
| Industry boards | ||||||
| CV Targeting* | ||||||
| many more | ||||||
| £99 | £199 | £329 | £349 | £399 | £599 | |
| Job Advert Package + Flat Fee Recruitment Services | ||||||
| CV Filtering | ||||||
| Video Interviewing | ||||||
| Interview Scheduling | ||||||
| £799 | £799 | £929 | £949 | £999 | £1199 | |
If you need an example job description for a Background Investigator download the one below, alternatively we have many other job description samples and a job description library with over 3000 job descriptions templates that you can download for free.
What does a Background Investigator do?
A Background Investigator is responsible for carrying out detailed background checks on individuals in order to verify specific personal information and assess their suitability for certain roles. The role involves researching a broad range of information related to an individual’s past, including educational qualifications, criminal records, past employment history and financial status. This role requires excellent research, communication and problem solving skills, as well as a high level of attention to detail. The ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks is also essential.
Background Investigator Role Purpose
The purpose of a background investigator in the UK is to carry out detailed research into an individual's history in order to assess their suitability for a particular job or task. This research may involve examining an individual's records, including criminal records, qualifications, previous employment history, and other personal information. The background investigator will then compile a report of their findings and present their findings to the relevant authorities, who will use the report to make a decision about the individual's suitability.
Background Investigator Role
Background Investigators work to verify the accuracy of an individual's identity, education, work history, and other information by conducting in-depth interviews and thorough research. They must be detail-oriented, organised and have strong communication skills to effectively gather and analyse data. The role requires an understanding of the law and how to interpret it, as well as an ability to assess risk.
Background Investigator Duties
- Conducting investigations into the background of individuals
- Carrying out interviews with references and employers
- Verifying records and documentation
- Gathering evidence and intelligence
- Writing detailed reports
- Presenting findings to employers
Background Investigator Requirements
- Carry out in-depth research using both open and closed sources
- Conduct detailed interviews with relevant contacts
- Analyse data and draw conclusions
- Maintain up to date records of investigations
- Support other departments with security related duties
Background Investigator Skills
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent research skills
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Strong attention to detail
- Excellent organisational skills
Background Investigator Personal Traits
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Discrete and tactful
- Ability to work with minimal supervision
How to write a Background Investigator Job Advert
Use our job advert template to write a job advert for posting on job sites and job boards. Our job advertising templates are carefully created to help you reach your audience and beat the competition to the best talent.
A job description informs the reader about a job, whereas a job advert’s main objective is to sell the job opportunity to attract as many suitable applicants possible. A job advert maybe the first touch-point a candidate has with your company so it is important to create a great impression.
Job Advertisements should enticing, so considering using short, exciting language which get the reader’s attention.
How to write a Background Investigator Job Description
To write a job description, we recommend starting with a job description template from our job description library, which contains examples for 800+ positions and professions. Our job description examples include a job summary with duties and responsibilities and skills and requirements, which can be personalised for your job vacancy.
Job Description Advice - Guidance on How to Personalise a Background Investigator Job Specification
The hiring process and recruiting new employees to fill your key roles requires a degree of personalisation if you are to attract the best employees in a competitive employment market. The right person for a crucial role or more senior roles will likely have other employers targeting them. As your job description will be the first point of contact, you need to nail your pitch and provide the best possible service.
Job Description Tips - Help on formatting a Background Investigator Job Specification
When creating your bespoke description and advert, you should cover and promote these points:
Job title: This should accurately reflect the role and include keywords that top talent might be using to search for jobs.
Job duties: The day to day duties, such as administrative tasks, which vary depending on the company and inform the candidate if they can complete the role.
Technical skills: These are the hard skills required through training, such as proficiency with Microsoft Office.
Soft skills: These include the interpersonal skills and general abilities the right candidates will possess. For example, the competency to prioritise multiple tasks, handle customer queries and customer complaints, work alone, or build a good relationship with coworkers.
The company's culture: Highlighting your company culture and values ensures employees thrive and find outstanding job satisfaction. Candidates that are not the right fit won’t waste their time completing the application process, meaning you can focus on qualified individuals and hire in a more timely manner.
Career progression: Including the career path will entice candidates looking for career growth.
Training and development programs: Smaller companies may need employees with previous experience or provide educational assistance over internal training offered by larger organisations with more significant resources.
Employee benefits: Compensation and benefits often fail to appear in job ads and while you may want to hold your cards close to your chest, failing to include them is a mistake. Consider answering common questions, such as working hours and paid leave. Researching the average salary for the role in these early stages will ensure you don’t waste your interviewer’s and the candidate’s time.
Skill gaps: Your company may need to bring in new skills beyond those required to complete the key role and duties. Thinking on an organisational level can be beneficial when contemplating skills diversity.
Legal requirements: Ensure your job advert and description does not ask for inappropriate or discriminatory personal details, such as age, marital status, or religion.
How to Hire a Background Investigator
Once you have selected your Job Description download it or convert it to a Job Advert. From here you can post/advertise your job across our network of job boards. If you wish to use the job description for a CV Template click through for advice and Convert to a CV
