What does a Private Investigator do?
A Private Investigator is a professional hired to conduct investigations and gather information for a variety of clients, including individuals, businesses, and attorneys. Their primary duties typically involve conducting surveillance, researching and analysing information, and communicating with clients and relevant parties to gather necessary data. Private Investigators may also assist with background checks, asset searches, fraud investigations, and other specialised services. They often work independently or as part of a team, and must be highly detail-oriented, analytical, and able to use various tools and methods to gather information.
Our Private Investigator job description includes the Private Investigator responsibilities, duties, skills, education, qualifications, and experience.
Private Investigator Example
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If you need an example job description for a Private 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 Private Investigator do?
A Private Investigator is responsible for conducting investigations into a variety of matters, such as suspected fraud, cheating spouses, missing persons, and criminal activities. This role involves conducting interviews, gathering evidence, and researching records, as well as developing strategies to uncover information. The Private Investigator must be able to remain calm and professional under pressure, and must have excellent problem solving and communication skills. The ability to analyse data and draw accurate conclusions is essential.
Private Investigator Role Purpose
The purpose of a Private Investigator (PI) is to undertake investigations into allegations of criminal or civil wrongdoing on behalf of their clients. This may involve conducting interviews and surveillance, researching public and private records, and analysing security systems. PIs can also provide protection services, as well as offering advice on legal matters.
Private Investigator Role
Private investigators are professionals who use their research and investigative skills to uncover information about people and organisations. They use a variety of methods, such as interviewing witnesses, conducting surveillance and examining records, to investigate matters related to civil or criminal cases, missing persons and insurance claims. They are often employed by law firms, government agencies or companies to collect evidence, research background information and provide detailed reports of their findings.
Private Investigator Duties
- Conducting investigations and research
- Gathering evidence and information
- Interviewing people
- Analyzing data and interpreting results
- Preparing reports and presenting findings
Private Investigator Requirements
- A valid Private Investigator's Licence
- A proven track record in investigative work
- Excellent research and problem-solving skills
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Proficiency in the use of computers and other relevant technology
Private Investigator Skills
- Excellent observation and deduction skills
- Good knowledge of local laws and regulations
- High degree of tact and discretion
- Strong communication skills both written and verbal
- Research and analysis capabilities
- Good problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Private Investigator Personal Traits
- Excellent communication skills
- High level of discretion
- Ability to work independently
- Strong analytical and research skills
- Good knowledge of the law
- Good judgement
How to write a Private 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 Private 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 Private 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 Private 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 Private 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
