What does a Private Investigator do?

Private Investigators work in a variety of sectors. Some represent financial institutions and creditors, using their investigative skills to track down individuals who owe debts. Others conduct investigations to determine the authenticity of insurance claims or gather information for attorneys working on criminal and civil cases. In some cases, Private Investigators may offer services directly to the public and conduct investigations related to marital infidelity and other matters. Some private companies hire Private Investigators to perform background checks on employees or investigate instances of fraud, internal theft or corporate espionage.

Regardless of what industry they work in, Private Investigators help their employers and clients by uncovering factual information that can be used to make important decisions and/or take legal action.

Private Investigator skills and qualifications

To excel in Private Investigator positions, candidates will need to possess certain qualifications. Some key skills to potentially list on your Private Investigator job description include:

• Interview skills to build rapport and uncover information about targets

• Understanding of how to use surveillance equipment, including cameras and listening devices

• Analytical skills to interpret evidence, such as credit history reports or financial statements

• Problem-solving skills to overcome obstacles that impede investigations

• Observation skills to conduct surveillance discreetly

• Computer skills to access databases, send emails and utilize word processing software

• Knowledge of laws and regulations related to private investigations

• Communication skills to interact with interviewees and clients and compile easy-to-understand reports

Private Investigator experience requirements

How much experience a candidate will need to succeed in your Private Investigator position will depend on what the role involves. Investigators who will be working independently may benefit from having two or more years of experience working as a Private Investigator or in a related field, such as law enforcement. If you employ a team of investigators, candidates with less experience may be able to perform their duties well, as they can receive feedback and advice from more seasoned coworkers.

In some cases, you may wish to focus on candidates who have experience working in your specific industry. For example, an insurance company may prefer individuals who have worked as insurance adjusters or claims agents.

Private Investigator education and training requirements

Most Private Investigators may hold bachelor’s degrees, but some may operate without a formal degree. Many states and some local areas require Private Investigators to hold licenses and establish minimum training requirements for licensing. Before you write your Private Investigator job description, check to see what the licensing rules are for your location so you can properly align your education and training requirements.

As you compare candidates, you may wish to prioritize individuals who have earned voluntary certification. The National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI) offers the Certified Legal Investigator (CLI) designation for investigators in the legal field who submit a report and pass an examination. Investigators in other specialties may hold Professional Certified Investigator (PCI) status granted by ASIS International.

Private Investigator salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Private Investigator is $50,665 per year. Factors that influence pay rates include geographic location, education level, work history and certification status.

Job description samples for similar positions

If the details of the Private Investigator job description aren’t a complete match for your open position, check out these related job titles:

• Detective

• Police Officer

• Security Officer

Private Investigator job description FAQs

What’s the difference between a Private Investigator and a Detective?

Like a Private Investigator, a Detective conducts interviews and gathers evidence. However, a Detective is a law enforcement agent who is responsible for identifying the prime suspects for crimes. The evidence they gather can be used to arrest individuals, charge them with crimes and result in criminal prosecution. In most cases, Private Investigators do not have the power to arrest people. If they discover criminal wrongdoing, they turn the evidence over to law enforcement agencies that then handle the matters.

What qualities make for a good Private Investigator?

Good judgment is an important trait for a Private Investigator, as the job often involves quickly making important decisions. People who enjoy solving puzzles and who can remain calm in stressful situations or when facing tight deadlines may also do well in the role. Because Private Investigators often work alone, those who are independent and self-motivated may be more likely to succeed at the job.

How can I make my Private Investigator job description attractive to candidates?

To attract quality candidates, lead with a description of the biggest benefits of working for your organization in the form of a bulleted list. You can mention paid time off, retirement benefits, insurance and other perks.