Did you know that the job outlook for private investigators is expected to grow by 8% between 2019 and 2029? That’s much faster than the average rate of growth for other jobs.
If you’re thinking about hiring a professional investigator to help you get to the bottom of something, the decision on who to hire could be one of the most important choices you’ll make in your life.
So, how do you pick the right private investigator? We’re here to help.
Keep reading to learn about the most important skills that a PI should have, so you know what to look for when making your hiring decision.
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1. Great Communication
When you hire a private investigator, you want to find someone that communicates with you often. Look for someone with great communication skills who not only knows how to answer your questions, but that asks their own questions to learn more about your unique circumstances.
Before you decide who to hire, make sure to ask about communication expectations, like how often you’ll hear from them. If they can’t communicate with you before you hire them, it won’t get any easier once they start working for you.
2. Knowledge of the Law
There are certain actions in the US that can only be taken by law enforcement. You want to make sure you hire a professional investigator that is well aware of the laws both statewide and nationwide, so they don’t end up getting their license revoked.
In some cases, you can hire a PI that works with attorneys, so they know all about the different laws in your area. Find out more about how PIs and attorneys work together by clicking the link.
3. Good Photography Skills
Depending on why you need to hire a private investigator, you may need photographic evidence of what they find. This can provide you with powerful proof should you need to go to court.
Make sure to hire a PI with plenty of photography skills so you can have peace of mind that they’ll get the shot they need for your evidence. Ask specifically about their nighttime photography skills to make sure they can take photos in low light as well.
4. Organization Skills
Your private investigator will likely be working on multiple cases at once, so organization is key. When you first meet with a potential PI, look around their office to get a sense of how they operate.
Are there papers scattered all over the place or is everything neat and tidy? This could be an indication of whether they’ll be able to keep the details straight for your case.
5. Patience
Most PI cases aren’t cut and dry and a lot of waiting is involved before the right details come to light. Try to hire a PI who is patient and won’t worry about rushing the process.
When trying to decide who to hire, be sure to ask about their usual process and how quickly they typically consider a case “closed.” While some cases will naturally be quicker, it could be a red flag if they talk about finishing up every case very quickly.
Now You’re Ready to Hire a Professional Investigator
After reading through the top skills of a good professional investigator, you have the info you need to make your decision. Hiring the right PI can make your life easier, so don’t wait any longer!
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