Private Investigator
Conduct investigations for clients using strong observation skills.
Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right now
Job growth
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5-year projection
Salary
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Typical salary
Job satisfaction
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Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right now
Salary
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Typical salary
Job growth
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5-year projection
Job satisfaction
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What's it like to be a Private Investigator?
Tenacious, curious and with an eye for detail, Private Investigators conduct investigations for clients and are often involved in matters relating to character enquiries, relationship breakdowns, unfair dismissal cases, missing persons and insurance claims. They can also perform the duties of a Bailiff or Document Server.
Tasks and duties
- Taking a briefing from a client.
- Surveilling a person, place or thing and recording observations.
- Taking photos or videos to supply to the client.
- Taking statements from witnesses or people who have knowledge of the situation being investigated
- Conducting research, and checking laws and policies.
- Presenting progress reports to the client
- Attending court to give evidence.
- Writing reports.
Private Investigators often hold licences depending on the state they work in, and need to be able to pass police checks when necessary.People suited to this profession are usually confident, observant, good communicators and are able to think laterally. They are also diligent and able to pursue an investigation even when the going is slow.Sometimes Private Investigators work as part of a team, especially when the case they’re working on is related to industry practices and problems in the workplace.
How to become a Private Investigator
To become a Private Investigator you’ll need to undertake a course or traineeship. Admission to most courses or traineeships will require you to have completed year 10 or its equivalent.
- Consider completing a Certificate IV in Government Investigations (PSP40416) or Diploma of Government Investigations (PSP50416) through a TAFE or Registered Training Organisation.
- Enter a traineeship with a private investigation firm, where you can learn the skills you’ll need on-the-job while gaining practical, real-world experience.
- Depending on the state you intend to work in, gain a licence from the state regulatory body and submit a National Police Check, if required.
Latest Private Investigator jobs on SEEK
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Latest Private Investigator reviews
Oct 2018
Reviewer's Qualification
Certificate III in Investigative Services
Experience
5 – 9 years
Organisation size
I'm self-employed
Specialisation
Surveillance
The good things
Able to work around family time. Be your own boss.
The challenges
No overtime or sick leave.
No work No pay.
Boiling hot in the surveillance vehicle, during summer time.
Read more
Oct 2018
Reviewer's Qualification
Bachelor of Education
Experience
1 – 4 years
Organisation size
Small (1-19 employees)
Specialisation
Surveillance
The good things
A great job for those who like investigations. Insurance work and private work exist in the surveillance field and no two days are really the same
The challenges
Early morning starts and remaining alert during long periods of inactivity
Read more
Source: SEEK role reviews
SEEK has not verified the truth or accuracy of these comments and does not adopt or endorse any of the comments posted on this page.SEEK collects and posts the comments for what they are worth and for information purposes only to assist candidates to find employment through seek.com.au
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