Career in Private Investigation

Are you thinking of becoming a private investigator? Here are some of the details you might like to know, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Quick Facts: Private Detectives and Investigators
2010 Median Pay	$42,870 per year  $20.61 per hour
Entry-Level Education	Some college, no degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation	1 to 5 years
On-the-job Training	Moderate-term on-the-job training
Number of Jobs, 2010	34,700
Job Outlook, 2010-20	21% (Faster than average)
Employment Change, 2010-20	7,100

What Private Detectives and Investigators Do

Private detectives and investigators find facts and analyze information about legal, financial, and personal matters. They offer many services, including verifying people's backgrounds, tracing missing persons, investigating computer crimes, and protecting celebrities.   

Work Environment

Private detectives and investigators work in a number of environments, depending on the case on which they are working. Some spend more time in their offices conducting computer searches and making phone calls, while others spend more time in the field conducting interviews and performing surveillance.

How to Become a Private Detective or Investigator

Private detectives and investigators usually have some college education. However, many jobs do not have formal education requirements; and private detectives and investigators learn on the job. Previous experience in investigative work can be beneficial. Private detectives and investigators need a license in most states.

Pay

The median annual wage of private detectives and investigators was $42,870 in May 2010.

Job Outlook

Employment of private detectives and investigators is expected to grow 21 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. Increased demand for private detectives and investigators will stem from heightened security concerns and the need to protect confidential information and property of all kinds.

Jobs for Felons

Private Investigators talk about how to make sure of who you are hiring, but what if the person looking for the job is honest and says "I have a felony record." Should that immediately disqualify him? The answer is more complicated than you might imagine. We can tell you what the felony was, and possibly get additional information about the court case that is not in the public record. Some of those conditions may still allow you to hire the applicant. After all, a person without a felony may be conducting themselves improperly and never have been caught.

Here are some jobs that are more easily available to felons:

Construction Jobs
Normally, the easiest and quickest jobs for felons to obtain are in skilled and semi-skilled labor. These include jobs within the construction industry and the trades, such as plumbing and welding. Labor and trade jobs may be acquired through friends, connections, a contractor, or through a temporary agency. Temporary agencies offer work in a variety of situations on a daily basis, including general manual labor positions. Although professional licenses can be suspended or revoked, you can work in the field as a helper and possibly work your way up to a supervisory position.

Sales
Sales are a good job field for felons to work, because the pay is often based on commission. A primary concern for employers hiring felons is risk, but since the employer is not putting up a lot of upfront money, he may be willing to take a chance on you as a salesman. It also provides the opportunity to prove yourself, which can be difficult for felons. Sales jobs can be found in the automotive, home improvement and contracting industries.

Other Options
Other opportunities for felons include traditional and non-traditional job fields. There are organizations that assist felons in re-entering the workforce, such as Goodwill Industries, the Salvation Army and other rehabilitation-centered companies. Also, potential freelance jobs may be found on the Internet, especially in writing, blogging, web development and online sales.

Source: eHow