17 Investigation Specialist Interview Questions and Answers

As an investigation specialist, you’re responsible for conducting internal investigations for your company. This may include investigating potential policy violations, financial irregularities, or employee misconduct. You’ll need to be able to ask the right questions and collect evidence that will help you get to the bottom of the situation.

Before your interview, it’s important to be familiar with the types of questions that may be asked. In this guide, we’ll provide you with some common investigation specialist interview questions and answers. We’ll also give you some tips on how to prepare for your interview.

Are you comfortable working in potentially dangerous situations?

An interviewer may ask this question to assess your comfort level with working in potentially dangerous situations. This can be an important factor for employers, as they want to ensure the safety of their employees. When answering this question, it can be helpful to highlight your ability to work independently and make decisions quickly.

Example: “I am comfortable working in potentially dangerous situations because I have a lot of experience doing so. In my last role, I worked on many cases that involved potential danger. For example, one case involved a missing person who was later found dead. Another case involved a child abduction where we had to interview several people before finding the child. These experiences helped me develop skills like being able to work independently and making quick decisions.”

What are some of the skills you have that make you a good investigation specialist?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your skills and abilities as an investigator. They want to know what you can bring to their team that will help them succeed. When answering this question, think of the most important skills you have that make you a good investigator. You can also mention any certifications or training you’ve completed that helped you develop these skills.

Example: “I am highly organized and detail-oriented, which makes me a great investigation specialist. I always follow proper procedures when conducting investigations so that I don’t miss anything. My attention to detail helps me find clues that other investigators might overlook. Another skill I have is my ability to communicate with others. I’m very friendly and empathetic, which allows me to interview subjects without making them feel uncomfortable.”

How do you conduct an interview in order to get the most useful information?

Interviewers may ask this question to see how you conduct an interview and what techniques you use. They want to know that you can get the information they need from a witness or suspect in order to solve a case. In your answer, explain how you would approach conducting an interview and give examples of how you have done so in the past.

Example: “I always start by introducing myself and explaining why I’m there. Then, I try to make the person feel comfortable by asking them questions about themselves before moving on to the topic at hand. This helps me establish rapport with the individual and makes them more likely to be honest with me. After that, I move into my questioning process. I usually start with general questions and then move into more specific ones as needed.”

What is the most important piece of equipment you carry with you on the job?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you as a person and how you interact with your colleagues. It also helps them understand what skills you bring to the role, so it’s important to answer honestly and thoroughly.

Example: “I think the most important piece of equipment I carry is my camera. When I’m on an assignment, I use it to take photos of evidence that may be helpful later in the investigation. I also use it to document any injuries or damage to property. This information can be useful when writing reports.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to use your negotiation skills to resolve a conflict.

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your communication skills and ability to resolve conflicts. Your answer should include a specific example of how you used your negotiation skills to solve the conflict, as well as the outcome of your actions.

Example: “In my previous role, I had to work with several different departments on a daily basis. One day, one of the department heads asked me to provide them with information about an ongoing investigation that they needed for a meeting. I explained to them that I couldn’t give them any confidential information at that time because it would have compromised the case. They were upset but understood. The next day, they came back to me with all of their questions answered and no further issues.”

If you had to choose one type of investigation to specialize in, what would it be and why?

This question is a great way to see how passionate you are about your career and the type of work you do. It also helps employers understand what types of investigations you’re most qualified for, which can help them decide if you’re right for their company. When answering this question, it’s important to be honest about your preferences while still showing that you have the skills necessary to excel at any type of investigation.

Example: “I would choose fraud investigations because I love using my critical thinking skills to solve puzzles. In my last role, we had a case where an employee was stealing from the company by altering inventory reports. I spent several days looking over all the evidence until I found the discrepancy in the reports. The company ended up saving thousands of dollars thanks to my efforts.”

What would you do if you suspected a fellow employee of committing a crime?

This question can help interviewers assess your integrity and honesty. It’s important to be honest in your answer, but you should also show that you would report the crime without involving yourself or anyone else.

Example: “If I suspected a fellow employee of committing a crime, I would first try to gather as much evidence as possible before reporting it to my supervisor. If I couldn’t gather enough evidence on my own, I would ask for assistance from other employees who may have noticed something suspicious. Once I had gathered all the information I could, I would report the incident to my supervisor so they could handle the rest.”

How well do you work under pressure? Can you perform your duties effectively even when time is of the essence?

When an interviewer asks you this question, they want to know how well you can perform your duties under pressure. They also want to see if you are able to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines. Your answer should show that you have the ability to work under pressure while still performing at a high level.

Example: “I am very comfortable working under pressure because I thrive in fast-paced environments. In my previous role as an investigator, I often had multiple cases on my plate at once. This meant that I needed to prioritize my tasks quickly so I could complete them all by deadline. I find that when I stay organized and focused, I can get through my workload quite easily.”

Do you have experience using databases to search for information?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience with using technology to complete an investigation. Use examples from previous work or school projects that show you have used databases and how they helped you find information quickly.

Example: “In my last role, I was responsible for creating a database of all the evidence we collected during investigations. This included photos, videos and notes about each piece of evidence. It was important to keep this information organized so it could be easily accessed when needed. In addition, I also had to create reports on our findings at the end of each case. These reports were based on the data in the database.”

When investigating a crime, do you prefer to work alone or with a team?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you interact with others and your communication skills. Your answer should show that you are a team player who is willing to work with others on projects.

Example: “I prefer working alone, but I know it’s important to collaborate with my colleagues when investigating a crime scene. When I’m at a crime scene, I like to take in all of the information myself before discussing what I’ve found with anyone else. This allows me to make sure I have thoroughly examined everything before sharing any details with my team. However, if I find something unusual or unexpected, I am always willing to share this information with my team so we can discuss our findings.”

We want to improve our investigative capabilities. What would you do to improve your skills and performance?

This question is a great way to show your dedication and willingness to learn. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific skills you would like to improve or new ones you would like to develop.

Example: “I have been working on my computer skills by taking online courses in coding and programming. I find that these skills are useful for analyzing large amounts of data and finding patterns. I also want to continue learning about the latest technology so I can use it to help with investigations.”

Describe your investigative process when investigating a homicide.

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to assess your investigative process and how you apply it in the field. Use examples from past experiences to describe your approach to investigating homicides, including gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses and analyzing data.

Example: “When I first arrive at the scene of a homicide, I take photographs of the area and collect any physical evidence that’s present. Then, I interview the victim’s family members or friends to learn more about their background and what they know about the person’s life. Next, I speak with anyone who was nearby when the crime occurred to get their account of what happened. Finally, I analyze all of my findings to determine whether there are any leads I can pursue.”

What makes you an ideal candidate for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you feel they align with the job. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for this role. Focus on highlighting your relevant experience and soft skills.

Example: “I am passionate about helping others, which is why I chose to pursue a career in law enforcement. Throughout my education and training, I learned many valuable investigative techniques that have helped me solve cases. My communication skills are also strong, as I can work well with both colleagues and witnesses. These skills make me an excellent choice for this position.”

Which investigative techniques do you prefer to use and why?

This question can help the interviewer understand your skill set and how you approach a case. Your answer should include which techniques you’re most comfortable with, as well as why you prefer them over others.

Example: “I find that interviews are one of the best ways to gather information from witnesses or suspects. I enjoy speaking with people in person because it allows me to read their body language and see if they become nervous when answering certain questions. I also like using surveillance equipment to monitor subjects and record their movements. This helps me determine whether someone is telling the truth about where they were at a particular time.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of an investigation?

This question can help interviewers understand your priorities and how you might approach an investigation. Your answer should show that you know what is important to the success of an investigation, but it also gives you a chance to highlight some of your skills or experiences.

Example: “I think communication is the most important aspect of an investigation because it allows everyone involved to stay up-to-date on the progress of the case. I always make sure to communicate with my team members regularly so they know what’s going on and we’re all working toward the same goals. Communication also helps me ensure that I’m sharing information with other departments as needed.”

How often do you update yourself on the latest changes in the law and your area of specialty?

Interviewers may ask this question to see how much you are committed to your career and the law. They want to know that you’re always learning new things about your field, so they can be sure you’ll be able to perform well in their organization. In your answer, explain what resources you use to keep up with changes in the law and any other relevant information.

Example: “I am a member of several professional organizations where I can attend conferences and workshops to learn more about my specialty. I also subscribe to newsletters from these organizations as well as local news outlets that report on legal developments. I have an online library of books and articles related to my work, which I refer to when I need to refresh my memory or look for specific information.”

There is a conflict between your findings and those of another investigator. How do you handle it?

An interviewer may ask this question to assess your ability to work with others and collaborate on projects. Use your answer to show that you can communicate effectively, respect the opinions of others and compromise when necessary.

Example: “If I disagree with another investigator’s findings, I first try to understand why they came to their conclusions. If there is a valid reason for their results, I will use my own information to support their conclusion. However, if I still believe my finding is correct, I will explain my reasoning to the other investigator and ask them to reconsider their report.”