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Working as a Background Investigator Gives You License to Be Nosey

The work of a background investigator is interesting and can be a challenging and fun career. A background investigator verifies information provided by the individual to determine whether the individual is suitable to access classified information.

As a background investigator, you can work for private and public organizations, individuals, or attorneys researching and verifying information. For instance, an individual that wants to work for the police department or a government agency may be subject to a background investigation. The organization wants to know about every aspect of the individual's life within the limits of the law.

Information reviewed and verified includes:
  • Verify identification by discovering or confirming date of birth, social security, past work history, financial information, Department of Motor Vehicles, and occupational license verification
  • Conduct personal interviews with neighbors, co-workers, friends, and associates
  • Record researches at law enforcement agencies and court houses to look for criminal activities such as a felony or DUI
Essential to your success is training. It is imperative that you understand privacy laws, the legal aspect of doing background investigations, and interviewing sources. Not to mention, that majority of states do require licensure for you to practice as an investigator. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage is $41,760, and because of heightened security concerns and increased litigation, growth within this field is faster than average.
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