If you consider a career as a detective, you probably want to know how to be a good detective. This is very interesting work. We’ve all seen detective shows on TV. It can sometimes be challenging but also incredibly rewarding. You’ll feel good about solving cases.
There are several things you need to be a good detective. Don’t worry, and you can always practice and work hard in specific areas to become a good detective. Let’s look at how to be a good detective:
Good detectives are problem solvers.
If you want to be a good detective, you must be good at solving problems. You need to think both critically and analytically. Some cases can be quite complex, so you need to be on top of everything. You want to be able to head in the right direction and not waste time.
Whatever evidence you have, you need to think of it logically, methodically. You can also learn quite a lot from certain games and logic puzzles, which can help you develop your problem-solving skills.
Good detectives pay attention to detail.
If you want to be a really good detective, you must pay attention to detail. No matter how minute or insignificant something may appear, you never know how useful this information could prove. This way, you will not miss a thing.
Sometimes, when certain evidence is required, you will have it all, especially when it comes to legal action. You should be organized and create strategic plans and have lists of everything at your fingertips. Organizational skills are key here. Also, when you work, make sure that you are not distracted by other things. Stay focused.
Good detectives use technology to solve a mystery.
This really need not be said, but you must have technological and computer skills. This is something you can improve on if you work at it. Unlike in the 70s, today, technology plays a huge role in just about everything. It is no different for detectives. The best private investigator use technology to conduct investigations and solve mysteries. Like the professionals, you must be good at technology, keep up to date, and always improve.
It is helpful to know that specific software can help you with your job by automating certain tasks. You must be able to navigate databases and be adept at search programs.
Good detectives read books.
If you are interested in becoming a good detective, you can try reading detective books. You can see how detectives analyze certain situations from many angles. If you get into reading detective books, it can help you start thinking like one. Though it may be true that what you are reading about may be fictional, nevertheless, it can still teach you a great deal.
You can learn how the detective analyzes situations, finds little clues, interviews suspects, etc. Having read a book, start thinking about how you would have approached a case or situation. See how something fictional can help? It gets you thinking and analyzing. Perhaps you could have solved a case sooner than the fictional detective!
Good detectives control their body language.
Learn to be good at reading body language. When you interrogate a suspect, look for certain signs in their body language. There are certain things a guilty party may do, such as stutter, sweat, cross their arms and more. These are little signs that can help you.
Their body language and facial expressions could give you that gut feeling that they are not being truthful to you. This is helpful to know, but it should not be the only thing you look at. For example, someone may be nervous or anxious by nature. This does not mean that they are guilty. It’s not an exact science, but a good tool to have in your arsenal anyway.
Good detectives have interpersonal skills.
You need to be able to talk to people, including suspects, properly. This is where your interpersonal skills come in. Be able to ask the right questions, but at the same time, be a very good listener. Being a good communicator can be rather helpful.
You can put someone at ease and perhaps let their guard down. You must pay attention to your body language sometimes. If you appear too aggressive or pushy, or perhaps you act like you can’t care less, it’s unlikely that the person you are speaking with will reveal much to you.
Use detective equipment to solve a mystery.
Make sure you have the right tools to help you do your job. For example, a flashlight when working in the dark, a digital camera, notepad & pen, binoculars, magnifying glass, gloves for collecting evidence, a resealable plastic bag to keep evidence, etc.
You should also have good oral and writing skills. Trust your instincts. You need to be patient sometimes. Keep abreast with current regulations and laws. You must also be able to protect yourself. Conflicts can occur. You need to be safe. These are just some helpful tips on how to be a good detective.
