Pro PI Academy

  • Main
  • Courses
    • Course Catalog
  • Academy Blog
  • Contact Us
    • PI Instructor
  • FAQ's
  • PI Associations
  • Main
  • Courses
    • Course Catalog
  • Academy Blog
  • Contact Us
    • PI Instructor
  • FAQ's
  • PI Associations

PI's: Establishing Rapport In an Interview

12/16/2018

 
Interview
Interviewing is one of the critical skills that private investigators bring to the table in any investigation. Gaining information from witnesses, suspects, and subject matter experts often is the primary method that private investigators use to solve a case. 

Establishing rapport with the person being interviewed is the first step in any interview, increasing the chances that the private investigator will gain the information they need. Before an interview, gather information about the individual such as reading statements they have provided prior to the interview, understanding their role in a company, or the reason they are being interviewed. Then; 
  1. Start with a conversational approach - Introduce yourself and state the purpose of your interview. Remember to smile. 
  2. Ask about the individual - Spend a few minutes talking with the individual about their position, role in the company, or how they are associated with the investigation. Chat about their hobbies, interests if time allows.
  3. Show genuine interest in the individual - Let them know you are listening to them. Paraphrase information they share with you.  
  4. Use their name - Get their permission, "May I call you Rob?". Then use their name when talking, asking questions. This helps to establish a connection with the individual, personalizing the interview.
  5. Be friendly, empathetic - Let them know you understand or are trying to understand their position in a specific investigation. "I can imagine that you feel threatened about being interviewed." Or, "It's tough to be under-appreciated in your work." 
  6. Maintain rapport throughout the interview - Private investigators that continually build rapport with the interviewee gather more information. Those being interviewed that feel comfortable with the investigator are more willing to share information that may be relevant to the case. 

Building rapport requires effort on the part of the private investigator in an interview situation. Think of building rapport as making an investment in the investigation. It requires a few minutes of time but can provide excellent results. 

    Pro PI staff

    Experienced professionals and trainers.

    Articles

    December 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    November 2017
    October 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    May 2015
    March 2015
    August 2014
    July 2014
    February 2014
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013

    Categories

    All
    Investigations
    Paralegal
    Report Writing
    Training

    RSS Feed

ProPI Academy
A division of GuardStar Academy

Courses
Academy Blog
PI Instructor
FAQ's
PI Associations
With the right knowledge, skills and support you can become a successful professional private investigator and seek employment with attorneys, insurance companies, corporations, work for individuals, or start building your business. Being a professional Investigator/Detective is demanding, but very rewarding work.
Photos used under Creative Commons from It'sGreg, Grant Wickes, Chris Yarzab, jeffdjevdet, 81disasters, dannymac15_1999, g23armstrong, Oracle_Photos_Screenshots, wocintechchat.com, Linking Paths, sakai_dai