Reviewing Employment Applications of Private Investigators

Several studies indicate that more than 1 in 3 applications contain inaccuracies. Consequently, while reviewing any application you are looking for completeness, accuracy, and consistency.

First, look over the entire application and ensure that it is filled out (in ink) in its entirety, signed, dated, and legible (would a jury or hearing officer be able to read it?). Do not consider the application if it is not in order. If necessary, call the candidate back and have it completed it to your satisfaction.

Make notes on a copy of the application, highlighting the following areas (this will make it easier to quickly find important information later):

• Social Security Number

• Name and Address

• Previous addresses that are not within the local area

• Convictions, if any

• Education institutions beyond high school

• Supervisor's name, phone number, dates and wage of prior employment

• Reasons for leaving prior employers

• Relatives and personal references that live outside of the local area

Consider the following "red flags" that will need further explanation by the candidate:

• Any blanks

• Unexplained gaps in time between previous employers

• Other irregularities with dates

• Previous supervisors with the same last name as listed relatives or other personal references

• When the reason for leaving doesn't relate to the next job (i.e. “left for better wages or benefits”) or if the next job doesn't support the assertion

• Periods where salaries or promotions increase sharply or decrease

• Skills that are included when there are no obvious reasons in prior employment or education to support learning the skill

• Any periods of self-employment

• Instability in job history “job hopping”