There are different paths you can take if you want to become an interrogator.There are many careers in the military, federal government, and local police departments that will put your interrogation skills to good use, even though you may have a hard time finding a job with the title "Interrogator."It is possible that your interrogation skills will lead to a different career path.
Step 1: Do you want to serve in the military?
Human Intelligence Collector for the U.S. Army is a career in intelligence gathering offered by the various branches of the United States Military.You will likely be required to use your interrogation skills in order to get information vital to national security in these careers.If you're considering a career in the military, it's a good idea to speak to a recruiter to find out more about the positions that interest you.If you join the military, be prepared to be deployed.You will have to be willing to work your way up from a lesser position in order to get a military career that involves interrogation.
Step 2: Think about a career in the police force.
A job as a police officer might be right for you if you are interested in interrogating criminals and protecting your community.If you want to become a detective, you will most likely have to start your career as a patrol agent, but will then have the chance to work your way up, which will involve more interrogation of suspects, as well as interviewing of witnesses and victims.
Step 3: If you are interested in working for a federal agency, consider it.
If you like military and police work, you might want to consider a career with a federal agency like the FBI or CIA.Special task forces are devoted to threats like terrorism and espionage.If you want to use your interrogation skills as much as you would like, you will have to work your way up from a lower position.It is wise to have a backup plan in case you are not accepted into the training program.
Step 4: Consider related careers.
If you don't want to work for the military, the federal government, or police department, consider other careers that use your talent for interrogation.In order to find a career that suits you, you need to know what interrogation is about.To successfully evaluate jurors, conduct depositions, and question witnesses, trial attorneys need to be great questioners.Investigative reporters need to know how to get people to give accurate answers.In order to effectively treat their patients, psychologists and psychiatrists need to know how to ask the right questions.A forensic psychologist can testify as an expert on issues related to psychology for criminal and civil cases.
Step 5: It is necessary that you complete the educational requirements.
Depending on what you want to do in your career, educational requirements can vary a lot.If you have a college degree, it might be easier for you to get into the military since you will need a high school diploma.If you want to become a police officer, you may only need a high school degree, but an associate's degree in criminal justice or a related field could make you a more competitive candidate.Check with your local department if college degrees are required.In order to be considered for a job with a federal agency, a bachelor's degree is required.You don't need a specific major, but you should think about how your studies will benefit you in the future.Possible majors include psychology, criminal justice, and international studies.Even if you don't need a college degree for your career path, it might benefit you in the long run.If you want to pursue a different career path related to interrogation, like becoming a lawyer, a psychologist, or a reporter, you will have to complete the specific educational requirements for those careers.
Step 6: You can learn a foreign language.
If you speak a foreign language, you are more likely to be hired as an interrogator for the military or federal agencies.Foreign languages are important for police officers because they can often encounter witnesses, victims, and suspects who do not speak English.Mental flexibility is an important skill for interrogators and studies show that people who learn a second language develop it.
Step 7: You need to improve your communication skills.
Become an exceptional communicator to stand out from the crowd.As you work towards becoming an interrogator, this skill will be helpful.Work on both written and verbal communication skills.English classes and public speaking classes are included in many high school and college courses.Understand assertive communication.Affirmative communication includes making eye contact, speaking in clear, direct statements, remaining calm, and using appropriate body language.Being able to confront people directly, handle resistance calmly, and develop alternative modes of questioning will serve you well as an interrogator.It is possible to learn to communicate effectively in a way that will benefit you as an interrogator by taking courses in psychology.
Step 8: Show strong analytical abilities.
The U.S. military looks for people who can read charts.You can improve in these areas by taking math and science classes.If you work at a job that requires you to read charts and analyze data, you can improve your skills.
Step 9: A clean record is important.
If you have a criminal record, it will make it harder for you to get a job as an interrogator because most of these jobs are in law enforcement or the armed forces.Depending on the charges, it may be possible to pursue your career goals with a criminal record.The U.S. military will consider applicants who have felonies on their records if they submit a waiver request along with several letters of recommendation.If you have a criminal record, make sure to check with the specific agencies or departments that you are interested in working for in order to determine if you're eligible for employment.You may not be able to work for certain police departments if you have poor driving records and poor credit.The standards vary from department to department.
Step 10: Be in good physical shape.
You will need to demonstrate that you are fit enough to perform the job in order to be accepted into the police academy or basic training for the military.The requirements are strenuous and include running a set distance, performing a number of push-ups and sitting up.Look into the specifics of the tests you need to take and begin training well in advance.There may be other physical requirements for acceptance into the military or a law enforcement agency.If there are any restrictions that make you ineligible for employment, contact the agency or department that you want to work for.
Step 11: You should be able to pass a psychological test.
You will need to pass a pre-employment psychological evaluation if you want to work in law enforcement.The test is used to gauge your mental aptitude for police work and screen for characteristics that are undesirable for law enforcement agents, such as poor impulse control.
Step 12: Prepare for the test.
If you want to join the military or law enforcement, you will need to take a written test.These are very competitive, so be sure to research the topics that will appear on the tests and prepare yourself accordingly.The National Police Officer Selection Test is used by many police departments.The military has its own series of tests.Depending on the job you want, you may have to take some tests.If you want to become an FBI agent or a CIA agent, you will have to take a series of written tests to assess your personality.Background checks will also be done.
Step 13: At training.
If you want to become an interrogator, you will need to go through an intensive training program that will teach you interrogation techniques and many other skills.If you are accepted into a training program, you will have the chance to show off your skills to your superiors.Use training as an opportunity to shine and stay strong under the pressure.You should take more training courses as your career progresses.
Step 14: Get a job.
The process for getting a job in the field that you want will have to be looked into.For many interrogator jobs, you will be placed on a list based on your test scores and training performance, and offered jobs for which you qualify as they become available.You could be asked to submit an application to multiple departments.The exact process of getting an assignment should be explained by the military recruiters.If you want to become a police officer or federal agent, you should ask the person administering your exam or someone at the training facility about the process.If you decide to pursue a career in a field that does not require testing, you will have to look for a job online, attend career fairs, or network with other professionals.
Step 15: Work your way up.
You will need to put a lot of work into getting your foot in the door in order to get a better position.You should always be on the lookout for advancement opportunities.If there is a test that interests you, take it.It is possible to show your superiors that you are a skilled interrogator.Even if interrogation isn't your primary duty, find ways to use your skills in your current position.Training opportunities related to interrogation are offered by your organization.Even if you don't have to take a class, show your interest by taking it.