We surveyed 290 detectives to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical detective. Here are the results.
Can I learn to become a detective?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a detective typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as a detective?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically difficult to find a job as a detective. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for detectives.
Do detectives work full-time or part-time?
92% of detectives work in full-time roles while 8% work part-time.
Is being a detective stressful?
Low
High
Detectives tend not to find their jobs stressful, which likely contributes positively to career satisfaction.
Is being organized important as a detective?
Low
High
Organization is not considered a particularly important part of being a detective.
How competitive is the workplace for detectives?
Low
High
Competition at work is not common for detectives.
Does being a detective require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Time pressure tends not to be a major contributor of stress for detectives.
Are detectives allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Detectives rarely get a chance to express themselves creatively.
Do detectives have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
Detectives have high flexibility in the direction of their work, allowing them a lot of freedom in how they accomplish their goals.
Is being a detective physically demanding?
Low
High
Being a detective may occasionally require demanding physical activity, which may make it not a suitable career choice for everyone.
Are detectives exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
Detectives tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.
Does being a detective require attention to detail?
Low
High
Attention to detail isn't necessarily required to be successful as a detective.
Does being a good detective require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
Being compassionate and empathetic is considered helpful to those looking to pursue careers as detectives.