We surveyed 880 detectives to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical detective. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as a detective?
Low
High
Working as a detective typically requires higher levels of intelligence when compared with the average career. This means that detectives are required to actively learn new things related to their discipline and solve complex problems.
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 particuarly 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.