Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: GPS Tracking • Electronic Discovery • Corporate Investigation

Workplace Investigation

Term from Private Investigation industry explained for recruiters

A Workplace Investigation is a formal process of looking into problems, complaints, or incidents that happen at work. This could include investigating harassment claims, theft, misconduct, or policy violations. Investigators gather information by interviewing people, reviewing documents and evidence, and writing detailed reports about what they found. This work helps companies handle internal issues properly and legally. It's similar to regular detective work, but focused specifically on workplace situations. You might also hear it called an "internal investigation," "employee misconduct investigation," or "corporate investigation."

Examples in Resumes

Conducted over 50 Workplace Investigation|Workplace Investigations into harassment and discrimination claims

Led Corporate Investigation|Workplace Investigation teams for Fortune 500 companies

Completed 25 Internal Investigation|Workplace Investigation reports with detailed findings and recommendations

Typical job title: "Workplace Investigators"

Also try searching for:

Private Investigator Corporate Investigator Human Resources Investigator Employee Relations Investigator Internal Affairs Investigator Workplace Investigation Specialist

Where to Find Workplace Investigators

Professional Associations

Job Boards

Professional Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you handle complex workplace investigations involving multiple parties and conflicting statements?

Expected Answer: Should explain their methodology for organizing information, cross-referencing testimonies, maintaining objectivity, and reaching well-supported conclusions. Should mention experience with complex cases and managing sensitive situations.

Q: Describe how you would train new investigators in conducting proper workplace investigations.

Expected Answer: Should discuss creating investigation protocols, mentoring techniques, quality control measures, and how to teach others about maintaining confidentiality and professional standards.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What steps do you take to ensure confidentiality during an investigation?

Expected Answer: Should explain practical measures like secure document storage, careful communication practices, and maintaining privacy during interviews. Should mention understanding of legal requirements.

Q: How do you handle witnesses who are reluctant to participate in an investigation?

Expected Answer: Should discuss building rapport, explaining the process clearly, addressing concerns about retaliation, and professional techniques for encouraging cooperation while maintaining ethical standards.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic steps you follow when conducting a workplace investigation?

Expected Answer: Should outline the fundamental process: receiving complaints, planning the investigation, gathering evidence, conducting interviews, analyzing findings, and writing reports.

Q: How do you maintain objectivity during an investigation?

Expected Answer: Should discuss the importance of avoiding bias, sticking to facts, interviewing all relevant parties, and not jumping to conclusions before completing the investigation.