Things You'll Need:
- Work authorization
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Step 1
Make sure that your legal work status is in order by obtaining a Social Security number, if you don't already have one.
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Step 2
Start your job search early. Don't wait until the middle of June to start pounding the pavement looking for a summer job. Successful applicants will lay the groundwork for their job search months in advance, carefully creating and cultivating relationships with local private investigators.
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Step 3
Make a list of private investigators that work in your area, taking into account that both small private practices and larger investigative firms may have summer job opportunities for you. In each case, get the name and contact information of a specific person involved in hiring temporary workers or students for the summer, and direct all your inquiries to that person.
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Step 4
Sell yourself. Identify a specific skill set that will be attractive to these prospective summer employers, and demonstrate that you have it and want to use it to benefit the PI's business. Keep in mind that you probably won't be actively participating in investigations as a summer worker--you'll more likely handle administrative tasks such as telephone duty, filing and general clerical work.
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Step 5
Be persistent in your efforts. You'll only get working if you aren't discouraged when you hear "no" at first. Make sure the contact you speak to understands how eager you are to gain a foothold in the business and that you'd appreciate any opportunity, any at all, to work for the PI.
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Step 6
Volunteer, as a last resort. If you're financially secure for the summer and can't find a paying gig, most private investigators won't turn down free labor. You may be asked to sign waivers, though, clearing the firm of any liability in the event that you are injured on the job.
