Do you consider yourself a leader?
Investigators often need to take the lead on the job, ensuring that tasks are met with authority and urgency. The interviewer wants to see that you have a natural ability to lead others. Whether you have led a group of 500 or a team of 2, you must display the capability to handle the responsibility of being a leader and mentor. If you have never held a formal leadership role, talk about a time you have unofficially led a group, encouraged your counterparts, or been the face of a project.
"I do see myself as a leader. I currently oversee three junior investigators and some administrative staff. I guide team meetings, disseminate information, monitor performance, approve scheduling, and debrief my team. I have managed people for many years, but I believe that leadership does not always equate to management. I am sure to lead at all times by providing the best model of discretion and work ethic."
"I have qualities that will make me a good leader in the future, once I have more experience in my investigative career. I am a keen listener, and I understand how to look at the big picture without losing momentum with small tasks. I enjoy coaching others and am an advocate for continued learning."
Focus on giving examples of your leadership qualities. The interviewer wants to hear what you consider a leader and how you inspire those around you. If you do not have much experience in a leadership role, describe how you look forward to growing into a leadership capacity with on-the-job experience, taking leadership courses, or reading books on developing these qualities.
If you do not consider yourself a leader, avoid telling the interviewer that you do not have leadership qualities. Even if you do not feel comfortable as a leader, you will need to strengthen your leadership skills to succeed as a criminal investigator. A better response would be that you are inexperienced as a leader and describe the measures you will take to improve those skills.
