You were assigned a big case and have now completed all of your preliminary research. You have reviewed all the documentation and evidence and completed your witness interviews. Now it’s time for the “big” interview with the suspect and you’re the one feeling nervous and anxious.

Whether a seasoned fraud professional or someone new to the field of fraud examination I think most would agree that suspect interviews can be one of the most difficult parts of the job. Even the most seasoned CFE gets nervous before the “big interview” and most would say this is normal. I would even go so far as to say that if you’re not at least a little nervous before such interviews there is something wrong with you. That said, if you’re overly anxious it can have a negative impact on the results. Therefore, it is important to understand how to limit these feelings.

1. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

The more prepared you are for the investigation interview the less anxious you will be. If you are familiar with and confident in the information you have, you will get through it just fine. Even if you are a little nervous in the beginning your confidence will grow by the second if you are prepared and on-track.

Conversely, if you are unprepared, your anxiety will start way before the interview does and only get worse as you stumble your way through the process. Investigators/interviewers would be wise to embrace the Boy Scout motto: “Be Prepared”.

2. Experience Makes it Easier

As with most things in life, the more you do investigation interviews the more comfortable you become and the better you get at them. I imagine scuba diving for the first time is pretty scary. However, the more you dive the more comfortable you become and the less anxiety you have.

So, for those of you doing their first “big” interview – this tip may not be overly helpful at the moment. However, it should be reassuring to know that it will get easier (and you will get through it).

3. Don’t Take it Personally

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At the end of the day, this is business and we should always remember that. And, if we do, I propose that any interview anxiety will be greatly reduced. You are a professional and this is part of your professional responsibility. Don’t let your emotions (including fear) negatively impact the process. I’m not saying to become emotionless, not show empathy or become robotic. However, it is helpful when combating this type of anxiety to control emotions so as not to be overcome.

Imagine a law enforcement or military officer having to notify a family of a deceased loved one. Or, a doctor having to tell someone they are going to die. Hard as it may be, I think you could do that to if you were in that position. But, you’re not. What you are doing in this interview is much easier isn’t it?  Remember that.

4. Dress Professionally

I have worked for several companies in which professional dress was required as well as companies in which business casual was the norm. I am fine either way and it is certainly nice not to have to wear a tie every day. However, I never really minded wearing a tie (or suit), and I still often do even when it’s not required.

I heard somewhere (and I agree) that dress affects behavior. When you are dressed professionally you will act more “professional” and others will also perceive you in this way. If you feel good about yourself and confident in your appearance you will feel better and more confident in interviews.

5. Don’t Agonize Over Mistakes

You are going to make mistakes. Just know this from the beginning and don’t spend/waste time thinking about this and worrying about it as all this does is feed the anxiety monster. Rather than worrying, spend this time preparing and you will be much better off.

It is the person sitting across from you who should be worrying about making mistakes. You simply need to ask questions and lay out your case. Your suspect is the one with the explaining to do.

6. It’s Not About You

Get over yourself. I don’t say this to be mean but rather because not making it about “you” will help to lessen anxiety. And, it’s really not about you anyway is it? It is about getting to the truth. That’s it. Focus on that as opposed to being nervous.

7. Banish Your Fear

What exactly are you afraid of? That you will me make a mistake (see #5)?  That you will pass-out?  You won’t! That you won’t actually get to the truth? Tiger Woods is arguably the best golfer in the world and he only wins 27 per cent of the time.  See, nothing to fear!

8. You Are Not in the “Hot Seat”

As I stated above, the person sitting across from you is the one with the explaining to do. You are not in the “hot seat,” they are. There are plenty of nerves in the room for both of you.

9. Breathe

Self-explanatory.

10. Believe in yourself

You can do it, you will do it and it will get better every time as you improve and gain confidence in your abilities. Investigative interviewing is a hard job that may never get easy, but it certainly does get “easier.”

This is obviously not an all-inclusive list and I am sure many of you have tips of your own and, if so, I would certainly love to hear them.