Interviews

Ways into work

by Mark Rowe

Ten pathways to guarantee you work in the security industry are offered by Tim at Mash Staffing. The recruitment company provides staffing for various sectors of the security industry.

1.It starts in the home
Whether you are new to the security industry or not, it’s better to do it with support, than on your own. Speak to your family and friends and explain to them what you’re looking to achieve. It’s always a good idea to do a skills audit too, as you may have people very close to you that that can help you. For example they may have specific skills to help such as proof reading your CV or teaching you to iron properly.

2.Then to your bank account
How does your account look? Are you in the red or the black? This may affect how much you need to be working. Even if you’re in the black, if you aren’t out there working, operationally and networking, you are draining your account. Always better to be working than not because you never know what will come from it; I can assure you potential employers or colleagues will be able to see you whilst you’re lying on your sofa wondering why the phone isn’t ringing.

3.Then to your wardrobe
Expectations of security operatives to look good are changing and becoming far more part of a client’s promotion of their brand, whether it’s a foodstuff, or a venue. Client’s want ‘smart’ – fact! Keep your clothes cleaned and pressed, replace as soon as something is past its best and take time to ‘build your wardrobe’. On average it takes £1000 and one year to build a ‘basic’ quota of nice outfits for higher end work, then it’s all about smaller spends and maintaining.

4.Then to the gym and fridge
In order to get respect from employers or clients you have to look ‘fit for purpose’ and be ‘fit for practice’. That means that you’ve got the experience to do the work but also can do it well to meet high expectations and represent brands and clients well. Security operatives should exercise (it’s an active job!) and they shouldn’t eat rubbish. Eat well, have more energy and be more alert!

5.Then to the mirror
Check yourself out, not posing but ask yourself, ‘would I employ me?’ If you think ‘yes because I’m awesome’, go to the supermarket and see if you can pick up some ‘Humility Pills’; they’re right behind the ego slices that you’ve overdosed on.

6.Then to your ego
The security industry is full of big egos. Why, well it would appear to be because of the competition for work and it just attracts people who love to feel powerful and respected without much to back it up. Just because the B@*lshit brigade seems to be getting work, everyone they know hates them – not ideal when you need someone to watch your back!

7.Then to your friends and associates
Can you help your friends out and can they help you, don’t be a stranger, keep in touch as this is the best networking you can do.

8.Then to your ‘drive’
Don’t give up on your aspirations. Many I know worked for one to five years in the industry before they get their ‘big break’ where they feel like they’re starting to make it. Stay motivated, stay strong and don’t compromise on your ethics and morals. You aren’t above that job where you only clear £30 for the day; it may be the job that pays you £200 tomorrow!

9.Then to your planning
Know where you want to go but keep your mind open. Your best bet is to view your first few years in the Private Security Industry as your degree period; learn as much as you can, take as much work as you can and don’t be a ‘job snob’. If you’re available sign up for the work, it will help you along the path to where you want to get, a well rounded individual is far more useful than a ‘one trick pony’.

10.Then to the maintenance of it all
Don’t go changing! Everybody has a place where they fit in within the industry, it may not be where they initially set out to be and it may not be their ‘ideal world’ outcome but, the industry is not there to help you realise your dreams, it’s there to service clients professionally and to the highest standards. Far too many people believe the industry owes them a living now they’ve got their badge, the industry owes nobody anything, the quicker this is realised, the easier you will find work.

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