Keep your chin up!

formulamx

I have only been on this site a short time but in that time I have done an immense amount of research into the industry, training, job availability and so forth. Purely for the reason that I wanted to ensure my hard earned savings where going to be put to good use!

Before I go on to express my point, I am not claiming to be an expert or otherwise, far from it, furthermore there is no intention whatsoever to cause any offence (if it does), I just felt the need to offer some inspiration, advice albeit useful or not...

I have been in sales & marketing management for 15 years, of which, 10 of those has been professional, working with blue chip companies and so on. I have worked in Security Consultancy and Fire Consultancy as well as spending years on "the doors" as head doorman and with the Police for 3 years. Prior to my sales career I was a fitter/driver for a tool hire firm.

Some may ask "why do you want to do CP work?"

My answer is that it is something I have always "wanted" to do, I got into sales by accident and through dedication and determination I have succeeded to become a "professional" within my field. I am currently employed as a Regional Sales Manager.

It was hard, bloody hard in fact and there were occasions when I was competing with hard core salesmen, sometimes, I knew my CV was amongst dozens of others all applying for the same job despite the fact I clearly had less experience than them. THI DID NOT DETER ME... in fact it made me even more eager to pursue the career that I believed would offer me job satisfaction and the money to suit.

I remember during my earlier days, the "knock backs" I received, "sorry you haven't enough experience but we wish you well" - that may be interpreted as "don't waste our bloody time, were far too busy"

Nonetheless, I went back to the drawing board... NO I didn't run off and get more training, more experience etc, I just amended my CV, changed my cover letter and approached it from different angles. I scrutinised myself over and over again and on the 3rd attempt I went from a sales rep to a Sales Manager with a remuneration package that almost doubled my previous.
How did I do it? I didn't lie!!! Not once, not ever, instead I just focussed on the strongest points I could that would win the day.
I have no school leaving qualifications and with reference to the above I had only been in sales 18 months but pure desire to succeed got me through.

That leads me onto CP opportunities, I understand the work is sparse and that employers receive on average (according to claims) 10 or 20 CV's per week. no doubt the majority get put straight into the shredder.

I also understand that there may be more than 5,000 CPO's working in the UK (many more abroad) at any one time but remember, there are jobs popping up and a constant change over of staff and contracts. Yes I agree many companies use the same staff over and over again but there are also new jobs coming in that need filling.

It is wrong to say that Ex-mil or Ex-Police etc have first refusal, if the employer is professional and works in accordance with legislation and law they should give everyone at least a "look in" and it is then and only then that your CV and cover letter could make or break you, if it breaks you refine it, get someone to look at it and give their opinion (no I am not trying to teach anyone to suck eggs - we all need a jab in the side sometimes, even me!).



Despite all the negativity surrounding employment within this industry I feel it is no different than any other (with all due respect) think of it like this...


How many CPO jobs are there?
A. No one really knows as thy are not readily advertised.

How many people looking for work as CPO's
A. No one really knows but it appears that there are lots... and lots and although forums like this one offer some fantastic advice and opportunities in many different ways we soon begin to think that there is no hope and can easily and quickly get dishartened, especially those new to the industry and those that are considering it.



Now, take another industry... Commercial Diving for example! I have a friend who is struggling and has been for weeks to get back under the waves, so in retrospect it is an industry no different than any other that is specialised.


It would be all to easy for me to stick at my job, good car, money etc, etc but for me that would mean I have failed in my ambition to be exactly what it is I want to be....


I wish everyone on here and those that are not all the best in the world, after all I think you all deserve it, some of you guys and girls have been through sh*t and times are not getting any easier.


Stay confident, stay motivated and dont let the basta*ds get your down.


If you put 101% effort in you WILL get results (Full repsect to those already doing it but as my mentor always said... "you can always do better than you think is your best")



CS MinstSMM

I have already begun my pre-employment campaign and already and I have received some enlightening, albeit quite positive responses.

You can all wake up now!!!!!!