Light at the end of the tunnel

charlie85

I have noticed a lot of people asking for advice on career changes and breaking into the industry lately. I would just like to offer a slightly different outlook to the usual (and quite true) "Don't bother, too many guys, not enough jobs".

When I joined CPW 18 months ago I was in the same boat as many, wanting a career change and to earn better money but with little or no idea how to go about it. I asked a lot of questions, some of which had been asked hundreds of times before, and probably irritated a lot of experienced people! I received loads of great advice and encouragement as well as a fair few negative responses which helped me make a balanced decision. As a result of this and a lot of persistence and dealing with rejection constructively I am about to get my first pay packet of a 12 month contract. Now, I do have a military background however I wasn't a para or bootneck and certainly wasn't SF. It IS possible to get the job you want if you are prepared to put the effort in. Nobody is going to hand it to you on a plate, or do the work for you, lie for you, vouch for you if they don't know you or help you at all if you don't have the right attitude but you can make it happen.

So, waffle aside, my point is there are jobs out there, heed the warnings about how difficult it is to get a foot in the door but if you are qualified, capable and suitable for a position then apply.

Good luck.

(mods, I promise this will be the only half sensible post I make until at least the New Year, wouldn't want to break the habit of a lifetime!!!)

DanD

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzz!!!

fwog

Ive found this site a great resource for information.
After being on one of the original DS courses (back in the day) . Working in and around Coventry for some time and then moving onto new pastures .This site has been the no.1 for information regarding restarting my old vice eerrrr I meant career. The legal stuff regarding sia is second to none, advice from people who are actually experiencing the same situations (I'd have no hope getting any sense from the SIA, also at a pound a minute )

Great site and the craic is 90 (so to speak)

Fwog

charlie85

Bugger, that light was just DanD's headtorch, you still looking for that name and shame forum?!!!!!

mark6354

nice 1 charlie hope all goes well mate

stay safe

DanD

Charlie...I am ...but think it's going to be no light there mate!!

dodger

A lot has to do with right time right place and that one lucky break!
Im shocked at the sensable post though mate!!

Heimrisks

Im happy for you, this industry is might even more harder then being flightcapten, well paid porn actres, Underwear Manufacturer earning thousands of dollars each hour, running it-websites, or as first contractor set up business on the moon?

The thing is this industry dont work fast, ok some does make it quicker because they know the right people either a client or providing company.
My first bodyguard /CP course an authorised for Sweden was back in 1994 I think my first real international cp task was a residental security job in Copenhagen for the Saudi Royal familiy and that was in 2000. (6 years with shit event jobs etc..and worked fulltime for 7 years with cash in transit) now and then jumped on smaller things, but that was a start for me. And Spending thousands in various courses.
I dont have SF experience either, I dont have sia cp license and Im a Swedish
I now a swede but still a viking lol*
Even though Sweden is not a member in the coalition forces in Iraq which pretty much is a request to even work there with pmc/psc I managed to get in.
Even in Afghanistan twice, the thing is it takes alot of effort for the most people if you are in the security industry, police or military and shifting career or mabe only route to another part of the industry alot of work.

People ask me what to do to find a job,
Well the same you are doing right now if that means networking, stay of the criminal patern, train as much as you can and work within the industry
I know people dont understand what I am saying but if you whant to work in 5 years time in hostile zones you cant just jump on a Psd course and stay working on a shopping mall as cleaner,or forklift driver..
You need to get into the security industry if that means guarding a door in a hotel for 1 year so be.
That is a year to put on your cv

some of the guys I speak to now that did train 2-3 years ago havent even a CV
they havent translated their diplomas if needed to english (authorised translater)
They dont have the vaccination cards done, nor have they a criminal background check that is up to date
They havent scanned in their passport and other important documents to there computer to speed up a eventual employment inquire

People tend to take the easy way, they fix everything when and if a recruiter calls
That will NOT work, all my jobs have been within 2-5 days from receiving dates.
Everything is in order including a bag, clothes, equipment and computer in my locker ready to go.

So much more could be told here but that should maybe be another thread.
But since I started here goes

Have the CV named after you: Mike Anthony Banister CV.doc
All diplomas scanned the same : Mike Anthony Banister PSD diploma.doc
etc.

Never use idiot emails as bandit or evildead @ hotmail
it should be Mike Banister @ etc..
A recruiter will find this in the right folder otherwice it will go in the bin

Only have relevant stuff on it!
A recruiter looking for a cp task in Yemen dont whant to read 97 para jumps!
Or open water diver instructor for a remote security installation in Iraq

Focus on the training, and work whitin the industry and things can go right
It is impossible to say who will get a job after a course, we all have diffrent options in life and assistance from members we also live in various countries where things are 50 times harder.

Again Charlie 85, just as you say things can work out
it just takes long to get there for 95% of us

All the best,
Hawk

Stoney

Charlie,

Glad its working out for you bud, I do believe that in this industry it takes a lot of hard work, networking and the right attitude to make the progress you want.

As for your 1 sensible post, please dont make a habit of it, I need some entertaining randomness whilst reading threads.

Oddjob

Charlie85, You were right,
You were very, very irritating.


Glad it all worked out for you.
It hasn't really changed 30+ years ago you required, determination, earned respect and took the breaks when they came.

It made me the irritating man I am today.

(got the irritating in before you did)