statement such as: ‘I’m a results-driven professional with excellent communication skills.’ Think about what the organisation wants and how you can highlight your skills for the role in a short paragraph. For example, ‘I’m a reward specialist with two years’ experience in a medium-sized organisation. I am experienced in linking reward strategy to business needs to engage and reward our people in line with their performance.'


The CIPD also has a CV guide for young people which can be found on their web site (along with a wealth of other useful information). www.cipd.co.uk


The interview


Remember you only have one chance to create a first impression. Before the Interview • Be certain you are interested in the role.


• Make sure you understand the job description – you could be asked to explain your understanding of the position.


• Research the company (and possibly who you are meeting), establish what you can about them, their clients and their market etc. It’s good to show an interest and that you have made the effort to do so.


• Prepare your questions and notes in advance – look at how your experience and skills are relevant to and complement the job description.


• Read and re-read your CV. It is vital you are familiar with the content.


• Your CV will be the basis for discussion at the interview and you could be questioned on any aspect. Ensure you have at least two copies of your CV with you. If possible, practise your interview questions/technique with somebody beforehand.


• Work out how you are going to get to the interview – is there parking? where is the nearest train/underground station? how long will it take? – factor in rush hour and if possible do a dry run beforehand so you know exactly where you are going.


• Remember the Five Ps (Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance).


Day of the Interview


• Ensure you have the name, address and contact number of who you are seeing.


• Ensure you know how you are getting there and by what mode of transport, and make sure you have factored in rush hour.


• Get there early; you may even establish there is a coffee place nearby where you could go through your CV, notes and questions again one last time.


• Think about what you are wearing to your interview (is it business smart and appropriate?).


© CI TY S ECURI TY MAGAZ INE – SUMMER 2013


five hot tips Our industry experts provide advice for finding your place in security


• Try not to have a cigarette just before you go in for your interview or, if you do, don’t go in smelling like you have just had a cigarette – do take some mints with you.


• Ensure your mobile phone is switched off or on silent!


• When you meet your interviewer a firm positive handshake and eye contact is important. Remember that communication is made up of 55% body language, 38% of how you say it and just 7% of what you say!


• Be prepared to give a summary of your career and, equally importantly, how you believe your experience matches the job requirements. What difference and contribution could you bring to the organisation, either immediately or in the long-term, by demonstrating the highest levels of potential?


• Don’t waffle and if you don’t understand a question, say so and just ask them to repeat it.


• Be enthusiastic (it’s infectious) and try to avoid just yes/no answers to questions.


• Before the interview ends make sure you have mentioned all of your relevant experience, have asked your questions and covered all that is important. Sometimes interviewers may not have covered everything in their questioning and not all interviewers’ style or technique will be the same (and not all interviews are structured/competency based interviews).


• At the end of the interview ask the interviewer what happens next; if you are still interested in the role then make them aware and tell them!


Post interview


• If you have the interviewer’s contact details, either send them an email and/or a letter within 24 hours saying that you enjoyed meeting them, reiterate your interest in the role and working with them/their organisation and that you look forward to hearing from them (keep it brief and relevant) as discussed.


In summary, Brand You will always be a work in progress and continually evolving – and, as Tom Peters would say – “You are your story, so work on it.”


Graham Bassett GBRUK Recruitment www.gbruk.com


1. Study the market and choose your first role or career move A wide range of roles fall under the umbrella of security. The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has produced a careers guide that demonstrates how a role within the industry is no longer ‘just a job’, but a long-term career. You can download the free guide from: www.bsia.co.uk/web_images/publications/1 48_careers_guide.pdf


2. Get qualified


Dr. Alison Wakefield says, “I would encourage those without a degree to look towards getting a vocational qualification first, such as the Security Institute’s certificate (equivalent to A-Level standard at Level 3), and then consider the longer-term investment in a degree alongside an entry- level job.”


3. Network


Meeting people already working in the sector and extending your range of contacts can help. If you link people up for their mutual benefit, they will both be grateful to you and more willing to help.


Mike Britnell says, “Speak to someone who is already employed in security. Ask them to explain the extent of security roles, the limitations, the entry points… ask them to explain how it is possible to move up the ladder in a chosen area of security or sideways to a new area of expertise; and which qualifications will help and how to get them.”


4. Apply for an apprenticeship or internship


“An apprenticeship is a good way to start. Think about becoming a security systems installation engineer, a security officer (although you have to be 18 or older), a locksmith, someone employed in security customer service, or business administration – each of these roles will give you insight into the extent of security and the lifetime of interest and opportunity that will follow,” says Mike Britnell.


5. Develop your people skills


Good people and communication skills are a key to success in the security sector. “We look for individuals with the skill and maturity to work in our sector, those who can work in both relaxed and formal environments with ease, people with a broad set of people skills,” says John Roddy.


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