Intro

Hi guys,

Found this forum via a link on Facebook and it looks good.

Former military 23yrs, got out in Dec 2012 and started work in Afghan as PSD/RMC and now I'm looking for something a wee bit different but as we all know it's all about "who you know".

Spike

Indeed Spike,

Mostly it is all about having the right connections.
Networking is a big part of the job.
Going on courses, forums, or networking events is all good, sometimes a wee bit of luck is also needed!

Once we get over 2000 members we will be organising a big networkiing event.

Best,

Think I'm all out've luck at the mo, but not gonna throw in the towel just yet!

Hi Spike,

To right mate, don't throw the towel in just yet. I found it really frustrating. I've been doing RMC / Security Advisory in Kabul for nearly a year and a half and likewise fancy trying something a bit different. Finding it really hard to break into other countries or different avenues. I keep being told persistence is the key so just keep "chipping away".

Good luck mate.

Regards

Phil

That's the thing though Phil, it's a lot easier to get another contract when you're in country. Finding it a bit of a pain emailing companies and not even getting some form of reply!

Good posts gents.
I agree with everything said.

It is very unpleasant sending hundreds of cv's and getting only 3 or 4 replies from 200 emails sent out.

Do you think its because the companies have bad manners?
Is it because they receive hundreds of cv's each day and don't have dedicated personel tasked with viewing job applications and responding to them all?

Spike,

Yeah you are right it "can" be easier to get work whilst still in country but that is because it's less work for the new company to do i.e. entry visas etc. But even with this I have still had trouble getting interest from other employers and have doubted myself at times and or my ability. I know this is stupid as I deem myself as a competent individual but it still knocks your confidence........

.........Ted,

It is dejecting not hearing back from possible employers and it does sometimes make you think either "they can't be bother" but you do have to understand the scope of the market and that it is "flooded". Each position can receive as many as 100 applications. It is hard to find a happy medium for what these companies can do. One thing I have always thought is, and i have received it a few times, is a simple automated reply set up. I know that a lot of times it means nothing but i think for our piece of and sanity on the psychological side of things, it's nice that we have had a response. Even if that response is not going to lead anywhere. It has stopped your confidence from taking a knock meaning you can at least attempt to keep up the enthusiasm for your pursuit of employment. It's hard enough as it is without the help of so many companies knocking it back down.

Regards

Phil

Phil,

You shouldn't doubt yourself, I also think that I'm a more than capable Operator and from my, albeit, short time in the industry I've seen and had the displeasure of working with some right muppets and all I thought was "how the hell did you get this job"?

As for the emails it's not solely the Security Industry but in any profession and that's something that'll never change, which, I agree does affect your morale at the end of the day.
You'd also like to think that if a Security company has a recruitment tab on their website and you send your CV off to them some form of reply be it automated or from an actual human being would be better than nothing.


Spike

Spike,

On all the contracts I have been on I too have looked at individuals I thought "how the hell have you got that position" I am all for "continued professional development" but have been told on numerous occasions that unless you have a degree or you are an 
"Ex Officer" then you don't have a chance at these positions. I have come across many Ex JNCO and SNCO who would be very capable of fulfilling that role and if not sometimes would be better off in those positions rather than the current incumbent.

Phil

Hi Carleen,

What a bizarre first post….
Please get verified status in order to view all topics.
A better introduction on a new topic of your own would also be nice.

Is that you Carleen?
https://www.linkedin.com/pub/carleen-frost/78/420/498

Not much info on there….