UK CP Operators working in the US

Hi Group,

I just wanted to ask if any of the CP operators on this site have managed to get any work in the US? Or is it a case that the companies in the US prefer to use their own citizens?
If there are guys and girls on here then I would love to hear about your experiences and the details of any user friendly CP companies over there!
To everyone else I bid you a good evening!
Sworks

It is pretty tough getting work in the US for a Brit/EU citizen.
One would need a green card.
A GC is quite hard to get (unless the principal is well known of in the US)

I worked abroad a few years ago alongside a team of ex 22 guys who were looking after the most well known couple in show business (the whole CP team are brits) and follow their principals back to the US and work there so I am guessing it was quite easy for them getting all the paperwork.

Thanks for that Ted.
I know the UK market is quite stiffled at the moment so was looking at other opportunities.

IMHO Sworks, its the CP market as whole and right across the globe that is totally saturated and flooded.

People that are employed all year round should wake up every morning and thank the stars for it as they are very lucky.

I totally agree!!

I thank the stars every night and every morning!

Is it seriously that bad? I'm considering a career change from the police from your posts doesn't sound so promising.

I would never ever dissuade anyone from pursuing their aspirations. I'm one of those that believe that if you really wish to do something then with enough time, effort and money devoted, anything is possible.

However, you will be joining a industry whereby the benchmark for access has been lowered for literally anyone to enter. The industry is as stated - swamped. If your personal, family and financial life can handle a somewhat a gamble of a start then do it.

I'm in that gamble at the moment having just left the Police. I personally feel that because there are so many below standard operators, it muddies the waters for the genuinely good guys to get through.
However I will continue to look for work, looking forward to meet the company that takes me on!

Actually Sworks, I will beg to differ on that -

If your CV is well written then you will simply shine amongst the many dross. The water will become clearer...!

True! That is why I paid for assistance with mine!
It does get noticed so that has paid off, so I am half way there! I am confident that it won't be long before I secure that first post.
One employer stated they picked mine along with some others out of 800 CV's! You must get bored after reading so many!
What's your email Rich I'll forward you mine! Lol

Sworks, I wish you well .

Rich H thanks it's encouraging to hear, not sure if I can financially gamble but that's what I'll research before I take the leap. Your book is very interesting and informative thank you.

I have never really had a problem finding employment and I have never been unemployed long. As soon as I finished with a task 1 or 2 months later I was already on another one.

I turn down many tasks as I have the luxury of being able to pick and choose.

I don't know if there is a secret to finding employment but I think its a mind set.
If you get up in the morning as a winner and you feel confident about yourself and ability you will get a job.

If you have the proper training and the ability then you need to show that by being professional at all times, having an eye catching CV, a good cover letter, a professional email address (not something like darkadder007@hotmail.co.uk)

You need to spell correctly and be able to hold a conversation. You need to present well, be fit and clean looking.
You need to carry out intel prior to sending your CV and make a list of target companies.
Giving them a call sometimes pays off better before sending your CV.
Get as many contacts as possible and get a good relationship going with guys that have been in the industry a long time.
Join CP associations, attend network events and meetings.

Sometimes it is just down to plain luck but its like playing the lottery, if you never play you will never win SO KEEP sending those CV's out every single day.

(I was once working in Europe on a low paid Show biz gig and got talking with an ex 22 guy who was over 50 years old and had been in the industry nearly all his life, a few months later I was in Africa working for one of the biggest companies in the security industry history protecting Oil executives on their travels!, that is all it took, a simple 10 min conversation and eye contact, just a bit of luck!)

Hi Ted,

I'm sure you're right. I'm confident after I get that first tasking and i get to meet owners and other operators that I will have no problems securing further work.
But at present I am an unknown quantity with only a CV to go on.
If these companies are sifting on average 800 CVs per job no wonder they give up sometimes!!

Hi Sworks

From your previous posts I gather you have a surv background. A lot of guys try and mix and match between Surv and CP to keep the wolf from the door so to speak. That in itself is a great network to join in on as nearly everyone is in the same boat.

Apologies if this is stating the obvious.

In relation to the US, yes it is a pain in the arse at times due to paperwork and bureaucracy. A lot of guys just do short term contracts on ESTA's if work pops up. Though that has potential issues.

Good luck mate...