Whether you are separating or retiring from the military this article will assist you in making a successful transition into the executive protection trade as a Corporate Security.
Hard work, discipline and sound strategies are the best way to prepare for, find and keep a job as a corporate bodyguard. Your ability to reach a level of success in this field is based on your commitment to get there.
First of all, you will have to start reassessing your current skills aimed at entering the corporate executive protection industry. After you reassess your current skill levels or gained additional proficiencies you are ready to start your career transition leading to a rewarding job.
You will be evaluated on the specific strengths you already have from working in the military. Your marketable skills need to be corporately sound, meaning your skills are adaptable to the private sector and targeted towards the profession.
Market your current strengths, show they are transferable and have: A significant tangible return on the corporate security budget. This is corporate lingo, the translation: “Your work-related experience is considered good enough to prevent injury or kidnapping to senior management under your protection.” In the executive protection trade you are expected to deliver a solid return on the corporation ¡s investment in you.
Executive protection is looked at as being more cost-effective than potentially having high cost injury claims or ransom payments. Just being aware of this fact is the first step in landing a corporate bodyguard job and being successful at it.
You should also concentrate on developing the interpersonal skills needed for dealing comfortably with top businesspeople. This includes courtesy, politeness and good manners, but always keeping a protective edge that normal individuals do not have. Proper business attire is extremely important. For males wear a dark suit and a tie that matches and is not to flashy. For females a dark business pantsuit and closed-toe shoes is recommended. Look crisp and sharp at all times.
Finding corporate executive protection work involves being interviewed by lots of professional men with tender sensibilities. These men are looking for candidates who are self-reliant and have a cool head and common sense. Use your internal discipline and toughness from working in the military and adapt your transferable strengths to the corporate executive protection landscape. Do not waste time on things that are non-transferable.
A well-planned and managed job search should include: Looking for corporate bodyguard job opportunities in the Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, etc. Do not just look in the job-classified sections. Look for news articles and events in your area relating to corporate protective opportunities such as stalkers or weirdoes harassing a local personality, corporate layoffs and downsizings or business events featuring well-known senior executives and CEOs. These news items are an often overlooked opportunity for corporate bodyguard jobs. Sending your resume out to potential corporate employers both electronically and with very important employers by overnight courier to ensure receipt to the proper corporate individual. Getting professional name cards made up with your name, address, and contact information. Give your name cards out to a variety of people you meet. Name cards are great tools to advance your career transition.
Creating “The right place at the right time situation” by socializing in upscale locations where influential people go to increase your network of personal relationships with key people.
Continue reading and studying books on corporate executive protection, attending local security association meetings and corporate bodyguard workshops to increase your networking capabilities. This will also keep you on the leading edge within the executive protection industry.