Posted: 12/14/2006 10:29:49 AM EDT
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Legitimate question for real security guards. I'm applying for a security job to at least tie me over until I find better work. For the area, it isn't horrific pay - but it's not great either. Probably just wearing a uniform and carrying a notepad I imagine. No enforcement powers and this is NOT salary. Keep in mind - this is probably a 6 or 8 hour shift of menial wages in a car with a yellow blinky light. That said, I have an interview on Monday. Many classes on interviews suggest you have a "suit with a high thread count and matching brass accessories". Which is clearly ridiculous for a job that pays less then $10 an hour. But work is good - and while I aim to get a decent federal job - I need something to keep me busy - rather then sit on unemployment when my military terminal leave runs out in a few weeks. I think its ridiculous to run out and buy a suit which I'll rarely if ever wear. Maybe a nice dress shirt, tie, and Khaki pants for an interview. A 3 piece suit seems overkill to me though. Any thoughts from former, or current, security guards? Anyone else have ideas on how to dress for non-salary jobs? |
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If you aren't wearing gang colors, you're better than half the applicants I've had to deal with. Truthfully, a shirt and tie, khakis, and a clean jacket over it is good enough. A nicely pressed suit, well polished shoes, a haircut, and fresh breath are the way to go if you intend to apply for a management position. Have your resume in a folder so it doesn't get wrinkled or smudged before handing it to them. Have it handy, even if you already turned one in to them. Frankly, though, I have seen some real losers come in to interview, just so they can tell their unemployment counselor they were there, with absolutely no intention of taking the job. And a good number of those WERE wearing gang colors. A good attitude will get you the job, no matter how you're dressed. Just be pressed, clean, and go easy on the cologne. Good luck. |
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If you really want the job, make an effort to look like you do. I would not buy a suit, but slacks, shirt & tie and a sports coat will go a long way in saying you have pride in your appearance. This would also indicate you might also have pride in the work you do. A dark blue sports coat works with a lot of different shirts & ties. A good start in case you need to do a "coat & tie" thing. |
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My first job interview I went to (16 yrs old), my mom told me to wear my suit. I got the job, the guy wearing a t-shirt and jeans that had the interview after me was also in my training class. For this kind of job, shirt with a collar and some slacks would cut it, as long as you can form complete sentences and can show common sense. IMO, if you wear a suit to an interview for regular security, interviewer might assume you want to be billy badass bodyguard carrying bear mace, and would be more of a liability when you draw down on a todler for spilling his drink. Don't overcompensate by dressing up, it honestly doesn't take much to impress most interviewers these days. |
Dont forget your|
ACUs, tactical vest and a drop leg holster with an airsoft glock. Also, a camo bandana might help convey the message that, "hey bro, I'm mall ninja material all the way." Always present yourself as a professional. Whether you're interviewing for Waffle House parking lot patrol or an instructor's slot at Langley. |
| Thanks for all the feedback thus far. As of now, my plan is to pick up a nice dress shirt and tie that'll match my khaki pants. That and polish up my shoes. I think I'll pass on wearing Class A military shoes though - I've got a somewhat dressy black pair of Sketchers that I can spit polish. I may get a haircut too - but not a high and tight (never again). Just trimmed up some around the ears and neck for a more groomed appearance. |
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I interview hundreds of people, but every interviewer is different, I am a stickler for appearance. For the job you are applying for I suggest the following: Everything should be CLEAN and IRONED!
That should cover you pretty well for 90% of all interviews you go on. Av. |
Thanks for your input. Given the nature of the job, I'd assume appearance and one's demeanor are important factors for the interview. Good advice and duly noted. |
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I wore khakis and a dress shirt to an interview for the same kinda job (weekend work while finishing college). Got the job easily, and since I had a work ethic (didn't go park the security car and sleep) and actually showed up on time/at all I was probably one of their best employees... It's a crappy job though IMO, they'll probably eventually move you to a permanent position like security at a big plant or something after a while if it's like the company I worked for (Security Forces, Inc), and that's not as bad as the security car/truck driving. |
Thanks for all the advice. Interview went well and the HR guy was a veteran too  . I wore khaki Dockers, a blue dress shirt, Class A shoes, and matching tie. I got a decent haircut and shaved too (my face - you weirdos). I wasn't chewing gum and avoided any type of cologne. Not sure if all that mattered - this place is probably used to seeing mostly college students and people already on unemployment. I have a conditional offer of full time employment and have already tried on uniforms. Just waiting on a background check - that's the only thing I'm waiting on before the training. I mentioned my security clearance too - maybe it'll help out with this job or similar work. Looks like I may be working in a hospital starting out. Guard crazies and dead people - woot  Happy that I have work lined up though - one tends to get complacent in the military when it comes to job security. Most of the work is in the $10 an hour range - if I stick with this long term, there are some better opportunities that pay around $16 or so. Still have my eyes set on applying for the Post Office - but it all went well for now. Again - thank you arfcom for all the help. 
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I haven't read all the advice. I hire 4-8 people a year in the wage range you are looking at. 1. Neat appearance. Trim beard/moustache if applicable. Hair trimmed 2. Slacks. buttondown shirt tie ( jacket optional) 3. Be enthusiastic. nuff said ETA- nothing like giving advice after the fact
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