Job online searching has completely changed how we look for work. Gone are the days of flipping through newspaper vacancy pages. Now, finding a new career is as simple as heading online. With job boards, apps, and professional platforms like LinkedIn, you can tailor your search, set alerts, and even apply with a few clicks. Tools like filters and AI suggestions make finding the right online job quicker and easier. Networking has also become key, connecting job seekers with employers and opportunities in ways that weren’t possible before. The online job search is now faster, smarter, and more efficient.
For many reasons, Christmas truly lives up to its reputation as the “most wonderful time of the year.” Families come together, gifts are exchanged, and festive meals fill the season with joy. As December unfolds, the demand for Christmas temporary jobs also peaks, offering a great opportunity for those looking to earn extra income while being part of the holiday cheer. These roles play a vital part in making the season magical for everyone.
But for others, it can be a daunting time of year thanks to that old pain – money.
With so much spending going on, unemployed people and those in low paying jobs, can really feel the pinch in their attempts to keep up with everyone else. Luckily, Christmas does bring around one opportunity – temporary jobs or temp jobs.
Below, you’ll find our tips for landing a temporary jobs in the security industry or elsewhere. Regardless of your skill set, you’ll likely be able to find something that eases the financial burden this Christmas.
Look everywhere
Retail surges now start as far back as November, so it is never too early to start looking. And you should look absolutely EVERYWHERE. Obvious places like shopping centres and big retail outlets are the best place to start, but don’t be afraid to go a little more local in your search. You’ll soon find that the vast majority of businesses will be in need of temp staff.
If you’re in the security industry and going from shop to shop, try to speak to both the existing security guard and the shop management. The front of house security may be able to tip you off to availabilities, or save you the hassle of talking to management by saying there are no temp jobs. Do this before the sales really start though, otherwise these people will be too busy (that said, you can always check corporate websites for job listings).
Play the field
Once you’ve found a few temporary jobs, take some time to compare your options. Look at how much each one could earn you by factoring in the pay rate and expected hours. If one clearly stands out, go for it. If they’re all similar, choose the one you think you’ll enjoy the most. If you’re considering a security role, taking security courses could boost your chances of landing a better-paying job. It’s all about finding the right balance between earning potential and doing something you’ll actually enjoy, especially during busy seasons like Christmas.
Whatever you do, though, do it fast. These job roles are filled ridiculously quickly due to high demand at this time of year. Hesitation, for whatever reason, could cost you. So be thorough, but efficient in your deliberations.
Multiple Jobs
If your schedule allows it, you might want to look into the possibility of working multiple jobs. Some temporary roles will only require you for a few days, so leapfrogging from one to the next is a possibility. Or you may find luck with a job role that needs you 9-3, and another than needs you 4-10. The flexibility of these jobs also means you can fit them around a permanent job you may already have.
The key, however, is not to over do it. You are working these jobs to earn a little spending money so you can enjoy Christmas. Working yourself into the ground, or missing out on all of the festivities, misses the point entirely.
Look for further employment – Christmas Temporary Jobs
Once you land a temporary job, don’t be afraid to explore the chances of gaining further employment with the company. Some companies will use Christmas staff as disposable means to an end, but smart companies use it as a way to try out hundreds of people at once. So be sure to ask the people in charge if there is any chance of your job leading to something else (though don’t badger them about it), and make sure you work hard enough to impress them in the meantime.
You never know, you may work so hard you end up creating a role for yourself that hadn’t previously been planned on!
Training 4 Employment can train you to be a security professional. If you take one look at our courses, you’ll see the wide range of careers we can put you on the path towards. You’ll be fully accredited and ready to jump into the big world of the security career sector by the time you are finished with us.
But there are of course ways to take the knowledge and skills T4E provide and take them on further. These are security courses that can help you move further into the management side of the security business, or take you down the more theory heavy road. Here are a selection of security courses you may want to look into after your time with T4E is up.
Criminology
Criminology delves more into the psychology of crime. It deals with the responses to crime, but also why criminals do what they do. It tries to narrow things down to a science, by looking at the causes of crime, the nature of crimes, and the repercussions of crime.
It is a big part of the security world, including police work. “Prevention is better than cure” is a great phrase to keep in mind here – if criminologists can figure out the causes of crime, steps can be taken to prevent it. One neighbourhood playing hosts to a number of criminals? Then look to make changes that make it a less crime ridden area. Criminologists work hard on the causes of crime, and the ways to deal with those responsible by looking into better rehabilitation programmes. Their work makes life easier for everyone.
Security Career
A newer course found in Universities, this is a course designed to help mould the modern security business man. While it will look at skills we teach here at T4E, it also looks at the business management side of things.
It also looks to give you comprehensive knowledge of everything a modern security manager needs to know, including international law, cyber security, investigation and fraud prevention.
The two courses above are ideal for anybody who already had training in the security world, such as Training 4 Employment graduates. But if you’re looking to get into security for the first time, and don’t know if your background is suited to the field, here are some courses that could pay dividends when you apply to T4E.
Psychology – Teaching similar skills to those found in criminology courses, a psychology course can give you an added edge when it comes to devising why the security techniques you are learning are being used.
Sports – Being physically fit is never a bad thing in the security world, and may in fact be essential for some security firms.
Human Resources – A lot of security is centred in customer care and hospitality. A HR degree shows that you have people skills, which can be a huge benefit in the security world.
That said, Training4Employment (T4E) has taken on students from a wide variety of backgrounds. Although these courses may offer someone a head start, we believe anybody with the right attitude can be moulded into an elite security professional.
Your CV can hold a lot of weight. For just a piece of paper, it can make the difference between landing an interview or not. A good one, built with the right CV building blocks, can get you considered for jobs way beyond your experience. Bad ones can slam hundreds of doors in your face without you knowing.
Needless to say, getting it right is important.
So we’ve compiled some CV building blocks essentials. Every sector requires some tweaks here and there, which you’ll have to identify on your own (in fact, you should always alter your CV to your chosen job application, as an all-purpose one is likely to be too generic), but for the most part these are the basics you’ll need to cover.
Basic information: Essential CV Building Blocks
Top of the list on every CV you have should be your basic information. You may want to get right on with describing your many skills and qualifications, but you need to give potential employers your essential info first. Include:
Name
Address
Phone Number
Email address
This way, when sorting through CVs, employers can find you quickly.
Personal Statement: Key CV Building Blocks
Next up comes a short, punchy paragraph about you. Keep it tight and focused on your professional life. Mention which sector you want to work in, and why. There is no need to go into detail here, as your covering letter can deal with that. Just set yourself up for why you think you are worthy employing.
Work Experience
The thing employers care most about is experience, not necessarily qualification. Unless this is your first job out of education, the qualifications will be taken for granted if you already have experience in the industry.
Here, list every job that applies in some way to the job you are applying for. Start with your most current position, and then work backwards. Include:
Company name
Role
Location
Start and end dates of employment
To keep things compact, use bullet points. If you have had five or more jobs, list the most recent five, and then only include any that have direct link with the job in question. If it starts to look to crammed (ideally, your CV should be no longer than two sides of A4), start cutting the least important ones.
Skills and Qualification
In a similar fashion to work experience, list out your qualifications in bullet point form. State the level (degree, a-level, GSCE, etc.), and include:
University/College/School
Subjects
Grade
Again, brevity is key – only mention the highest grade you achieved in any one subject. If you have an A-Level and a GSCE in ICT for example, only mention the A-Level.
Skills can be a little more specialised. Project management isn’t a skill you can be graded for, but if you have lead projects before, it is a key skill to mention. So write down any skill that could be useful in the job, and back it up with one or two sentences of proof where needs be (a driving license, for example, doesn’t need explanation, but evasive driving does).
Hobbies and Interests
At this point, your CV is likely to have either secured you an interview or placed you further down the pecking order. When it comes to hobbies and interests, their primary purpose in CV building is to help create a well-rounded picture for potential employers. While what you enjoy doing in your spare time may not directly influence hiring decisions, shared interests can spark a connection, making employers more inclined to engage with you. That’s always a positive outcome, but remember to keep this section concise.
References
If you have a lot of room to spare, you can put personal references on the CV. But usually, it will be enough to say “References can be provided upon request.” Know in advance who you want talking for you. Former managers or mentors are great, but make sure they are on your side before you use them. A current employer, worried about losing you, may give out a negative reference.
These are the basics. The main thing to remember is brevity. Long-winded CVs are a nightmare for employers presented with thousands of applicants. Focus on getting your point across as quickly as possible. When reading, think, “Can I get this point across quicker?” Keep it tight, cover all the essential CV building blocks, and if you have relevant security courses or certifications, include those to stand out further. With a bit of luck, you’ll start getting some callbacks.
If you have ever tried to apply for a license, get a job, or do almost anything that can be regulated by a governing body (or 10), you’ll be aware of security organisations that monitor other organisations.
Drivers who want their driving licenses have to deal with the DVLA. Want to make a complaint about TV shows? You have to send your problems to OFCOM. And then there is the Inland Revenue, everyone’s least favourite (just ask any self employed person when they are trying to fill in self assessment tax forms).
The security industry is no different. Training 4 Employment, during our various courses, will cover some of the governing bodies of the sector. Whether you are training to be a security guard, a door supervisor, a CCTV operator, or a close protection officer, you will have to deal with this security organisations at some point.
So we have compiled a list of the most relevant bodies. There are minor, more specific ones we’ll leave off for now, but for the most part, these are the major ones.
BSIA
British Security Industry Association
The major trade association in the UK, the BSIA has been the industry leader for over 40 years. They represent everyone from multinational corporations, to small enterprises. They not only regulate services, but they also regulate security products manufactured in the UK.
Any security firm worth their salt (the BSIA’s members account for 70% of the UK security sector’s annual turnover) will be SIA licensed. They also offer additional training through their training subsidiary, the Security Industry Training Organisation (SITO).
You can rely on the BSIA to have your back when it comes to representation, and the organisation is always striving to make work life better for their various members.
NSI
National Security Inspectorate
Upholding industry standards in such a sensitive field is essential, as any lapse by a security organisation can have serious repercussions. This is where the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) plays a critical role as an inspection body within the UK, ensuring that all member firms meet stringent safety and quality standards. Training4Employment highlights the importance of such oversight, showing how security organisations are held accountable through regular inspections and certifications.
The NSI assesses companies providing both residential and commercial security services, examining aspects like installation quality, equipment reliability, maintenance practices, and customer care. For companies, NSI certification signifies legal compliance and a commitment to high standards, which enhances their credibility.
This certification not only confirms a security organisation’s reliability but also builds client trust, leading to a stronger reputation and more stable revenue. For any security firm, gaining this certification offers both reassurance to clients and competitive advantage within the market
SSAIB
Security Systems and Alarm Inspection Board
The SSAIB might not have the flashiest name, but it plays a critical role as a trusted security organization, ensuring safety and reliability across the industry. While a laid-back security firm can cause issues, a faulty alarm or subpar security system can lead to even bigger, costlier mistakes. That’s where the SSAIB steps in. They conduct regular checks on their members’ systems, including electronic security, fire alarms, and other essential safety measures, to make sure everything meets the highest industry standards. This helps businesses, homes, and communities feel confident that their security systems are reliable and effective. By maintaining strict oversight, the SSAIB ensures that security organizations deliver the level of protection people expect and deserve.
Again the benefits are obvious. The trust that comes along with such accreditation will help customers to trust the company in question. Combine recommendations from all three bodies, and security firms will find it much easier to attract new clients.
There are many hurdles you have to leap over during the course of trying to apply for a job. Some are within your control, such as obtaining the right skills to meet job requirements, applying for a wide range of jobs at the best time to apply for jobs, and mastering your interview technique. Others are completely out of your hands, like waiting for the right job position opening to align with your qualifications, the hiring manager having an ideal candidate in mind that you don’t quite match up with, or even uncontrollable factors like trains being on time!
The key is to harness what control you do have and use it to your advantage. This brings us to today’s blog post, which explores when to apply for a job to maximize your chances. While job application timing may seem like an area that’s always beyond your control, understanding the patterns behind hiring seasons may actually help you apply order to the chaos and approach your job search strategically.
To put this simply, you need to expend your effort when it makes the most sense to do so. You wouldn’t go for a beach holiday in the UK in the middle of winter, would you? No, so you shouldn’t be bending over backwards sending out CVs and chasing up every job site when companies, in general, won’t be hiring. Or at the very least, when they won’t be hiring quickly.
Senior management will probably be on holiday during the summer, so even if you do get a job opportunity, you’ll likely have to wait for the boss to come back before you can have an interview. Then they can’t hire you until their superior returns two weeks later. But then don’t expected to be given the paperwork because the administrator is in Florida.
Christmas is even worse, as entire firms will be off for extended periods of time. Furthermore, as it is the end of the year, recruiters will be reluctant to hire new people knowing a major holiday is coming up. This isn’t true of every sector (more on that later), but the vast majority of companies will fit into this category. Fortunately, this information does inform our estimate for when best to apply.
Concentrate on the start of the year and Autumn
If Christmas is the end of the year for a business, then mid-January will be the start (once everyone has got back into the swing of things). Companies tend to set out their vision for the coming year, and that usually corresponds with a flurry of firings and hirings. This means the window between January and April is the ideal time to be putting all your effort into your search. April is traditionally seen as the start of the financial year, so it may be the best month of all to go over the top in your search.
September through November is the corresponding period after the summer holidays, when normality sets in, and the push to meet end of year targets begins, so it is also fertile ground. Of course, you should be looking year round anyway, even if it is considered a quiet time, but these two periods are when your are most likely to land a new job. At least, in most cases. . .
Do your research
This step, along with applying some common step, will make all the difference. For example, if everyone is going on holiday in the summer, June, July and August are the best times to try and land a travel related job. Similarly, leisure companies like theme parks and cinema chains will be gearing up for their busy periods, so they too will be looking for new employees when everyone else is gearing down their searches.
Another factor to consider is the wave of students who flood the market every August/September after their graduation. If you have a similar degree, you may be crushed beneath the surge, so try and time your search smartly so that it either takes place before or after this stampede.
Whatever job you are applying for, you can use the three tips outlined above. Do your research and figure out if your company has specific busy/quiet times, and if they don’t, stick to the general time frames outlined ahead. Again, you should never stop searching, it just pays to step up, or step down, your search at certain times, so you don’t end up wasting your time. And hopefully, with a little luck, you’ll land your ideal job!
Interviews are something no one enjoys. You are putting yourself on show for a highly critical audience. The person interviewing you needs to know that you can add value to their business, and if you deserved to be given any of their money. That is the very definition of a “tough crowd”.
There’s no guaranteed way to succeed in a job interview, as factors outside your control, like an employer already having a preferred candidate, can impact the outcome. However, failing is easy if you are unprepared or lack relevant skills. Highlighting additional qualifications, such as first aid training, can make you stand out, showing responsibility and practical skills that employers value.
So here is a list of those all important factors that you do control. Master these, and you are giving yourself as good a chance as possible of landing yourself a new job.
1. Lateness– First things first – arrive on time. This is the very first thing they’ll ever notice about you, and no one likes to be kept waiting. Turning up late shows a lack of organisational skills and even hints at a lack of responsibility. So plan ahead and give yourself a margin for error.
2. Appearance – When deciding what to wear, always dress up, not down. It’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed. Also make sure you iron out the creases and shine your shoes.
3. Rudeness – You are being interviewed the second you arrive, so treat the receptionist like you would the interviewer, as they may filter back any rudeness they experience. Manners go miles in this context, so be polite to everyone.
4. Focus/Attentiveness – Being tired is very detrimental, but also don’t be fidgety. Looking at the clock or your phone are bad ideas. Be alert, and keep your focus on the conversation.
5. Failing to answer basic questions – There will no doubt be pauses in your interview whilst you are thinking, but if questions like “When can you start?” and “Do you drive?” result in long “Errrr”s, you are in trouble.
6. Unclear idea about job role – Whilst you may not have a crystal clear idea of what the job entails (that can be addressed later), you should have memorised the basics. At the very least, you should know every role and responsibility mentioned in the job advert.
7. No knowledge of company – You absolutely have to have some understanding of the business at large. Again, the nitty-gritty can be addressed later, but you wouldn’t turn up at Coca-Cola without knowing they sell Sprite, and not 7-Up, would you?
8. Vague or incorrect answers – Trying to hide your past with shady answers only makes the interviewer suspicious. You should also avoid lying at all costs, especially if the truth appears on your CV (the interviewer will be aware of the information it contains).
9. Don’t have any questions of your own – Never come without questions of your own. For one, you need to reassure yourself that the job is right for you. Furthermore, a lack of questions almost shows a desperation that you will accept anything. For low paying part-time jobs, this isn’t necessarily bad, but for bigger jobs, this doesn’t show you in the best light. It’s the most subtle way of playing “hard to get”.
10. Lack of documents – Don’t forget to bring your CV (even if you have sent it in), driving license, or any document that the interviewers asked you to bring.
11. Bad mouthing current job – This is an easy trap to fall into. In your desire to land a new job, you may be tempted to show how much better you are than your current role. Interviewers won’t like this, as it shows you aren’t all that loyal. If you might do the same to them should you choose to leave in the future, why bother hiring you in the first place?
12. Lack of confidence – Nerves are fine and natural, but being overly modest is detrimental. You are selling yourself short when you need to put your best foot forward. You aren’t “alright” at anything – you are only “good” or above.
13. Over confidence – Conversely, don’t make yourself out to be the greatest thing on planet Earth. This can make yourself seem arrogant, and people don’t typically like to work with others who are full of themselves. Confident but polite is the balance to strike.
14. Social media – To close, we have a problem that didn’t exist 20 years ago. Finding someone on Facebook or Twitter is incredibly easy these days, and interviewers will be looking through your recent posts. Bad mouthing the company? Lots of leaks about your current job? Abusive messages? All nails in the coffin.
14 reasons why you failed your interview – Conclusion:
Failing a job interview can feel frustrating, but it is also a chance to learn and grow. Understanding where things might have gone wrong, like not preparing enough, struggling to communicate clearly, or missing the chance to showcase your skills, can help you do better next time. Remember, interviews are not just about proving yourself; they are also about learning. Take a moment to reflect on the experience, figure out what you can improve, and go into your next interview with more confidence and a solid plan. With preparation and persistence, every setback can bring you closer to success.
Security guard essentials have evolved far beyond the classic image of a “man with a torch.” As the role of a security guard becomes more nuanced, the traditional stereotype is fading into history. Modern security guards require a diverse skill set and a deeper understanding of technology, risk management, and communication to adapt to today’s complex security needs.
There are now hundreds of variations in the role of a security guard refresher course. The requirements, tools, and responsibilities can vary greatly depending on the job, as each employer tailors their security needs to their specific environment. For instance, the security guard essentials for a mansion differ from those needed at a shopping center. Similarly, a doorman at a bar will have different tasks compared to a doorman at an office building. This variety makes it challenging to create a universal “security guard equipment list” that applies to every role.
We’ve compiled a list of security guard essentials that professionals rely on daily. From communication devices to protective gear, these tools help security guards stay prepared and effective. Having the right equipment not only simplifies the job but also ensures you’re ready to handle any situation confidently and professionally.
Torch
A torch is one of the most essential tools in a security guard’s arsenal and a key part of security guard essentials. It’s necessary for both day and night shifts. At night, it illuminates dark areas and potential blind spots, while during the day, it’s invaluable in unexpected situations like power outages or navigating unlit spaces such as basements. Modern torches are compact, lightweight, and easy to carry, making them a reliable tool that’s always worth having on hand. With their convenience and functionality, a torch is a simple yet crucial item for ensuring safety and preparedness.
Boots
When it comes to security guard essentials, choosing the right boots is crucial. Security guards spend long hours on their feet, and cheap boots can quickly cause discomfort. Investing in boots that balance comfort and functionality is key. Steel-cap boots are especially useful, offering protection in case someone tries to stomp on your toes. The right footwear may seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference in your safety and performance on the job.
Security Belt
Every security guard knows that in an emergency, there’s no time to be fumbling for gear. If crucial items are buried in pockets or dangling off a keychain, those precious seconds could make all the difference. That’s why a security belt is so important; it keeps everything right at your side, organized and ready when you need it most. With each tool in a designated spot, a security guard can act fast and confidently, focusing on the situation rather than searching for equipment. Just make sure you know where everything is, as it could save valuable time when it matters.
Communication
When it comes to security guard essentials, having reliable communication tools is a must. Employers typically provide devices like walkie-talkies or Bluetooth headsets for the job. However, it’s wise to bring an alternative as well. Carrying a work-only mobile phone ensures you’ll never be without a means of communication, even if the provided equipment fails. Being prepared with multiple options helps you stay connected and effective in any situation.
First Aid Kit
You may not have considered this last provision, but a first aid kit can often prove to be invaluable. You won’t need to carry around a huge box of things, as you should have a more substantial first aid kit stored somewhere nearby anyway. But a small one, ideally one that can clip on to your security belt, can be used for minor injuries quickly.
Security Guard Essentials: Adapting to Modern Demands:
In today’s world, being a security guard is about much more than simply standing watch. Security guard essentials now include a diverse range of skills, from effective communication and conflict resolution to technological expertise and risk management. As the industry evolves, so do the expectations placed on security professionals. By embracing these modern demands and continuing to adapt, today’s security guards play a critical role in keeping people, businesses, and communities safe
As everything around us goes digital, physical security still plays a vital role in keeping us safe. Automated systems may handle our shopping, travel, and even nightlife, but there’s no substitute for real, on-the-ground security. Whether it’s security personnel or cameras, these tangible safeguards protect us from real-world threats and help ensure our everyday experiences are safe, even in an increasingly automated world.
So you would think that physical security, by means of security guards, doormen, and other individuals tasked with protection, are on the way out. Well, simply put, they aren’t. (more…)
You don’t need us to tell you that security technology is becoming a part of every aspect of our lives. From hospitals to cars, and from home life to work, you are always close to something digital. This trend isn’t slowing down anytime soon; every day, new security technology is being developed, advancing how we protect ourselves and pushing us further as a society.
The security sector is no stranger to this advancement. In fact, security firms are often on the forefront of the movement. Security is one worry the whole world shares, so constantly improving our security technology is a worldwide goal. Be it for the military, or for public sector devices, every year it seems we are getting better at watching, protecting against, and ultimately stopping crime.
