(Civil engineering jobs) Becoming James Bond - Security Services Job Profiles

September 30th, 2008 admin Posted in careers |

By john mce

The Security Service protects the country against threats to national security, safeguarding the economic well-being of the country. To defend against terrorism, espionage, crime and proliferation. It also provides advice for national infrastructure such as power, water and transport systems.

There are a range of roles available in the Security Services -

Surveillance Officer - A surveillance officer watches and reports on the movements and actions of those under investigation.

Intelligence officer - An intelligence officer uses relevant intelligence data to assess and investigate threats to national security.

Linguist - Linguists translate and transcribe intelligence information from bugged phone calls, emails and mail, and interpreting it into a social context.

IT Specialist - Providing protection and IT support to the government’s computer systems, networks and communication systems.

There are also a number of very specialist posts, as well as support roles including administration, security, driving and building services.

Desired Qualifications and Experience

There are strict residency and nationality criteria to work for the Security Service. Applicants must be over the age of 18 and have very special skills in relevant areas.

Surveillance officers need a full driving license as well as personal skills and relevant experience, rather than academic qualifications.

Intelligence officers usually need a 2:1 degree in any subject as well as any relevant experience.

Linguists’ language ability is tested during the selection process. Knowledge of certain languages, such as Arab, Sorani, Bengali, Urdu, Punjabi, Mandarin, Somali, Pushto, Persian and Russian, are preferential to others.

IT Specialists are in a better position with qualifications and experience, but the Security Service does administer it’s own IT test.

Training & Development

All staff are greeted with an eight-day induction, and most of the job specifications within the Security Services require that individuals are trained and developed.

For example, a new intelligence officer would complete a development programme which includes on-the-job and in-house training exercises.

A surveillance officer must complete a 75 day development programme which tests physical and mental ability. Passing this test is essential to remain in employment, and move onto the next training stage. It can take up to two years to fully qualify for a surveillance role. There are also many disparate elements which individuals would need to be separately trained for such as photography or bugging technology.

A Linguists training would include on-the-job and in-house development programmes, learning how to use special equipment.

Whatever the position, employees of the Security Services are encouraged throughout to take part in internal and external training courses to serve personal development.

Look for Jobs in Bristol as well as the rest of the Southwest at www.JobsSW.co.uk

How To Get the Best Use out of Recruitment Agencies
By DDunkerly

Here are some tips on how to get the best out of using recruitment agencies to find your ideal job:-

* Talk to a few recruitment agencies before deciding which to register with. If they are an online recruitment agency, have a good look through their website. See if they offer the services that you require and if they deal with your type of skills or the type of job that you are looking for.

* If you have to go for an interview to register with the recruitment agency, treat it like a real job interview.

* Ask the agency to let you know which companies they have sent your CV out to so that you can gauge the response rate.

* Consider whether you need to use a specialist recruitment agency for your needs. For example, if you are a software programmer then you may want to use a recruitment agency who specialise in IT jobs.

* Keep in touch with the recruitment agency so you know what is going on and how many employers they have contacted.

* Be proactive. Ask recruitment agencies for advice on your CV and applications, take advantage of the services they offer e.g. help in preparing a CV or with interview techniques.

* Be clear as to what kind of position you are looking for, locations you will consider, salary requirements etc.

* Act quickly on any emails or telephone calls you receive from recruitment agencies. You don’t want to miss out on the perfect job.

* Let your recruitment agencies know of any changes in your circumstances or requirements.

* Keep your CV up to date and make sure that you mention all your skills, training and qualifications. Remember to update it with any change of address, telephone or mobile number and to let the recruitment agency know of these changes.

* Don’t use too many recruitment agencies - you don’t want employers to be inundated with multiple copies of your CV!

* Ask your recruitment agency about the current job market and what salary you can expect to achieve.

* Give recruitment agencies feedback on the positions that they are matching you with. Recruitment agencies are not psychic and need to know if these positions are not what you are looking for.

* A recruitment agency will not charge a job seeker for finding him/her a job but may charge for extra services like polishing your CV. Always ask what their charges are before using a service.

* Evaluate regularly whether a particular recruitment agency is finding any suitable agencies. If you are not hearing anything from them, shop around and register with other recruitment agencies.

David Dunkerly works with Agency Central (http://www.agencycentral.co.uk), which is one of the most authoritative directories of recruitment agencies on the internet. On this employment directory job hunters and those seeking to employ can find the perfect match for their needs.

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