Security Jobs Finder - Insights
18th Edition
1. Newsletter Update:
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This week our Article of the Week looks at the shocking murder numbers in SA. We also look at how to answer the interview question, what are your weaknesses and the role of the week is that of an Area Manager.
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2. Shocking murder numbers in South Africa – 70 people killed every day
Staff Writer 30 Aug 2024
The South African Police Service (SAPS) and Stats SA have finally published the latest official crime statistics for the country, covering the final quarter of 2023/24 (January to March 2024) and the first quarter of 2024/25 (April to June 2024).
The late publishing of the statistics has left a glaring hole in South Africa’s crime coverage, with the public being without any insight into crime trends for six months.
The crime stats for Q4 2023/24 were supposed to be published in May, but they were a no-show ahead of the 2024 national elections.
However, there are now two-quarters of data to digest—though it must be noted that any crime trends in the Q4 data will be lagging.
However, looking at both quarters combined, some insight into crime in the first half of 2024 can be gleaned, as the data covers January to June.
Notably, this combined data shows that 12,734 people were murdered in this period—averaging 70 murders a day over the 182 days.
6,536 people were murdered between January and March, and 6,198 were murdered between April and June.
Year-on-year, this is worse than the same period in 2023, where 12,517 were murdered (217 more murders were recorded in 2024).
While the latest Victim of Crime Survey published by Stats SA this week shows that many crimes go unreported in South Africa, murder is one crime that almost always gets processed by the SAPS, thus reflecting the true state of violence in the country.
Worryingly, the survey points to a massive increase in murders—approximately 22,000 in the past 12 months, an increase of 38% from 16,000 murders at the time of the previous survey.
Against the latest population estimates, this translates to a murder rate of 21 per 100,000 people for the first six months of the year—a figure which will undoubtedly climb as the full annual dataset is compiled.
Provincially, the Eastern Cape remained the worst region for murders in South Africa, with a murder rate of 17.4 and 17.6 per 100,000 over 24Q4 and 25Q1, respectively.
This is followed by the Western Cape, which has reclaimed the second-place dishonour from KwaZulu Natal, which dropped to third.
Provincial murder rates Q4 2023/24
Provincial murder rates Q1 2024/25
Looking at the combined data for the first half of the 2024 calendar year, the same trend emerges.
Source: https://businesstech.co.za/news/government/788892/shocking-murder-numbers-in-south-africa-70-people-killed-every-day/
3.Weekly Poll
Last week’s poll results
Last week we asked: What motivates you?
Responses: We had 5 responses on last week’s poll:
60% of respondents voted Recognition and Appreciation
25% of respondents voted Opportunities for Growth and Development
25% of respondents voted A Positive Work Environment
4. Interview Q & A
How to Answer the Interview Question: "What Is Your Biggest Weakness?"
During job interviews, one of the most dreaded yet common questions candidates encounter is, "What is your biggest weakness?" Although it might feel like a trap, this question is not designed to disqualify you but rather to assess your self-awareness, honesty, and ability to handle criticism or improvement. It gives the interviewer insight into how you approach personal development and growth.
Why is This Question Asked?
When recruiters ask about your biggest weakness, they are looking for several things:
Self-awareness: The interviewer wants to know if you are aware of areas where you can improve. Are you in tune with your personal and professional shortcomings?
Honesty: Employers value integrity. They want to see if you can be honest about your weaknesses rather than trying to cover them up with false strengths.
Growth Mindset: More than just admitting a weakness, recruiters are interested in whether you are actively working on it. Can you demonstrate that you are taking steps to improve?
Cultural Fit: Some weaknesses may not be critical in certain roles, but the interviewer wants to assess if your areas of improvement align with the needs of the job and the company culture.
Problem-solving Ability: The way you handle this question demonstrates your ability to address challenges and find solutions, which is a crucial skill in any job.
Structuring Your Answer
When answering, it’s important to strike a balance between honesty and positivity. You don’t want to share a weakness that’s too detrimental to the role, but you also don’t want to come off as inauthentic by saying, “I don’t have any weaknesses.”
Here’s how to structure a compelling answer:
Choose a Real Weakness: Pick a genuine area for improvement, but one that won’t significantly impact your ability to perform the job. Avoid clichés like "I'm a perfectionist" unless you can back it up with specific examples.
Show Self-awareness: Explain why this is a weakness for you. Show that you are aware of how it can affect your work and that you take it seriously.
Discuss Steps for Improvement: Demonstrate that you are taking steps to address the weakness. Whether it’s through training, seeking feedback, or implementing specific strategies, this shows your proactive approach to self-development.
Turn it into a Positive: End on a positive note, showing how your efforts have already led to improvement and how you continue to grow.
Model Answer
Interviewer: "What is your biggest weakness?"
Candidate: "One of my biggest weaknesses is public speaking. While I’m comfortable communicating one-on-one or in small groups, speaking in front of larger audiences has always been a challenge for me. I’ve realised that this can sometimes hold me back, especially when leading presentations or meetings. To address this, I’ve been actively working on improving my public speaking skills. For instance, I’ve enrolled in a public speaking course, and I’ve volunteered to lead smaller team meetings to gradually build my confidence. Over the past few months, I’ve already noticed a significant improvement, and I’m committed to continuing this development. I’m confident that with more practice, I’ll be able to turn this into a strength."
Why This Answer Works
Honesty: The candidate acknowledges a genuine weakness—public speaking—without sugar-coating or over-exaggerating.
Self-awareness: They show an understanding of how this weakness affects their performance and how it is relevant to their professional life.
Proactive Approach: By explaining the steps they are taking to improve, the candidate demonstrates a growth mindset and problem-solving ability, both of which are valued in the workplace.
Positive Outlook: Ending the answer on a positive note, they highlight that improvement has already been made and show a commitment to ongoing growth.
Final Tips
Avoid listing weaknesses that directly conflict with key job requirements.
Be specific and provide examples where possible, but stay concise.
Emphasise how you are working to overcome the weakness, showing your potential for growth.
Answering the question "What is your biggest weakness?" requires a delicate balance, but with the right approach, it offers an excellent opportunity to demonstrate self-awareness, honesty, and a proactive attitude toward personal development.
5. The different career options available in the security field
The Role of an Area Manager in the Security Industry: Duties, Responsibilities, and Opportunities for Advancement
In the security industry, an Area Manager holds a pivotal leadership role, tasked with overseeing security operations across multiple sites within a designated region. This position requires a blend of management expertise, operational insight, and a deep understanding of security protocols. For those with experience in the sector and a drive to lead, the role of an Area Manager offers both significant responsibility and excellent career growth opportunities.
What Does an Area Manager Do?
An Area Manager in the security industry is responsible for coordinating and supervising the operations of multiple security teams across various locations. They ensure that each site under their management adheres to security standards and that the personnel are performing their duties effectively. Area Managers act as a key link between site supervisors, security staff, and upper management, ensuring smooth communication and efficient operations.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The responsibilities of an Area Manager are diverse and require a high level of organisation and leadership. Some of the core duties include:
Operational Oversight:
Managing and supervising all security activities within the assigned area, including personnel deployment, patrols, and monitoring of site security systems.
Ensuring that all sites meet or exceed the required security protocols and client expectations.
Overseeing the smooth operation of security technology, such as surveillance systems, access controls, and alarm systems.
Team Management and Leadership:
Supervising the performance of Security Supervisors and other personnel across all sites within the area.
Conducting regular performance evaluations, providing feedback, and ensuring ongoing training and development of the security team.
Recruiting, hiring, and managing staff schedules to maintain optimal security coverage at all times.
Client and Stakeholder Relations:
Acting as the primary point of contact for clients, addressing any concerns, and ensuring that service levels are maintained.
Conducting regular client meetings to review performance, discuss improvements, and ensure satisfaction with the services provided.
Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders.
Compliance and Reporting:
Ensuring all security operations are compliant with industry regulations, such as PSIRA standards in South Africa.
Conducting regular audits of sites to assess compliance and identify areas for improvement.
Preparing detailed reports on incidents, site performance, and operational efficiency for upper management and clients.
Budgeting and Resource Management:
Managing budgets for security operations within the area, including the allocation of resources such as personnel, vehicles, and equipment.
Ensuring that security services are delivered cost-effectively without compromising quality.
Identifying opportunities to optimise resource usage and improve operational efficiency.
Incident and Risk Management:
Responding to security incidents, conducting thorough investigations, and coordinating with local authorities when necessary.
Developing and implementing risk management strategies to mitigate potential security threats.
Regularly reviewing and updating security plans to address new risks or challenges.
Requirements for the Role
The role of an Area Manager requires a blend of experience, qualifications, and skills. Some of the key requirements include:
Experience: Several years of experience in the security industry, particularly in supervisory or managerial roles. Experience managing large teams or multiple sites is essential.
Qualifications: Relevant security certifications, such as PSIRA registration or equivalent qualifications depending on the region. Additional certifications in risk management, health and safety, or management may also be beneficial.
Skills: Strong leadership and communication skills are essential, as well as the ability to manage multiple teams and sites effectively. The ability to make quick, informed decisions in high-pressure situations is also critical.
Physical and Mental Stamina: The role may involve site inspections, handling incidents, and managing long hours, requiring both physical fitness and mental resilience.
Adaptability: Given the constantly evolving nature of security risks, Area Managers must be adaptable, proactive, and able to respond swiftly to changing circumstances.
Scope for Advancement
The position of an Area Manager in the security industry offers excellent opportunities for career advancement. With a proven track record of success, an Area Manager can move up to more senior roles, such as:
Operations Manager: Overseeing security operations across multiple areas or an entire region, including strategic planning and resource allocation.
Regional Security Manager: Managing security operations across a larger geographical region, possibly overseeing several Area Managers and handling key client accounts.
Director of Security: A senior executive role that involves managing the entire security department for a large organisation or security company, including setting company-wide security policies and overseeing high-level operations.
Additionally, the skills gained in this role, such as client relations, team management, and risk mitigation, can lead to specialised roles in corporate security, risk management, or consultancy work.
The role of an Area Manager in the security industry is critical to the smooth and efficient operation of multiple security teams across different sites. It requires strong leadership, operational expertise, and the ability to manage relationships with clients and stakeholders. For those with the right experience and qualifications, the position offers both a challenging and rewarding career, with significant scope for advancement into senior management roles. As the security industry continues to grow and evolve, the role of Area Manager will remain essential in ensuring that security services are delivered effectively and meet the highest standards of safety and professionalism.
6. Next week we discuss How to Use Job Descriptions to Tailor Your Resume
Thats it for this week’s edition. I hope that you found it informative. Make sure to like and subscribe and share with your colleagues.
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