Security Jobs Finder - Insights
19th Edition
1. Newsletter Update:
We currently have 589 subscribers to our newsletter; The 18th edition of our newsletter was viewed 396 times.
This week our article of the week looks at How to use job descriptions to tailor you resume. We also look at how to answer the interview question, what are your weaknesses and the role of the week is that of a CIT officer.
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2. How to Use Job Descriptions to Tailor Your Resume
Andrew Seaman Senior Managing Editor for Jobs & Career Development at LinkedIn News
August 13, 2024
People who have been following me or this newsletter on LinkedIn for any decent length of time know I am a proponent of quality over quantity when it comes to job applications. Of course, following that mantra doesn't mean you need to craft completely unique resumes and cover letters whenever you apply to a new role.
The trick to a great job application is to have solid foundational documents that you can tailor to the specific job description. Doing so allows you to be a stand-out applicant while also getting your materials quickly submitted, which dramatically improves your chances of getting an interview.
The first step to all of this is to create a somewhat targeted job search. Know the type of job you want, the industries you're willing to work in, and other factors that are important to you. The goal should be to create a reasonably targeted area without narrowing your window of opportunity too much.
Once you've landed in that sweet spot, you can work on crafting your core resume and other materials that you will eventually tailor for specific roles.
Looking at several job descriptions for the roles you want to target will help focus your core resume. "You've got to have a really clear focus on your resume of what you're about,” says Dawn Rasmussen from Pathfinder Writing and Career Services. “No employer is going to hire a generalist.” A focused resume helps you appear as a specialist in your area, increasing your appeal to recruiters who are looking for specific skills and experiences.
Once that core resume is done, it's ready to be tailored for roles that show up on your radar. Dawn tells me that the goal is to remain authentic while aligning your resume with the specific needs and language of the job you’re targeting.
Tailoring Your Resume
When a job ad catches your attention and interest, Dawn says that description will serve as the guide for how you need to tailor your existing resume.
"You basically have to go through the job description," she says. "Go requirement by requirement and make sure you are providing specific examples that match those needs."
To help you along, Dawn suggests that you keep an "accomplishments file" handy, including various successes from your career. You can swap your listed accomplishments based on which ones will best position you for the specific role.
One of the biggest traps job seekers fall into is that they add too much information that isn't relevant to the role they want, Dawn says.
"I always say it's your job to distill your background as concisely as possible to meet those requirements," she adds. "If you have other jobs that are not relevant, push out the things that are most relevant first. You can even call that section 'relevant experience.'"
Keywords, Titles and Language
Something to pay attention to as you tailor your resume is the use of keywords, job titles and language, specifically jargon. The resume and application should show you know what's important to the employer and that you're familiar with that industry and profession.
“You need to tweak your resume by looking at the job description and aligning your resume with the language used there,” Dawn says. This alignment includes matching job titles and skill descriptors, ensuring that your resume speaks directly to the role's requirements.
For example, some companies use unique job titles for their employees. Industry standards also change over time, meaning titles may morph. “If your job title at the time doesn’t match current industry language, list your actual job title and then, in parentheses, include the equivalent contemporary title," Dawn says.
Additionally, make sure you're highlighting any keywords included in the job description, such as skills, throughout your resume. If the posting says the employer needs someone who has project management skills, that is something to highlight within your experience section, for example.
Honesty
While you will be changing your resume for each job application, it's important to stay true to yourself and your abilities. Embellishing your background to land an interview will not work out for you in the end. In fact, it will likely ruin your chances of ever getting hired at that employer.
One question to ask yourself about each role is if you have the skills and experience to do the job right now. If not, you may need to put some effort into developing those areas through contract work or education.
"You really have to spend the time making sure you're qualified and making sure that your resume is speaking directly to what the job description is asking for," Dawn says. "Then, make sure you're providing specific, relevant examples and ensuring that all those keywords are folded in."
Few experiences are as daunting as facing a layoff. Lorraine K. Lee, an entrepreneur and LinkedIn Learning instructor, joined me on the latest episode of Get Hired with Andrew Seaman to explain how she turned her layoff into a springboard for her successful career as a "solopreneur." Her proactive approach to this career disruption — embracing entrepreneurship and leveraging her network — offers valuable lessons for anyone navigating a job loss or considering a career pivot.
A transcript of the conversation is available by clicking here. You can listen to the episode above or on Apple Podcasts by clicking here.
How do you come up with a desired salary? (Summary by Todd Dybas) Career coach Adam Broda says on LinkedIn to check sites to see general salary numbers for the job you're chasing. Understand that the level and location of the role will influence the pay band assigned to it. Broda also notes that compensation goes beyond salary. Determine if you need work location flexibility, more vacation to avoid burnout or a bonus to help pay for a big-ticket item. Also, remember that the baseline you set now affects your future earnings. Click here to see what people are saying about it.
What numbers should you include on a resume? (Summary by Todd Dybas) Career coach Keith Spencer writes on LinkedIn to check for volume metrics, project metrics and operational metrics, among others to add to your resume. Volume can involve the number of customers or the amount of data processed. Project metrics include team size, initiatives led and scope. Operational metrics focus on waste reduction or budgets handled. Look for efficiency metrics, too. Click here to learn more.
Source: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-use-job-descriptions-tailor-your-resume-andrew-seaman-5xnaf/
3.Weekly Poll
Last week’s poll results
Last week we asked: Does the high crime rate affect you at work?
Responses: We had 5 responses on last week’s poll:
60% of respondents voted Yes
40% of respondents voted No
4. Interview Q & A
How to Answer the Interview Question: "Do You Prefer to Work Independently or in a Team?"
One of the key questions interviewers often ask is, “Do you prefer to work independently or in a team?” This question helps the recruiter understand your working style, how you handle different work environments, and how well you align with the company culture. By understanding your preferences, they can determine whether you'd thrive in the role they’re offering.
Why is This Question Asked?
Interviewers ask this question to gauge the following:
Working Style: Recruiters want to know whether you’re more comfortable working alone, within a team, or whether you can adapt to both situations. Many roles require a balance of both independent work and teamwork, so they’re looking for candidates who can flexibly handle either.
Compatibility with the Role: Some jobs are heavily team-based, while others require a lot of solo effort. The interviewer is assessing whether your working preference fits the responsibilities of the job. For example, if the role is highly collaborative and you prefer working alone, that could signal a mismatch.
Interpersonal Skills: Even in roles where independent work is prominent, you’ll likely need to collaborate with others at some point. The interviewer is evaluating your interpersonal skills and how well you can work with others when necessary.
Flexibility: Often, the most valued candidates are those who can strike a balance—comfortable working solo but equally effective in a team. Flexibility is key in today’s dynamic work environments.
Structuring Your Answer
When answering this question, it’s important to highlight your flexibility while showing preference for one style, if necessary, depending on the job description. It’s crucial to frame your answer to match the role you’re interviewing for.
Balance Your Preference: Even if you strongly prefer one over the other, acknowledge the importance of both. Most jobs require a mix of solo and team work.
Tie Your Answer to the Job: Relate your preference back to the job description. If it’s a team-based role, emphasise your ability to collaborate. If the job requires more independent work, discuss how you thrive when given responsibility.
Provide Examples: Offer concrete examples of how you’ve worked both independently and within a team in the past. This adds credibility to your answer and shows versatility.
Model Answer
Interviewer: "Do you prefer to work independently or in a team?"
Candidate: "I find that I enjoy both working independently and as part of a team, depending on the task at hand. I appreciate the focus and responsibility that comes with working independently. It allows me to manage my time effectively, take ownership of my work, and deliver results. For example, in my previous role, I was responsible for overseeing security audits on my own, which required careful attention to detail and self-discipline.
However, I also value the collaboration and diverse perspectives that come with working in a team. I’ve worked on several group projects where we needed to coordinate our efforts to solve complex security challenges. In one instance, my team collaborated to overhaul a security protocol that reduced on-site incidents by 15%. Each of us brought unique strengths to the table, and the final outcome was stronger because of our combined efforts.
Ultimately, I’m comfortable adapting to both independent and team-based work environments, and I believe this flexibility is important in any role, especially in the security industry."
Why This Answer Works
Balanced Approach: The candidate acknowledges the value of both independent and team work, demonstrating versatility.
Examples: Providing specific examples of both independent and team work showcases the candidate’s experience and ability to succeed in various settings.
Tying It to the Role: By mentioning experiences relevant to the security industry, the candidate shows that their working style aligns with the job requirements.
Final Tips
If the role leans more towards teamwork or independent work, slightly adjust your answer to emphasise the relevant preference without completely disregarding the other.
Be honest. If you truly prefer one over the other, don’t hesitate to say so, but always show that you can adapt when necessary.
Provide real-life examples to support your answer. This will give your response depth and authenticity.
In conclusion, when answering the question, “Do you prefer to work independently or in a team?” The key is to strike a balance that reflects flexibility. This shows the recruiter that you are capable of thriving in both scenarios, making you a more versatile and valuable candidate.
5. The different career options available in the security field
The Role of a Cash in Transit Officer in the Security Industry: Duties, Responsibilities, and Opportunities for Advancement
In the security industry, a Cash in Transit (CIT) Officer plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe transportation of large sums of cash, valuables, and other high-risk items between financial institutions, retail stores, and other businesses. Given the high-risk nature of the job, CIT Officers must be highly trained and vigilant to safeguard assets and protect themselves from criminal threats.
Duties and Responsibilities
Secure Transportation of Assets
The primary duty of a CIT Officer is to transport cash, valuables, or sensitive items from one location to another securely. This includes planning routes and adhering to strict security protocols to minimize the risk of theft or robbery.Risk Assessment and Planning
Before any transit, CIT Officers must conduct risk assessments to identify potential threats, such as high-crime areas or timing vulnerabilities. They work with supervisors to plan optimal routes and backup measures.Handling of Firearms and Defensive Tools
Due to the high level of risk associated with cash-in-transit operations, CIT Officers are typically trained in the use of firearms and defensive equipment. They must be able to respond quickly to threats while ensuring public safety.Monitoring and Surveillance
CIT Officers often work in teams, using GPS tracking, surveillance cameras, and other technologies to monitor the vehicle’s movement. Staying alert to unusual activity is essential to maintaining security throughout the operation.Loading and Unloading Procedures
Safely handling the loading and unloading of cash or valuables at both the pickup and drop-off points is a key responsibility. Officers must ensure the integrity of the cargo and avoid unnecessary exposure to risks during these critical moments.Adhering to Strict Security Protocols
Following established procedures and protocols is vital in this role. This includes complying with company policies on transporting valuables, conducting regular equipment checks, and ensuring proper documentation of all transfers.Team Coordination and Communication
CIT Officers work closely with other team members to coordinate efforts, particularly during high-risk transports. Strong communication skills are crucial to ensure everyone is on the same page and can respond to emergencies effectively.Incident Reporting
In the event of any security breach, threat, or criminal activity, CIT Officers are responsible for reporting incidents accurately and promptly. This helps law enforcement and company officials address issues and prevent future occurrences.
Requirements to Become a Cash in Transit Officer
Security Training: CIT Officers typically need advanced security training and certifications, especially in firearm handling and defensive tactics.
Driver’s License: Since the role involves driving armoured vehicles, a valid driver’s license and defensive driving skills are required.
Physical and Mental Fitness: Given the high-pressure nature of the job, CIT Officers must be in good physical shape and have strong mental resilience to handle stressful and potentially dangerous situations.
Background Checks: As part of the hiring process, candidates must pass thorough background checks to ensure they are trustworthy and reliable.
Opportunities for Advancement
Team Leader or Supervisor: With experience, a CIT Officer can advance to a supervisory role, overseeing teams, planning transport routes, and managing operations more broadly.
Branch Manager: In larger organisations, CIT Officers may move into managerial roles, managing multiple teams and handling logistics on a broader scale.
Specialized Security Roles: Some CIT Officers transition into other specialised roles within the security industry, such as working in high-level risk assessment or corporate security.
Training and Development: Experienced officers may choose to become trainers, helping to develop new CIT recruits and improve operational efficiency.
Conclusion
The role of a Cash in Transit Officer is both challenging and rewarding. CIT Officers are at the front line of safeguarding valuable assets and play an essential part in ensuring the smooth operation of businesses and financial institutions. For those willing to invest in the necessary training and work in high-pressure environments, the career offers many opportunities for advancement and personal growth.
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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