Interviews can be scary, but with proper preparation you can arrive feeling confident, knowing exactly what the employee expects for the role. You can also ensure that you have a number of questions ready, which not only helps to see if the company is the right fit for you but also demonstrates that you’ve taken your time in your interview preparation.
Ensure you’re familiar with the job description and expectations
First and foremost, ensure that you’re crystal clear about what the job entails and what the prerequisites for applying might be. We’re currently recruiting security officers, but also for two administrators to join our busy office team.
If you’re left with any uncertainty after looking through the job application, you’re always welcome to email the recruiter or company directly asking for clarification. This ensures that you’re only putting your name forward for a role that you would seriously consider, making it much more likely that you’re already a good fit. It might be that you’re wanting to know about the specific location or whether flexible or hybrid working would be an option. It might be that you need clarification on the hours or the compensation. All questions are welcome and show that you’re taking the potential role seriously.
Hold a valid SI A license before applying for a Security Officer position
For a security officer position, we would require that you hold a valid SIA license before applying. This ensures that the individuals we recruit know exactly what's expected of them to work in security, and it's also a huge factor as to why we will never subcontract staff.
You can read up more about SIA licenses and apply for ones by visiting the Security Industry Authority website. You'll need to do this and complete it before applying for a role with us.
Familiarise yourself with Carter Security, our history, and values
The job is never just about the job, it’s about the company just as much. Familiarising yourself with Carter Security before your interview shows that you’ve taken a deeper interest in the place where you’d be spending your working week, and with the people, you’d be working alongside! You might turn to LinkedIn to have a look at the company profile and employees listed, or it might be as simple as scouring the website and blog section to ensure you’re clued up on the history and values that the business represents.
Be yourself and take your time in answering questions
Everyone gets nervous before and during an interview – that’s completely normal! Therefore a few nerves on the day is to be expected. To calm yourself perhaps take a look at the route to the interview site before arriving, so you know exactly how long it will take you and where you might park. It might be that you need to check train or bus timetables and ensure that there’s a safe walking route.
Before answering questions, take a moment to consider your answer, and don’t be afraid to show a little of your personality too!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions during the interview process!
Finally, there are the questions you might want to ask. You could think of it as you’re the interviewer and we’re the ones being interviewed! A job interview is most certainly a two-way street, it has to be a good fit for both parties, and the question you ask will need to reflect this. You could ask…
- How is it that this role became available? – This could give you insight into company growth or staff turnover…
- How do you promote career development? – This shows you’re looking ahead to a long and prosperous career with the company…
- How do you demonstrate employee appreciation? – This could give you insight into company benefits and the culture of the business.
If you walk away and think of questions after your interview that you wished you’d asked at the time, don’t fret! Make a note of them and don’t be afraid to send a follow-up email.
So, if you're looking to further your career within the security industry, please check the careers section on our website or email us an up-to-date copy of your C.V. We never subcontract, we invest in training and we work hard to support our staff. We look forward to meeting you.
