Resumes & Cover Letters!

[SonnyPI]

Fellow associates. I must point this out as kindly as possible. Sometimes my Brooklyn 'tude seeps through. Those of you who have known me a while will cut me some slack in that regard. That said I will get to the point and topic at hand as titled above.

I have recently posted notice of a pending gig and requested information be faxed to Tina in my office. So far we have received eight [8] and I thank you all.

Now, sometimes a cover letter, resume or CV is the very first impression you make on a prospective employer. You know, first impressions.

Of the eight only one did not have multiple spelling or grammatical errors. Some provided a cover letter that did not relate directly to the position and was clearly a boiler plate sent out to any prospective employer. I would politely suggest that you tailor your cover letter and resume to focus on the individual prospective. [that may take some intel on your part but it could make the difference in getting the interview]

You may not think this is significant, but attention to detail is and sometimes it is vital to the protection and safety of the client. Consider you are being followed and you copy the incorrect license plate#; Or you handwriting is to sloppy to read. These bear poorly on you and may create issues for the client.

I suggest that you consider some elegant, simple and professional business stationary as well as an appropriate business card. Spell check and editing goes a long way too. These will go a long way in making a positive first impression, both in person and through the mail, etc.

Please take the above in a positive manner as which it is meant.

Resumes will continue to be accepted through the end of July at which time a decision will be made.

Cordially, Sonny

[Local Talent]

Ouch. I don't have a dog in this "fight" as I haven't submitted myself. This being said, and I join Sonny in hoping that no feathers were too ruffled, I hope everyone welcomes this helpful and constructive criticism.

How many times do we submit for a job but get no answer and are left to wonder what went wrong? We have the creds, certs, and experience, so what gives?
Well... Sonny may just have given us a little insight from the employer's perspective.

EP is not guard service. Employers and clients don't ask for GEDs or work permits - they assume they are dealing with professionals from the top tier of the industry. So we got to walk the walk in every way. We're businessmen-soldiers, not knuckle-dragging bouncers. :)

I've noticed this kind of thing a lot, especially lately (and this is partly the fault of low-balling companies who charge less for EP and hire substandard guys), and it's hard to bring up. But the points that Sonny just made are unfortunately very valid (see one discussion we had here: http://www.socalbodyguards.com/forum/showthread.php?t=362).

[SonnyPI]

Touche LT....you seem to always have an excellent way to expand upon what I endeavor to express as it relates directly to EP. Most appreciated. Thats what this Ole Brookly Boy loves about this forum, I continue to learn here.
Cordially, Sonny

[Geo]

I agree on what both you gents are saying. Without meeting an potential candidate in person. The resume will give the first impression of what this person is about. What guys fail to realize although they may be fully qualified (hate that term) if they cannot execute a simple resume with a great cover letter. They limit themselves. Geo....

[SonnyPI]

Exactly Geo, you hit the nail on the head. That cover letter, resume or CV may get you in the door or get you slammed if it does not meet with approval with the guard keeper, who is sometimes a low level employee. Oh and thanks for referring to LT and I as gents, lol, you so kind!
Cordially, Sonny

[Local Talent]

Oh and thanks for referring to LT and I as gents, lol, you so kind!
I now have proof that Geo hasn't met me yet! :D

Seriously, I'm expanding on what we're saying a bit more here, for those interested (post #45): http://www.socalbodyguards.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2508#post2508.

I've never been in Sonny's hiring shoes, but I interviewed guys to be on my details, sat in on interviews with clients, read a few resumes, and trained countless rookies. So I'm also looking at this from both perspectives and I've seen a lot of guys sabotage themselves.
Resumes, CVs, covers, photos, business cards... all marketing tools, and it's like pulling teeth to get some of us to work on those. But they're vital nonetheless. We're business people selling a service.

[SonnyPI]

If a prospective employee/ agent is not able to follow the first and simplest instruction why would they be considered further. There are likely dozens of competent prospects for any position in today's market. You need to make your self stand out in a positive manner. Today we received three solicitations failing completely to comply with our instructions, those instruction were provided for a reason, our reason:

Please do not reply to this post but submit all information by fax to 310.388.5432; attention: Tina Go/ NAZ GIG

You will likely know who you are. We are not trying to be a-holes but really!

As many of you know, I have basically one long term EP client, who does provide me referrals throughout the year. I handle those personally. I also staff and hire for my investigation business and collection agency.

I can tell you this any resume coming unsolicited that is not neat, clean, edited & grammatically correct is immediately trashed. Those that we solicit like in this upcoming detail we expect the reply to come and include exactly what we requested, or again it is trashed.

Come on people, if you don't take yourself seriously and respect what a prospective employer SPELLS out what can you expect in reply, if you even get a reply.

Please understand something; In my world when you work for me, I own you. You do it my way period. After a while if you are consistent and reliable doing it my way, you may be in a position to suggest another way that will save me time and money it would be considered. Pay your dues and earn further opportunities. You will find that most employers have a similar attitude or policy. I just may be a bit more in your face about it being deported from Brooklyn long ago.


Please accept may apology if you feel insulted, that is not my intention with this sermon. Be realistic and think about what you are doing, how you would respond if you were in the decision making position. If you have a handful of replies to your request for whatever it may be.

Exasperated, Sonny

[Geo]

Too funny......

[SonnyPI]

Too funny......

Am I being to much of an A-H Geo? My only intention here is to be an asset to my fellow associates, whether they are newbies or old salts.

I always welcome comments, criticism or questions.

My feeling is, I cannot ever stop learning and any source may be a good source. If we're not on a detail, then its back to training! Refreshing, etc.
Cordially, Sonny

[Local Talent]

Only the truth hurts... :D

Hurt feelings are the ego leaving the soul... :D:D

Don't blame the messenger, even if he's giving it to ya Noo Yawk-style... :D:D:D

I'm reading this thinking that it's possible that some felt that they did not have to try too hard with a fellow forum member. It's just not how it works, and it's better to hear some constructive criticism it from you (anonymously, and in this place of learning) than blowing it with someone who'll burn them with the rest of the industry. You added very useful tips and insights to your comments, BTW.

I think that this dovetails nicely with that other comment you made elsewhere, Sonny: Imagine all of your actions and behaviors are being filmed and that this film will be available for the bench/ judge to view when your actions or circumstances come into question, for what ever reason.
... and those favorite mantras of mine: "It's always a test" and "there's always someone watching."
Once this is second nature, one always gives 100% and keeps his guard up, which is expected from a pro.

[black knife]

Fellow associates. I must point this out as kindly as possible. Sometimes my Brooklyn 'tude seeps through. Those of you who have known me a while will cut me some slack in that regard. That said I will get to the point and topic at hand as titled above.

I have recently posted notice of a pending gig and requested information be faxed to Tina in my office. So far we have received eight [8] and I thank you all.

Now, sometimes a cover letter, resume or CV is the very first impression you make on a prospective employer. You know, first impressions.

Of the eight only one did not have multiple spelling or grammatical errors. Some provided a cover letter that did not relate directly to the position and was clearly a boiler plate sent out to any prospective employer. I would politely suggest that you tailor your cover letter and resume to focus on the individual prospective. [that may take some intel on your part but it could make the difference in getting the interview]

You may not think this is significant, but attention to detail is and sometimes it is vital to the protection and safety of the client. Consider you are being followed and you copy the incorrect license plate#; Or you handwriting is to sloppy to read. These bear poorly on you and may create issues for the client.

I suggest that you consider some elegant, simple and professional business stationary as well as an appropriate business card. Spell check and editing goes a long way too. These will go a long way in making a positive first impression, both in person and through the mail, etc.

Please take the above in a positive manner as which it is meant.

Resumes will continue to be accepted through the end of July at which time a decision will be made.

Cordially, Sonny

Oops I forgot a cover letter:copstick:

[Local Talent]

No misspellings there, then! :D

A co-worker asked me for my resume a while back, to forward it to a guy setting up a detail. Since I was never told who the guy was and knew my buddy, I just emailed him my resume and figured he'd do the talking. Well, I never heard from anyone (my co-worker didn't get the job either, which makes me believe that he was lower on the food chain than he let on :rolleyes:) so that was probably not the best way to go about landing that job either.

At least here with Sonny we get to hear the full story, for a change.

[SonnyPI]

Oops I forgot a cover letter:copstick:
LOL, all is well black knife....no cover letter was requested although it is always an excellent idea.
Cordially, Sonny

[SonnyPI]

No misspellings there, then! :D A co-worker asked me for my resume a while back, to forward it to a guy setting up a detail. Since I was never told who the guy was and knew my buddy, I just emailed him my resume and figured he'd do the talking. Well, I never heard from anyone (my co-worker didn't get the job either, which makes me believe that he was lower on the food chain than he let on :rolleyes:) so that was probably not the best way to go about landing that job either. At least here with Sonny we get to hear the full story, for a change.

Interesting scenario LT.....I have been fortunate in both my investigation business and EP work.

Having grown up in the bail bond biz, civilian, military and federal investigator; that decades [showing my age again :cool:] long history has enabled me to be at the point where I choose the clients I work for. I rarely take on a new client and most are either other investigators, attorneys or government municipalities. I do not work for the public or civilians as an investigator.
As I have said before my EP work is focused on one client and a few of his referrals. This is a fortunate situation based upon my prior credible history.

In regard to my sending a resume or contacting an investigation or EP prospective client, I fortunately do not have to do that. Any new business I take on is by referral only.

With all that long winded preface out of the way; If you are working on getting established, or looking for a new client, EP or otherwise, it is always good to know who you are communicating with. Get their name, do some Intel on them and the company so you are informed. That will make a positive impression on them when they get your cover letter, CV or resume, and separate you from the multitude of others who solicit them for a gig; or if you are just working on adding to your client roster.

As always, I welcome comment,s criticism or questions, here in the forum or to me personally.

Cordially, Sonny

[Local Talent]

You're right of course, a personalized cover makes you stand out and can be an opportunity to show who you are and your interest in the job, because the resume itself can be a bit cold. Also, some people have great resumes made for them by pros, but aren't all that bright themselves - the cover helps paint a clearer picture of the candidate.

It was just a case of, "I know the guy... I might get you a spot on this when he's ready", then "Hey, give me your resume, I need to pass it on". My co-worker was acting a bit mysterious and I don't like to ask too many questions, so I just said, "Sure, why not." In retrospect, either he was full of it, or not on the guy's A-list.
Regardless, it's hard to say to someone offering a referral, "Why don't you give me the man's contact info and who he works for - I'll take it from there myself, thank you!"
It was one of those Saudi details that are set up on a regular basis here and there (when they're in town, which is always hush-hush and tentative).

Lots of guys like to claim to know someone or how to get jobs, but it often turns out that they were a bit optimistic or don't really enjoy the best reputation. They do this for ego-boosting reasons or in the hope that YOU'll hook THEM up... One reason why I never ask for referrals and often turn them down. ;)

Sonny, you're so lucky to be in that situation (that you earned for yourself). Must be nice. :cool:

[Lone Wolf]

It seems that a lot of jobs are like that now days. I know someone that knows someone that knows someone, and you never hear a word from any of them. Here in Florida it seems that most companies (persons) are resume Jobs are becoming harder and harder to find due to the economy or other reasons. Pay is a big issue as well here in Florida as it is in Cali.. It seems as though the guys out there that are willing to prostitute themselves are the majority of what are finding EP and Security Gigs.. Plain and simple, its a tough in these tough economic times, even the mega wealthy seem to be cutting back as well.. One of the clients that I used to work for has cut his staff by almost 50% due to the economy at this time, and he has a ton of kids that he wants staff for.. SO... As these econimic hard times continue we shall see.. Im suprised to see that he is still in the worlds richest people still.. He has taken a drastic fall in his position in Forbes though...

Anyway resumes... Interviews... Job.. All hopes and dreams at this time.

[Local Talent]

[...]It seems as though the guys out there that are willing to prostitute themselves are the majority of what are finding EP and Security Gigs..[...]
I knew you'd come to see my point one day!
[Warning: the following is controversial!] I actually gave this a lot of thought. We (EP agents) are sent by agencies to provide services for their upscale clientele. Some are attached to one particular client for a long time, while others float around more between agencies and clients. And some more enterprising agents are freelancers who answer to no one.

We do our best to impress clients to secure repeat business, our resumes boast of "special skills" (all euphemisms for that "thing we do"), and some are looking to score by getting attached (go in-house) to that one big fish.

Whatever we do, we do it discreetly and elegantly so as not to embarrass our wealthy patrons. And often, we are skilled at disguising what we really are.

Hmm... Reminds you of another profession? ;) :devil2: :D

(Just trying to lighten things up, guys! And don't be shocked: deep down, you know it's true... :D:eek::devil2:)

[Lone Wolf]

I knew you'd come to see my point one day!


(Just trying to lighten things up, guys! And don't be shocked: deep down, you know it's true... :D:eek::devil2:)

I dont see anything wrong with a person floating from client to client.. BUT WHERE I DO SEE A PROBLEM IS... Where a person floats from client to client and does so by undercutting the competition and taking pay way below where we should be compensated at... In other words.. IMHO a person involved in EP work should make nothing less than about $300 / Day (a day is approximately 8 hours) plus expenses. The thing that really gets my blood going is the cheap ass companies that underbid one another to the point of they will do what ever they have to do to get that specific client.. Meaning I know of companies that charge $18/hr for a contract for a very wealthy person that I know. They in turn pay their people crap for wages...

I guess the thing that really bothers me is that do you honestly think that these "EP" agents will actually do something to protect the client? DO they even know how??? It goes back to that old adage YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!!!!

[Local Talent]

You'd also think that the rich would stick to clean and professional call girls and leave the street trannies and crack whores alone, but sometimes they don't! ;)

Seriously, I know exactly what you're talking about. It's happening all over LA. Some companies specialize in low-balling. The bright side is that they open plenty of spots for rookies in need to cut their teeth. The dark one is that they embarrass the industry, bring down rates, and pervert the clientele's expectations.

Same for freelancers. Sure cutting rates might get you jobs, but you'll get little respect from the clients.

$300 should be the minimum daily rate for EP, but it's not the case in reality. :mad:

[usabodyguard]

OMG I have said it for years -

EMPLOYERS DONT HIRE RESUMES, THEY HIRE PEOPLE - A RESUME GETS YOU THE INTERVIEW, PERIOD!!!

This is a pet peeve of mine - I often get dozens of emails a month from people - a BLANK EMAIL with a resume attached, and most are full of spelling and grammar mistakes... take the time people, invest in a resume service, or at least use word for spelling errors.
Everytime I get a blank email with a resume, it gets deleted, BOOM! If I get another blank resume email I think I may just snap! Say something about yourself, dont be a clone of the next guy, be personable - make a connection so that an employer wants to call you back!

Like Sonny stated, your first impression is your resume!!

:rant:

[usabodyguard]

You'd also think that the rich would stick to clean and professional call girls and leave the street trannies and crack whores alone, but sometimes they don't! ;)

Seriously, I know exactly what you're talking about. It's happening all over LA. Some companies specialize in low-balling. The bright side is that they open plenty of spots for rookies in need to cut their teeth. The dark one is that they embarrass the industry, bring down rates, and pervert the clientele's expectations.

Same for freelancers. Sure cutting rates might get you jobs, but you'll get little respect from the clients.

$300 should be the minimum daily rate for EP, but it's not the case in reality. :mad:

OMG dont start me on that can of worms... EP agents have F'd themselves for years... I know guys at the '84 Olympics in L.A. getting $30 bucks an hour, and that rate has only gone down!!! Too many people are low balling eachother and not making standardized rates, it's complete crap. Whats a life worth??? It seems the pay rate has only gone down over the last decade instead of increasing with inflation, and we are only to blame.

lol i need to leave this thread before my laptop goes through the wall
:devil:

:D

[Local Talent]

Hey, long time no "see", usabodyguard! Well, while you repeat "serenity now!" to yourself enough times, I'll switch to another analogy I often use: dating. I think it applies to professional relationships and networking, as well as to job-hunting.

The bare resume submission, especially if the piece lacks polish, stands about the same chances as a naked pic sent to a strange woman. Some horny whack job might go for it, but it simply won't happen like that in the business world. If it does, watch out for that client or company!

Then there's the follow-ups (calls or emails these days) to make it personal and so they can feel you and your interest. They may make you wait or even stand you up - if you want it (and you know what I'm talking about :)), take it like a man and keep smiling. The worse that can happen is being taken for a ride... Sounds familiar?

Another twisted analogy: killers like to objectify their victims, that makes the deed easier. If you humanize yourself instead, by creating a rapport, making it known that you are human, you may be spared or get a reprieve. Same thing here. If they "know" you, it will be more difficult to toss your resume. At least they'll shed a tear... or more usefully, put it in a file for another day.
So call someone - they'll hear your voice. Stop by and say "hi" (office or post if at all possible, although on-the-job meets can be problematic, but it's happened to me). Show yourself, in your best light (always smartly dressed and groomed), and crank up the charm: handshake, business card, interest and respect.
Listen, I quit counting the number of people who told me they'd hire me on the spot. I was shocked at first, then ended up realizing how networking and hiring work: as usabodyguard said, they hire people. Resume, creds, training, etc., while important are not as critical as who you are. Because competent folks are many, while good people...

Of course, if you go too far someone is gonna cry "stalker", so use discretion alright? Know when to fold graciously. :)
And never give up either (a good reason for not burning bridges, besides the fact that ours is a small world). Just because you never heard from them doesn't mean you've been red-flagged or black-listed. Submit again at a later time or for the next ad.

Am I talking about women or jobs? You decide... ;)

"Hi, I'm Joe Ex-cop, I wanna do some bodyguarding, let's be friends!" won't work anymore than the resume thrown at them that usabodyguard talks about. Be subtle, be different, make sense, and most of all, put yourself in the shoes of the receiving party. How would you want to be approached? What would you look for in a hire? What do you think is most important in successful EP guys? If you have no idea, keep reading this forum and you should figure it out soon enough.

In the end, job-hunting or dating, I go back to what I mentioned in post #2 of this thread: http://www.socalbodyguards.com/forum/showthread.php?t=355. At least, if it goes nowhere, I know it's not my fault.

[Lone Wolf]

OH guys I totally agree the resume opens the door for people... Its the people that sell or in some cases dont sell themselves. The resume is a door opener as previously stated an attempt to match your skills and needs against what the clients needs and wants are. My point is that agencies are continuing to low ball the industry and it needs to stop.. A person that works for a company may never have to skills needed to do a job for a client while a specific person might... There are a lot of politics involved with agencies involved and bottom line is it is ALL about the money to the company and not the clients well being and absolutely not the EP Agent, their skills, abilities or their well being...

[SonnyPI]

OH guys I totally agree the resume opens the door for people... Its the people that sell or in some cases dont sell themselves. The resume is a door opener as previously stated an attempt to match your skills and needs against what the clients needs and wants are. My point is that agencies are continuing to low ball the industry and it needs to stop.. A person that works for a company may never have to skills needed to do a job for a client while a specific person might... There are a lot of politics involved with agencies involved and bottom line is it is ALL about the money to the company and not the clients well being and absolutely not the EP Agent, their skills, abilities or their well being...


Lone Wolf you are right on, unfortunately. This is a situation rampant in many related industries; EP as well as PI work. Large agencies get a contract and X$ per case, or hourly quote. Then they hire or sub contract to others of varying skills to do the work. If there are no issues then the agency gets to keep the bulk. If there are issues then it is the agency that has to address those issues affecting the bottom line.

All my work, EP, investigative or collections is FLAT RATE and all work is conducted in house unless on rare occasions it is necessary to bring someone in temporarily. We provide the client with our best due diligence and any issues is our responsibility and we eat it and move on to the next case or detail.

Cordially, Sonny

[Lone Wolf]

Lone Wolf you are right on, unfortunately. This is a situation rampant in many related industries; EP as well as PI work. Large agencies get a contract and X$ per case, or hourly quote. Then they hire or sub contract to others of varying skills to do the work. If there are no issues then the agency gets to keep the bulk. If there are issues then it is the agency that has to address those issues affecting the bottom line.

All my work, EP, investigative or collections is FLAT RATE and all work is conducted in house unless on rare occasions it is necessary to bring someone in temporarily. We provide the client with our best due diligence and any issues is our responsibility and we eat it and move on to the next case or detail.

Cordially, Sonny

Well IMHO.. I believe that should be the way it is done Sonny just the way you do it. To many companies realized that they can "FARM OUT" the work and make money and do nothing to make it so by the time it filters down to the agents and investigators, there isnt much left...