Breaking into the security and close protection industry requires experience, specialized training, and, sometimes, professional connections. However, the global executive protection market is growing rapidly, and with the right preparation and strategy, you can position yourself for entry-level opportunities and start your path to a lucrative career.
The key is to combine practical training, professional presentation, and targeted networking. Let’s take a look at some ways you can make it easier for employers to recognize your potential and go over where to start looking for open positions.
Learn the necessary security skills
Your first step is building the foundational skills required for security and close protection work.
General skills
Before getting the specific skills you need to begin your security career, you need strong fundamentals, including:
- CPR and first aid training
- Firearms certification
- Less-than-lethal weapons training
- Self-defense training
- Physical fitness
- Soft skills (communication, professionalism, discretion, etc.)
Without these bedrock skills and the certifications to prove them, security employers won’t look twice at your CV.
Specialized skills
With the basics down, you’ll need security industry-specific training to stand out. Military and law enforcement experience is valuable, but they aren’t guaranteed tickets to employment.
Employers look for candidates with specialized security training who understand the nuances and unique demands of close protection services. The capabilities that the industry is looking for include, but are not limited to:
- Threat awareness
- Situational assessment
- Defensive tactics and protective formations
- Professional conduct and fast decision-making in high-pressure environments
- Surveillance detection
- Route planning
- Risk assessment
- Conflict deescalation
Even if you have acquired these skills from previous work experience, you’ll stand out more if you obtain up-to-date certifications from a reputable security training academy.
Tailor your resume and keep it updated
To obtain a close protection specialist position, you’ll need a resume customized for the job. If you don’t have direct experience, you can highlight transferable skills from related roles such as military service, law enforcement, general security positions, or even customer service.
Once your resume is tailored to the security industry, you need to adjust it further depending on the position(s) you are applying to. The first thing to look at your resume will likely be an algorithm, so be sure to include keywords and phrases from the job description to increase your odds of a match.
As you complete certifications and training programs and acquire licenses, immediately update your CV. Also, employers want to see that you are actively investing in your professional development, so if any of your certifications have lapsed, consider refresher courses ASAP.
Where to find close protection specialist positions
When searching for close protection roles, focus on both traditional job boards (e.g., LinkedIn or Indeed) and industry-specific sources (e.g., Silent Professionals). General job platforms also list security officer and executive protection positions, especially in major metropolitan areas, so don’t overlook them.
If you lack previous experience and are starting fresh in the industry, the bad news is that you’ll have to start at the bottom. The good news is that security companies that offer high-level executive protection services also frequently hire trained candidates for entry-level roles, of which there are many. These positions may include event security, residential protection, or corporate security assignments. These roles may not be as lucrative or exciting as others, but they will help you build the relevant experience needed to advance your career.
When you have experience and the right skills, you can start engaging with specialized security recruitment agencies that work directly with clients seeking trained close protection professionals. Training academies themselves are another strong option. Many maintain partnerships with employers and provide job placement assistance for close protection specialist jobs.
Get the security skills your career needs at Aspis Training Center
If you’re ready for a dynamic and rewarding career in security and close protection, Aspis Security Training Center will equip you with the fundamental and advanced skills you need. Our veteran instructors offer a wide range of classes so you can tailor your training to the roles you are seeking.
We also offer convenient online classes for select skills, as well as job placement assistance for those looking to break into the industry. Contact us today and take the first step to a successful security career.