In 2006, Bodyguard Careers did a story on the need for trained female bodyguards. The need for women in the executive protection field has continued to grow. In India, a new training course has been established for women to learn bodyguarding skills, to meet increasing demands. Female clients are more frequently requesting female bodyguards.

In Moscow, intelligent women between 21 and 37 can apply at the one school available for training in the field. The attitude however, is rather sexist as regards female bodyguards. First, Russian clients (mostly men) insist that these women must be “very attractive, intellectual and not ‘unfeminine,’ slender, model-like blondes with drivers license, able to act as a personal secretary, speak several languages, know fighting techniques and handle all types of firearms.” These expectations seem to be based on television and movie ideas about the industry, and not at all on reality–something the school’s founder, Nadezhda Mikhailova recognizes. The school does request trainees be healthy (with perfect eyesight,) and applicants must endure detailed psychological tests and tough physical exercises and assessments. Women bodyguards who have completed the program (6 months) have been placed on assignments, however, they are not paid the same as men for the same job. This inequity is not lost on the school’s owner, who regrets that women with the same (or better) skills are not being valued, simply because they are female. “It is known that women more often resort to ‘peace talks’ than force. Women are seldom treated as a source of menace, and this fact helps female bodyguards act promptly and effectively in case of emergency” she says.

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Back “in the day” when I was a young bodyguard and finally was making the Big Bucks I made a Big Mistake. I thought I should look as much the super-star as my client, so I went and bought myself the most gorgeous $2000 designer suit you’d ever want to see. It was tailored to fit my frame perfectly. I knew I looked good in that suit. Imagine my pride as I stepped out of the limo next to the celebrity, sporting my new suit for the first time. Imagine how pleased I was as we strutted to the venue, paparazzi cameras flashing. Later that night, I had to vault over a barrier in the line of duty. Imagine my horror when I heard my new expensive suit rip! It was the sound of twenty $100-dollar bills tearing. Now, there’s not much that will bring a big man down–but I think I might’ve cried a little that night!
–Harlan “Hucky” Austin

It is important to have the right wardrobe for the job interview, and for the job itself. But you can learn from the above story. You don’t need to spend a fortune on suits to look sharp. Be sure to check with your employer as to his/her expectations for on-the-job attire. Some clients prefer that their Executive Protection Staff NOT wear suits, but rather “blend” more in dress slacks and shirts. For the most part, however–you will need to own a few suits for the job, and that can get expensive.

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Bet your glad to get the resumay I’ve attached to this letter
I gotta lot of experience doing this kind of stuff and you should call me next week when I got a phone. My last boss was a reel loser: I’m expcting, to make at least $1000/week.

Call me.

Joe Wannabea Bodyguard

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The above is an example of a very poorly-written cover letter. I realize this is a gross exaggeration, but I do want to point out problems with this letter, and some important omissions. Cover letters can help you get your foot in the door–so make sure to put your best foot forward!
1. Date the Letter — Cover letters and resumes are often arranged by the dates in which they
are received. It also helps H.R. (Human Resources) to track positions with advertising.

2. Find out (if possible) EXACTLY to whom the correspondence is to be addressed. Use the
full name: Mr. Harlan Austin, or Ms. Cynthia Uhrich (if you don’t know if the woman is married or single.) It is just respectful and in good form. Do your research. If you don’t know, place a telephone call and respectfully ask to whom you are to address correspondence. In some cases, it may just be to “Human Resources.” Be sure to write down the information given to you, so you get the spelling correct.

3. Indicate the position for which you are applying, and perhaps where you saw or heard
about the job. If a close friend or colleague who knows the employer referred you, be sure to mention that. It could be the detail that gets you the interview, especially if your friend is highly regarded by the employer.

4. Grammar and spelling are important. Please note the following words are wrong in the letter
above: your  (you’re or you are), resumay (resume), gotta (slang, should be “have” or “possess”) reel (real), expcting (typo–expecting)

Overall, the grammar in this letter is terrible, and the punctuation is wrong. Now, to the content of the letter;

5. A general statement like “lot of experience doing this kind of stuff” tells the employer nothing
about you. The cover letter should provide a very brief but specific snapshot of who you are. You might write something like this: “I have 3 years of on-the-job experience in the security field, most recently serving as Chief of Security for Biggs Construction.” Take note of what the specific job requirements are for the position you are seeking, and highlight those skills in your cover letter. Customize each and every cover letter to the specific job for which you are applying. (more…)

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Security Management Resources, Inc.® an international executive search firm whose global practice is focused exclusively on professional and executive level corporate security positions, is seeking candidates for the following opportunity for our Fortune 500 client.

TITLE: Executive Protection Specialist
LOCATION: Dallas, TX
SALARY: $60k-$80K
RELOCATION: No, Must be a local resident
SUMMARY

The Executive Protection Specialist (EPS) serves as a member of a
team that is responsible for the security and protective services for
the Chairman. The EPS works with other team members to determine and
pursue courses of action necessary to obtain desired results. The EPS
works under the direction of a Team Leader but is afforded reasonable
latitude in determining protective service techniques to accomplish
objectives. Work is reviewed upon completion for adequacy in meeting
objectives. (more…)

In the interest of providing our visitors with the best information available to succeed in this business, following are the top websites every bodyguard needs to bookmark!

 
Some of these are places to SEE, others places to BE SEEN. Brief descriptions of each website are included, please be sure to visit them to learn first-hand how they can be of help to you. Also, feel free to let us know which sites you like, or to comment!

#10 http://www.commandpost.org

An A-Z listing of resources for individuals in the protective services. Need to charter a helicopter for your principal? Want to know where to purchase special equipment? Learn about biochemical security? A compendium of odds and ends of interest.

#9   http://www.freelancesecurity.com

Just as the name suggests, this is a “Bulletin Board” of sorts where jobs are posted. A lot of private investigation work, surveillance, fraud detection. Post your services as a security consultant here to be considered for employment opportunities.

 #8   http://www.myspace.com

This is a place to promote yourself and your services. A lot of my friends gave me a hard time when I created a profile here (’cause a lot of young people use this site) BUT I have been able to reconnect with so many old colleagues and friends, and have heard from so many people with similar interests that I think it merits a spot in my Top Ten.

#7 http://www.linkedin.com

“Grown-Up” version of MySpace. Another place for you to post a profile and network with like-minded individuals in this field. Find old friends and make new ones! Good for self-advertising.

#6 http://industry-icon.com/blog/

My buddy Elijah Shaw’s ongoing blog. Smart guy, with interesting information to impart. Currently working as Usher’s bodyguard. (Sorry, my friend, but I had to rank my website a little higher than yours–hope you understand!)

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