How to gather information for a company you want to work for overseas
When you are searching for a company to work for overseas, gathering as much information as possible is important for determining whether the job is right for you and will be a good fit. Each contractor’s job varies greatly, with differences in pay, required experience and knowledge, job expectations, duties, location, and employer. The more you know about the job that interests you, the better prepared you will be in the application process and final decision.
Suppose you see a job in which you would seem like the perfect candidate. Applying without further research could land you in a location that doesn’t suit you or work for an employer with a bad reputation. Such information you should gather include:
1. Experience and knowledge: Do you have enough relevant experience and/or knowledge to (1) prepare you for the job, (2) make a good candidate, and (3) allow you to succeed at the job? Many overseas security companies require two years of experience in security, anti-terrorism, investigation and interview, and/or intelligence work. A fitting background might include military or police experience. Furthermore, although many jobs require at least a high school diploma, most would prefer an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related field or enough real-world experience to account for the formal education.
2. Security clearance: Most overseas contracts require a security clearance, although not all. Before applying, find out whether a security clearance is necessary and what level of security clearance is required. Do you have a current security clearance? Have you had one in the past and it just needs to be updated? Is there anything that would make you ineligible or cause difficulty in obtaining a clearance?
3. Physical requirements: Are you physically fit enough to complete your daily job duties? Physical requirements can also include the ability to wear required equipment such as helmets and vests. Can you withstand carrying heavy loads? Are you able to stand for extended periods of time? This is extremely important information to gather prior to applying should you have physical limitations.
4. Daily job duties: Is this a job in which the day-to-day tasks will suit you, be a challenge to enable growth, and add to your resume?
5. Job expectations: Do the expectations match the daily job duties and responsibilities? Or are the expectations too high that they are unrealistic or too low that they won’t allow you to grow?
6. Pay range: Is the compensation fair for the responsibilities and expectations?
7. Location: Is this a dangerous location and are you willing to take that risk? Or is it in a location that doesn’t quite interest you or might be a problem?
8. Employer: What is the reputation of the employer? How long do contractors stay with the employer (as this could be an indication of problems)? What is the mission and culture of the employer?
9. Length of Contract: How long are you willing to work overseas? Are you willing to be away from family and home? Can you make the necessary preparations to ensure your family is taken care of while you are away?
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