The old saying “Time spent on Recce is seldom wasted” is I believe a good line to follow in civvy street.

I have recently attended several interviews for surveillance freelance work and have been blown away by what I would consider to be lack of preparation on behalf of some applicants and would like to take this opportunity to reinforce all the good comments and tips received on the course and the Argus forum.

Here are some of my observations, which I know 99.9 % of us will see as basics but here they are:

Dress - People looking scruffy, unshaved, trousers not pressed and clearly way to big or they need to get out lose a couple of stone (not pounds).  Attention to detail, wearing white sports socks with a black suit…..

Paper work - One interview was delayed because people had not brought copies of their certification, it was in bold PLEASE BRING COPIES OF ALL CERTIFICATION so why would you not bother to do it…..

CV’s - You will hand them out so take copies, I took six as discussed on the forum and think that’s a safe number.

“Bit about you” Have it prepared, it seems to be the icebreaker they all use, for me this is by far the most difficult bit.  In the military you were not encouraged to blow smoke up your own backside and I was certainly one who frowned on it and would rather see than hear results, bottom line……. get used to it and fast.  You have got minutes to impress, don’t waffle, look at the company and tailor your experience to meet their needs.  Do your homework and find out what they want.

IPAD & Drop Box - The way ahead!! After the course I scanned every certificate I own, you never know what they might ask you for and if you can bring it up in a flash and have it in their inbox before you leave the building you WILL stand out from the rest.

Have as many irons in the fire as possible to cover the quiet periods: surveillance, private investigation and CP work for me so far has been either very quiet or very manic.

Mark Thompson, Lateo Surveillance

Company Profile

Lateo Surveillance has been established by Ex Military surveillance specialists who have operated across the globe in all theatres of operations.  Lateo which is Latin “to remain hidden” underpins the ethos that is behind the teams drive and determination to achieve the results which count. We employ tried and tested Standing Operating Procedures to produce first class results with No Compromise to the Highest Standards you would expect from a professional organisation.

Based in the South West of England we provide both local and national services however unlike an awful lot of internet based surveillance and investigation companies Lateo Surveillance are not middle men; we do not farm out jobs to unknown contractors which means we can offer a personal service at the best possible prices.

Visit us @ www.lateosurveillance.co.uk