I have been a big fan of Danger Zone Jobs(the job hunting website) for awhile now, and really is a great resource. The blog though is a new feature, and a good one to put on your RSS reader.
On a side note, check out the free report they put together for 2008. Lots of surprises, and the report gives a better picture as to the make up of defense contractors out there. I focus primarily on the security end of things here at FJ, but Danger Zone Jobs covers it all out there, and it really is interesting to check out the various other opportunities.
A great finding of the report, that to me was a no brainer, was the idea of how important networking really is. The polls of the report completely back that up. I thought the internet and forums would have a stronger showing as to sources of jobs, but really, networking was the clear leader for getting jobs in this study. Check it out. –Matt
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About DZJ
William Beaver – Editor/Publisher DZJ
From 1992-2008, I worked in Kuwait as a partner in a company that provided signage, printing and publishing services for the military and contractors, mostly reproducing military documents and manuals, creating publications, making outdoor signage etc.
In the course of this, I kept hearing soldiers asking how the guys in CSA, MPRI and the rest found their jobs. Many of the civilians working for private companies also talked about looking for their next job, but not knowing where to start, or not having time to go chasing around the internet looking for openings.
I would note that these people are not just security operators but other professions like training, IT, etc.
The idea is simple: do the internet based research about living and working in this part of the world with defense contractors and PMCs, and develop relationships with the HR people so they give a heads up on what they are looking for.
If people are not already in the business, they probably don’t know where companies have their job information posted, and they don’t know about other informal information networks.
They don’t take the time (or more likely, don’t have the time) to keep up with news and information related to working in this region.
So I try to do alot of that work for you.
But to be clear, you still need to do the main work yourself: applying for jobs, making sure you fit their qualifications, getting your documents in order, etc.
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Free Report You Really Should Read
Posted by William Beaver, dzjeditor in Featured Articles, Job Search Advice on November 29, 2008
I released a free 24-page report called Job Search Advice From Overseas Contractors – 2008 . More than 650 site visitors took part in survey about working overseas, their companies, benefits and experience, plus information about finding a job.
One of the best things about it is the comment section where 65 people left comments, both short and long, about various aspects about either finding an overseas job or tips for working with other contractors and companies once there. Download the report for free here.
Blog link here
Where can I get more information on getting obtaining employment overseas? What are they looking for?
Comment by Greg — Saturday, December 12, 2009 @ 7:42 AM
Any comments on CSA in Kuwait ? I'm about to go home from this contract with them and it's been a bit of a nightmare – especially considering the fact that I've been contracting for agood long while now with various ohter companies all over the world and this has turned out to be the worst of the worst, thought I'd see if anyone out there might have a similar experience. I don't now who's worse ? The Kuwaitis or CSA ? It's like some sort of demented contest to see who can make things ( the simplest of things )the most difficult ! Absurd situation and one thing's for sure, this company and country will never see me again !
Comment by Phil — Saturday, November 13, 2010 @ 6:15 PM
Phil, you should put this on the CSA post on the blog? Here it is.
https://feraljundi.com/2009/10/07/company-spotligh…
I am sure you are not alone with this being a bad contract, and if CSA has done you wrong, I suggest contacting all the available folks who might be interested in hearing this information. To include the IG for that region, POGO, ISOA, etc. etc. Other than that, the best thing you can do is just leave the contract and find a new one. Also tell your buddies to find other contracts, and once those are secured, leave CSA promptly. When companies cross the line and treat you poorly, just leave and don't look back.
But I always recommend securing something before leaving, if at all possible. Leaving is your personal choice, and no one is forcing you to stay there. That is the best part of contracting, and I like to remind folks that this is your right as a contractor. This is not the military, and there is no need to put yourself through that kind of torment. Just find a better deal and leave.
I do empathize with you, and we have all been there at one point in our careers.
Comment by headjundi — Friday, November 19, 2010 @ 10:32 PM