I arrived for my interview 10 minutes early, well dressed and ready to rock. They didn't call me in until 20 minutes after the scheduled interview time, apparently due to being rushed off their feet. Genuinely busy, or just disorganized? I couldn't tell.
The interview itself went okay. It lasted about 15 minutes and consisted of the usual questions. Both the female and male interviewer, whose names now elude me at the time of writing this, seemed impressed with my impeccable military record and extensive security experience.
All went well until the kicker - the pay. They told me the pay would be $12.30 per hour for an unarmed position at a college campus. I must first admit that I had applied for a full time armed job, such is my preference, and they did not seem to have taken this into account. I was rather insulted that considering my skill level they would "low ball" me like this, so I attempted a counter offer, explaining that at this stage in my career I am looking for a fair level of compensation and a liveable wage. They basically told me "no", in their very round-about way. All efforts to discuss pay were snubbed.
And so the offer stands for one week. They left me with the phrase: we really hope to hear from you, we really like you.
So, I emailed the interviewer immediately following my interview, thanked her for the opportunity and again expressed my concerns regarding salary, and that I would be willing to "shake" on an agreed amount. I thought my email was very pleasant and professional, however I received no response at all... which was unprofessional of THEM. It has been 5 days, still no response.
Having read some of the reviews on here about this company, Top Guard seems like an agency that does not compensate according to skill level, nor recognize or reward it's officers fairly. In essence, I am not sure this is the kind of place I want to work. As a security professional with an outstanding track record, I can tell you I was earning $16 per hour at another agency (in another state) and felt very valued there.
I am pretty appalled that this place, and some other local agencies for that matter, can get away with paying their staff, many of whom are not only living, breathing human beings of mature age, but generally intelligent and hard working people with families, such pitiful incomes. It's no wonder so many people live in poverty in this part of the country.
I was not impressed with Top Guard Security. I get the feeling they are just looking for "warm bodies" to fill positions.
Professionals looking for a decent income and career should look elsewhere.