Online Security Guard Training and Career Center

What’s the Point of a Security Guard Furthering their Education?

Continuing your education no matter what your career of choice is is always a smart move. Education plays a monumental role in our society today, and there are many advantages to having a degree. One day you may choose to leave the field of security guard all together. You will have something to take with you if you do.

Security guards in most areas do not need any kind of degree. Some can start with just a high school diploma, but the more education you have, the better job opportunities you will qualify for. Once you become a security guard it is best to continue your education by pursuing your ability to Bare arms. Becoming an armed guard will also open up new opportunities for you, and the pay will increase.

If you have an associate’s degree, you will be eligible for more jobs in different areas of security work. Some people would love to work for the federal government in homeland security. There are some job opportunities to people who have an associate’s degree in homeland security. Making sure that the immigration laws are enforced and that the people coming and leaving the country are not a threat to the rest of the citizens. Obtaining an associate’s degree will also be a brilliant idea in case you want to go into law enforcement. In order to be a surveillance officer, or obtain a position in management you must hold an associate’s degree.

Security guards that continue their education to get their bachelor’s degrees are also broadening their spectrum of job opportunities! As a security guard with a bachelor’s degree, not only will the opportunities increase but so will the salary. Many security guards go on to different areas within the security field. Some may seek employment in investigations, while others may prefer to go into law enforcement. When you complete your bachelor’s degree your employment opportunities are unlimited.

Other opportunities for security guards, who hold a degree, are jobs within corrections, immigration, customs agents and the police force. Salaries can double depending upon what area of security you would like to continue in. The opportunities for security guards change with the level of education, and that is why it is crucial to always continue your education.

The ideal career path as a security guard would start with seeking the ability to Bare arms. Follow through with any security clearance you will need, as well as the required hours needed of training in order to Bare arms. Then you should go onto your associate’s degree. Once you have your associates degree you will know whether or not getting your bachelor’s degree is for you. Some people do go further and seek their masters in criminal justice. Furthering one’s education will only open more doors and create a pathway for where you might want to go in your career as a security guard.

What Qualities are Best to Have as a Security Guard

Not All Personalities are Suited to Become Security Guards

Not all personalities will make a great security guard. A good example of a personality that would not make a decent security guard is someone who is never serious. A person who makes a joke out of anything and everything they do would not make a cogent security guard. The job as a security guard is a serious position. It can be an intensely dangerous job, so a person must take everything serious and not let their job be made into a joke.

Must be Attentive

A person who does not pay attention to what they are doing is not someone who would make an excellent security guard. A job in security requires someone to be smart, but most importantly have common sense. If someone is only book smart they could have a tough time when they have a day that is not a typical day. They may not know what to do, or how to react. That can be dangerous if a security guard reacts the wrong way. No book can tell you everything you will need to know about working in security. Many issues that a security guard has to deal with requires common sense and critical thinking.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Not too Friendly

Personable people are needed to become security guards. It is vital that the person does not strive to be everyone’s friend, but they have to be personable. There are times in a security guard’s job in which they will need to make someone feel safe. Talking to the person and helping them to understand that they are ok, is important. Maybe it is a child who wandered off and cannot find their parent, or even an adult who has been through trauma. There needs to be a balance of being friendly but not overly friendly. A security guard does not want to be too nice that they are deceived by a bad person.

Physically Fit

Someone who takes fitness seriously is a valued trait in a security guard. There could be times where the security guard will need to run, or chase someone. It is crucial that they are fit enough to do such things. At the same time, balance again is notable because if someone is too fit or buff a lot of times they carry a hefty ego which can also hurt their performance as a security guard. If they are too into themselves, they may not be as into their jobs.

Takes Job Seriously

A security job holds a vast responsibility no matter what they are guarding. They are holding everyone’s safety in the palm of their hands, so if they are not the right person to do the job they could be putting a lot of people at risk. It is vital that security guards do their jobs carefully and thorough.

As mentioned, a person’s personality can affect the ability for a security guard to do their job correctly. To become a security guard is not for everybody. Only certain people can handle such responsibility and risk.

What is the Difference of How a Security Guard is Hired?

Many things will vary depending on how a security guard is hired. A security guard can be hired by an agency that specifically represents security guards, directly by a business, hired through a government agency or another organization. Depending how they are hired, they could earn more or less and carry less benefits.

Security Guard Agencies

Agencies that employ security guards and then place them in different businesses often are the lowest paying jobs in security. Agencies often offer lower wages, fewer benefits, and more responsibility. The benefits of going through a security guard agency when looking for a job is that it is common that they have several vacancies. There are agencies that are in charge of screening and hiring perspective security guards for businesses. Businesses like using agencies so that they do not have to screen new employees or conduct background checks on them. Agencies will perform security clearance, and possible drug testing on their employees to make sure their clients get a decent security guard. Security guards justify the lower wages when working through an agency because they are often found jobs quicker than if they had done it on their own.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Direct Hire

If a security guard is hired directly by a business they will usually receive higher earnings, and more benefits than if they had been hired by a security agency. Businesses hire security guards all the time, so it is possible to be hired by a business. There are some different factors that a business might look for, that an agency does not. An agency is seeking to hire as many guards as possible and get them working quickly. Whether or not their personality fits in the business, most agencies would not know because they do not work in those businesses. When being hired directly by a company often there are several applicants for one job, so the security guards are up against many people.

Government Agency

Being hired through a government agency is another way a security guard could be hired. Government jobs often require an applicant to take a written test as well as have specific qualifications. A governmental job will have a comprehensive security clearance that an applicant will need to pass. Many times a government role will pay higher and offer more benefits than businesses.

Other Organizations

Other organizations could hire security guards. Other organizations might include private colleges or universities, churches, to protect a person, or apartment complexes. These organizations can often be competitive in wages and benefits as other direct hires. Jobs become available all the time in all different types of organizations.

Typical Job Duties of a Security Guard Hired to Guard a Business Establishment

Most jobs in the security business have similar job duties because their main goal is to guard something. That something could be a person, a business, property, or even an item of value. Here are some of the most common job duties a security guard will be asked to perform.

Access Control

A security guard’s job may be to make sure that whomever goes in and out of the establishment has the proper authorization. A security guard may need to issue a pass, or check that their pass is valid. Directing people to the proper location is another job duty that might be expected of a security guard.

Theft Guard

Patrolling specific areas may be a part of a security guards job duty. It is indispensable to make sure nobody is stealing merchandise. They may patrol in a security vehicle or on foot.

RIA Novosti archive, image #778338 / Vitaliy Ankov / CC-BY-SA 3.0 [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Vandalism

Having a security guard in appropriate areas to reduce or rid businesses of vandalism or fire. Some areas are more prone to vandalism and arson; therefore, they might place a security guard in that location to deter such actions.

Identification

Checking identification of a person might be apart of a security job. Whether the person is of age, is crucial. Making sure they are who they say they are, or are supposed to be there.

Avoid Chaos

Enforcing the rules of the business in order to avoid chaos is another job duty. This is essential to maintain order and reduce conflicts.

Monitor Security Cameras

Surveillance cameras might be in several different places, and it is the job of the security officer to monitor them. They will need to act on any suspicious activity.

Security Checks

Depending on the business whether it is the entrance to an event or nightclub or even an airport, a security guard may need to provide physical security checks to insure nobody is getting in with a gun or weapon.

Ensure Public Safety

Perform safety and emergency procedures that the business has requested by responding to any bomb threats, emergencies, or fire alarms. Keeping people calm and under control is a part of the duties as a security guard. It is crucial to keep everyone from panicking as much as possible. Be prepared to follow any emergency procedures that the company has created in case of unplanned disasters.

These are just some of the most popular job duties of a security guard hired to protect a business. There are many different jobs within the security guard realm, but these are the most common job duties that you may be asked to perform. When working in security, it is necessary to be ready for anything, at anytime.

Will There Always be Jobs for Security Guards?

Will Technology Affect the Future in Security Jobs?

Nowadays there are so many jobs being eliminated by technology. Technology has hit the security guard field as well with security scanners, and surveillance cameras. That has eliminated a few positions along the way, but people will always be needed in security.

There are a lot of things that a security guard does in the place of employment that could never be fulfilled by a computer. Therefore, there is no possibility that security guards will be replaced. There will always be a need for security guards. Computers and electronics are not a threat to a future job in security.

Will Security Jobs be Outsourced Overseas?

Other careers are being jeopardized by being sent overseas, again security guards do not have to worry about this happening to their jobs. People will always need to hire a live person to secure the premises. A security camera can only make the job a little easier, but someone will need to be there to stop whatever is being done such as theft, vandalism, or arson.

How Can I be Sure Becoming a Security Guard will be an Option in the Future?

Investing your time to become a security guard will always be well worth the effort. Jobs will always be available, and security guards always be needed. Whether guarding a specific person, a business establishment, or a single item; a security guard will always need to be a real person.

With new businesses opening up all the time, there is always a need for more security. Security is always a top priority in businesses in which theft, or vandalism can occur. There will always be retail establishments, hotels, apartment buildings, or government facilities that need to be secure and guarded. The jobs for a security guard are such a broad range of diversity, that jobs are endless.

As people retire, more jobs become available for additional security guards all the time. It is forecasted that jobs in security will continue to grow moderately through the next ten years. This shows that the future as a security guard is secure.

If you are a high school student considering a future career in security, or an adult seeking a career change, there is a future with becoming a security guard. Further your education, go onto training, and become a security guard you have nothing to lose, and everything to gain. As with any profession, the more training and schooling you have in any particular field will always help you to succeed. Continue your education and training so that you can continue to excel in the field of being a security guard. The more education and training you have, the easier it will become to find employment.

Developing Your Career in Security

So you have done the training and become a fully-fledged Security Guard. But what are the options for career progression within the industry? I actually began my career as a bus boy cleaning the floor in a nightclub before working my way up to Security Guard, Supervisor, Manager and I am currently head of the entire security operation in London for one of the largest security companies in the world.

I want to share with you how I did this and hope that I can help you on your journey.

1. Start as you mean to go on

By this I mean, from the day you become a Security Officer you must always maintain the highest possible standards of work. Make sure your appearance is immaculate; you are punctual and maintain a low level of absenteeism. Give you customers the highest possible level of service because as you gain positive written feedback through emails and letters you can use this when it comes the time to ask for a promotion or a pay rise!

Always endeavour to be the best version of yourself when at work. As a Security officer or guard you do not provide anything tangible to your customers, in other words YOU are the product. What you say, how you deal with people and incidents are what will be remembered. If you do these things well, you will be on your way to Supervisory level.

Security guard at Virtual University, Multan Campus (Photo credit: liber(the poet);)

2. Be a self-starter

One of the best ways to gain recognition as an innovative and forward thinking employee is to come up with solutions to problems. Showing that you can take the initiative and carry out research to back this up will enable you to stand out from the crowd and your name may be mentioned when an opening in Management comes up.

You may identify a simple problem such as wasted paper in your place of work and suggest your company switched to electronic data capture. You could present to your company the cost as well as environmental and marketing benefits this could have and people will think of you as someone who can work unaided to assist the whole team in being better.

3. Education
It is a fact that a large percentage of people within the Security industry do not have a college education. This does not mean that you cannot learn while you earn. When I worked as a Security Guard on day shift I attended evening classes to earn my IT diploma. When my former employer put me on night shifts I could no longer attend evening classes so guess what? I enrolled in a distance learning university and studied Management, Business, Society and Risk Assessing. I studied all of this at night while I was being paid leaving my days free to enjoy with my family.

4. Confidence
When you apply all of the above I have no doubt that you will achieve any goal you set yourself and you will be equipped with the tools and the resume to make a success of it. Having one of the above or a combination of them may just give you the edge over another candidate applying for the same job you are. Believe in yourself.

All the best and I wish you success in your career.

Jon @ www.securitymanagementguide.com

Facts You Might Not Know About Security Guard Jobs

Have you ever had the desire to work as a security guard? There are typical parts of being a security guard that most people already know about. The part of protecting, serving, and making sure everyone stays safe. However, there are aspects of security guard jobs that you may not be familiar with.

The Job is Different Everyday

A lot of people have the misconception that a security guard job is boring and mundane. Most security job positions are different each and every day. Guards are faced with new situations daily. Criminals are always on the lookout for new opportunities to break the law and they get pretty creative.

Training is not Always Required

Some companies will really hire you without any experience. While this may be rare it says a lot about the company. They may be very trusting and willing to train you without any previous experience or training.

Lots of Companies Need Security Guards

There are a lot of misconceptions about the types of places that hire security guards. One fact is that security guards can work in a variety of settings. Banks, grocery stores, factories and many other places need security guards to help secure the premises. So, if you are interested in a security guard position there are an unlimited amount of places to find the position that is right for you.

Security Guards Actually Deal with People

A common misconception about security guards is that they never have to deal with people. This is not true and most of the job includes working with a variety of different people. It’s a career that involves being flexible and getting along with a diverse group of people. Those of you who are looking into a security guard job should know that dealing with people will be on your list of job duties.

Working as a security guard is nothing short of exciting. Sure, there may be some days where you spend time watching the cameras, but action is sure to appear out of nowhere. There are plenty of true facts about security guards that will help you see the job as much more interesting and exciting.

Keep in mind that there are a variety of security guard positions so these facts might not be true to each one. If you’re looking for an ever changing, character stretching, people loving job, then perhaps working as a security guard is right for you.

What are the Duties and Risks of Armed Security Guards?

When it comes to protecting, sometimes it means carrying an armed weapon. Security guards that carry a gun while they are on duty may feel safer, but they also have a greater responsibility.

Duties of an Armed Security Guard

Obviously, one of the main duties of an armed security guard is to protect those around him. Whether it’s a person or a place it is important that protection stays on their minds at all times. It’s a duty of that armed security guard to seek proper training before he/she starts carrying it at all times. A properly trained security guard it a safety to all.

One of the main duties that a security guard has is to make sure he or she uses the gun only when appropriate. While the gun does bring some sort of fear to those who try to mess around it should still be used only when appropriate. Security guards need deep and proper training on when, where, and how to use their gun. Carrying a gun is a privilege and not a right. It would be a shame for someone to lose their life because they were not properly trained on how to use a gun.

English: Cash transport van with guards (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Risks of an Armed Security Guard

Whenever a gun is being carried there is always a risk for death. Either the security guard could face death or an innocent bystander could get hurt. You really never know what could happen when weapons start getting involved.

When a company allows guns to be carried by security guards they typically make sure the security guard is properly trained. However, there are some independent security guards who are not properly trained. At that point it is a risk or liability to the person hiring the security guard. They are risking the lives of people around them with a security guard they are not sure has proper training.

What is the bottom line?

A properly trained armed security guard can help add another level of protection. An improperly trained guard can only cause harm and frustration to a scene. Using the gun when appropriate and acting with common sense will help alleviate some of the risks involved in having armed guards. There are risks and duties involved with having a security guard job position. In essence, they are putting their lives on the line everyday to protect something. That is a risk all on its own.

Does Size Matter – for a Security Guard Job!

When it comes to size, does it really matter in regards to a security job? People come in all shapes and sizes, but for some people, they think that size really does matter in a security guard job. If you are hiring a security guard it’s vital that you look at more than just brawn. Take these aspects into consideration.

The Clients

Although you may prefer the big and intimidating types of security guards, sometimes you need to think about the type of client you are protecting. For most, it’s about protection and experience and not necessarily what they look like. Think about the setting in which you are trying to supply a security guard for. Intimidation might be an important part of the look and in that case size does matter. Keep in mind, if you are looking for a security guard job, security guards are needed in all parts of life.

The Skills

In today’s day and age it is all about skill set and not all about the looks. The training you have will come in handier than the way you look. In order to land the job, you might have to run a mile in under a certain amount of time. So, instead of focusing on height and weight, concentrating on how fast someone runs or how quickly they react is majorly important.

The Business

Business owners do not want to just focus on size, unless they can help it. There could be several factors in which you pick someone of a bigger stature. This might be the case in which you are choosing a security guard for a club or a really busy place where being tall or bigger matters. Also, keep in mind that you are looking for someone who can communicate, train properly, and do the job as requested.

The big question being covered here is does size really matter when it comes to security guards? No. The bottom line is that a security guard’s training and skills far outweigh the way someone looks or how tall they are. However, there are instances where a client or business will look for a security guard who is bigger because that is what they are looking for. Of course those who are hired based off of height and weight should still be prepared to fulfill training and physical requirements.

Self-Defense Tactics for Security Guards

No matter where a security guard works they should always be prepared for what lies ahead. It’s almost as if you should “expect the unexpected” in the security world. When an incident happens, no one will be able to prepare in advance for, so they need to be prepared physically and mentally. To keep safe a security guard most train, not just once but continuously. Here are some self defense tactics for security guards to take to heart:

Self Defense (Photo credit: Pioneer Library System)

Start Training Early: Security guards should start training before they even decide to enter the field. Think about the chances a person has to get involved in self defense classes. Self defense is the first stop in defense for anyone, so it only makes sense for a security guard to begin there.

Employer Requirements: The good news about working with a security company is that most of them provide their own training. When hired on, a security guard might go through some sort of training to help make them better at their job. Even if the business does not provide training they will most likely give out resources to the security guard. Safety should always be a main concern for the security guard and those hiring the security guards.

Forms of Martial Arts: Learning martial arts is a great way for a security guard to protect him or herself. Keep in mind that you may want to talk to the instructor about the type of defense available for security guards. This is important because most people who are taking martial arts are doing it for self protection. The roles of a security guard include keeping others safe and catching the person in question.

Studying Self Defense Tactics: Early training, employer training and learning martial arts are just a few ways security guards can protect themselves against criminals. In fact, security guards can take action and be prepared in every way because this only helps make the area safer.

Self defense tactics are everywhere and there is no right or wrong approach to use when it comes to protecting oneself or someone else. Security guards may be faced with a gunman or someone trying to use a knife. There may also come a time when they are confronted by someone who is much larger than them. Most criminals do want to be caught and they will fight back. The big question is: will that security guard be prepared?