Getting a Job As a Security Guard

What does a Security Guard do?

Taking a job as a security guard is a position that you should take some time to consider, before jumping in head first. Working security is the type of job that can go one of two ways, it can be dangerous at times and extremely boring at other times.

Security guards are responsible for patrolling designated areas, protecting property, maintaining security, and enforcing regulations and standards of conduct.

Choosing a Company to Work For

The first thing that you need to do is find out if your state requires you to have a license in order to hold a security job. You can do this by either calling a local security company or by calling a job service center.

Once you find out if a license is required, you should call around and see if there are any local security companies that either pay for the training and licensing or if they will deduct the costs from you pay check so that you don’t have to pay for the training up front.

Once you find the company offering the best deal on training, you should ask them about uniforms. Some companies provide uniforms free of charge, so provide the uniforms and deduct the cost from you pay check. Either way it is best to find a company that doesn’t charge an up front cost for the uniforms.

The next thing to do is ask what type of security service the company provides. Do they provide unarmed, armed or both? Armed guards tend to get paid more than unarmed guards. However, sometimes the pay increase isn’t worth it. take time to consider the risks, is it really worth a $1 or 2 more an hour to work in the back of an armored truck that could get attacked.

You will also want to find out what type of contracts the company covers. If they only offer short term contracts then you will probably be getting transferred a lot. If that’s the case it may be better to try and get a security position in house with the company needed the security. By getting an in-house position you usually have better job security and benefits.

One other option to consider is Federal security jobs. If you are able to get specialized clearance, you could get a security job working for the Federal Government. Check with the Federal Government to see what is available in your area.

Private Security

Maybe you are thinking about going in a completely different direction and becoming a private security guard. Private security are responsible for protecting individuals, stores, banks, etc. There are many different job duties that differ depending on the client.

Generally you need to be 18 to get a position as a private security guard. Also most people are looking for people that either have a background in criminal justice or a degree in criminal justice.

The job market for private security is highly competitive and generally not for an entry level employee.