What To Know About Security Jobs

 

It is understandably frustrating to be looking for full or part time employment in the current economic climate, but those looking to find work with security jobs have plenty of options available to them. Whether you are just starting out in the workforce, want a short-term solution until you can find permanent employment, need something to put on your resume, or are looking for low-stress environments, working with security can be the optimal solution for your employment concerns. Though the traditional image of security personnel is having to work throughout the night, you can specifically request to have normal 9-5 hours and still have plenty of interested employers. It does help, however, to be more flexible about your sleep schedule!

Getting your foot in the door for a temporary hiring or a long term career can require certain certification. Some private companies prefer only to hire their security personnel from employment agencies, making it necessary for you to locate a temp agency or similar institute prior to an application. Others insist that their guards be certified in certain training like First Aid, capability to drive vehicles, or even licensed to carry firearms. Companies have their hiring policies located on their human resources page, making it easy to see what hoops you may have to jump through in order to get security jobs.

Of course, there are plenty of security jobs to be found that require no qualifications. These can be the “hired muscle” type, such as the bouncers who work at nightclubs and bars in order to deter rowdy customers from starting trouble, and tend to be more short-term than a true career. They provide good pay, however, given that the paycheck is supplemented with a share of the tips, and are easy to find — often advertised in help wanted sections or online message boards. “Muscle” jobs may not have regular scheduling but instead work more on weekends and later into the night: be ready to start work in the afternoon and finish an hour or so before the sun rises. These are a good stepping stone for a better employment opportunity down the line.

Personal security jobs are always in high demand. No matter what part of the country you live in, there are always persons interested in either keeping themselves or their personal property from harm. Often times personal security personnel may also operate as a go-to for their employer, arranging for transportation or meals or an overnight stay to be ready for their arrival. In some cases these security jobs have excellent potential for advancement, as putting in good time with a client will make it likely to find promotion within their organization. These jobs, however, are more difficult to find, given that they are rarely advertised openly to avoid attracting attention. They are often not regular hours, but instead may have a security guard on call for several days at a time, switching between three or four different personnel.

A security job working in a professional atmosphere usually requires a good knowledge of corporate etiquette. These security personnel are integral to keeping the traffic within a company flowing smoothly and keeping everyone on time, so that visitors and clients checking in need to be brought to their appointment quickly, while persons who have no business with the company need to be ushered out discreetly. Corporate security will work around the clock. Those working on first shift (8 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon) will be the persons who handle everyday business security and ensure that nothing threatens everyday operations. Once second shift begins at 4 in the afternoon, it is the responsibility of security personnel to make sure that all employees leave the building while the janitorial staff can get in. The buildings are locked after the third shift clocks in at midnight, who will guard the facility from intruders or fire until business begins again in the morning. Corporations are always looking to hire second and third shift security guards, given the less attractive hours.

If you are interested in higher levels of security jobs, such as those at the national level, it is necessary to gain the required skills to pursue federal security careers. The Department of Justice employs a staggering number of individuals in national security, ranging from the National Security Agency’s mathematicians who pursue computer hackers to the Central Intelligence Agency’s analysts who study trends in global conflict. You will need a college degree and several years of experience in your field prior to being able to be hired for these types of security jobs, but the careers themselves are excellent: starting salaries may be anywhere between fifty and one hundred thousand dollars. These may require relocation to Washington DC or the offices at another major city.

What qualifications are most important for security jobs? While there are no classes taught at universities, a college degree can be helpful, as it suggests that you are capable of articulating problems and communicating with superiors. Jobs that require computer usage may demand proficiency with basic systems. More strenuous security jobs that necessitate crowd control or personal protection may ask that their applicants be skilled in some type of martial art or physical defense.

What is your best bet for finding good security jobs? As is the case with many other types of jobs, networking is the key to getting your name out there. Put your name out there by calling companies to ask about vacancies, but do not imply that their current arrangements are deficient (that is the last thing they want to hear). Make it a point to ask currently employed security guards about how they got their jobs. Be polite, but direct and to the point. You should employ discretion at all times, as nearly any security jobs will require their employees to either keep important information safe or keep their image squeaky clean in the face of customers or publicity. Make yourself appear better than the competition by linking as many skills or past experiences to beneficial areas of working security jobs.