why security works

Despite the slow economy and high unemployment, security guard jobs have remained plentiful as the demand for security officers has grown. For those considering becoming a security officer, there are many positions available in virtually every city in the United States.

But before you start looking for a security guard job, keep in mind that you should first check with your state to make sure that you have met the basic requirements. Every state is different. Most states require security guards to be at least eighteen years of age and to have a clean criminal history. Many states also require prospective security guards to demonstrate, through study and testing, a basic competency and knowledge about the powers, duties and responsibilities of security guards. Once an applicant has met these basic requirements, the state will then issue a security guard license, which is commonly referred to in the industry as a “guard card”.

Some of the most common places that hire security guards are schools, government agencies, construction sites, commercial buildings, residential communities, industrial facilities, shopping centers, retailers and banks. Obviously, each security guard job has its own requirements and set of responsibilities. For this reason, it is important to consider what type of environment you would like to work in as a security guard and focus on applying for these types of jobs.

Before you get your security guard license, you may want to stop by some places and talk to some guards to get a better idea about what it is like to be a security guard. Most are friendly enough, and will share some information about the job. Just be respectful of the fact that they are working and can not get into a long, drawn out, conversations.

If this line of work sounds interesting to you, your next step is to get your guard card and also possibly preparing a resume. One great place to start looking for prospective employers is online. You will find security guard jobs posted on almost every major newspaper site. There are also websites that are devoted to job listings where you will find many security guard jobs. Security guard companies are also a good place to call or visit. These companies act as agencies, and they usually have numerous contracts with companies that need security guards, so they are almost always looking for new security officers.

To be a good security officer you should be, by nature, be observant, reliable, clean cut, have good public relations skills, and know how to diffuse hostile situations. A lot of people have the wrong impression about what security officers are supposed to do. Most employers do not want to hire guards to act like private policemen. Many officers make the critical mistake of being too aggressive. This is the primary reason why most states require guards to understand and demonstrate a proficiency in such things as the powers of arrest before they will issue a guard license.

Most security guard jobs can be boiled down to simply observing and reporting. That's it. The only time it is permissible to touch someone is if you are protecting yourself. If you are the type of person that gets angry easily, you may want to look for a different line of work. Unfortunately, there will be many people who will test your patience. For employers, a calm and collected demeanor is always preferable.