Everyone wants to feel safe and protected in their own homes, while at work, and when they travel. Demand for private security jobs is especially high right now because of the uncertain times we’re living in. This means that there are some great opportunities available for work with security guard companies and private employers.
Here’s an overview of what’s required to be hired as a private security guard to aid your job search.
Basic Security Guard Requirements
As a general rule, security jobs require applicants to be at least 18 years old and have at least a high school diploma or GED. Security guards also need to have certain skills and qualities to perform well at their jobs, such as strong attention to detail and ability to stay calm in dangerous situations, interpersonal skills to deal with people, and intuition to effectively react to threatening situations.
A Security License
In most states, it is a requirement that all security guards have a specialized security license. Having this credential shows employers that you have adequate training in providing security services and may expedite the hiring process. Licensure requires candidates to take specific courses and training programs to prepare them for the situations they might encounter on the job. There are different levels of licensure depending if you need to carry nonlethal weapons or firearms.
A Security Background Check
Trust is so important when someone chooses to hire private security professional. Employers need to know that the people protecting them have clean records, are trustworthy, and can be relied upon when situations get intense. A security background check often involves verification of a person’s criminal record, prior employment, driving record, and credit checks. A private security job that requires great responsibility will typically involve more scrutiny for the background check since there is more at stake.
Security-Related Experience
Private security jobs are often a great career option for professionals who have previously worked in security-related fields. This may include a prior job as a police officer, patrol officer, corrections officer in a jail, armored car driver, or airport security guard. Higher-paying security jobs often require applicants to have at least five years of related professional experience before even applying.
What Security Guard Companies Are Looking For
Security guard companies that provide staffing solutions, like Household Staffing International, look for applicants at all stages of their careers to serve employers in a variety of ways. We are always looking for candidates that have the relevant security licenses already established or are in the process of obtaining those licenses to further their careers. Throughout the years of pairing security guards with private employers, we have found that many of our clients value flexibility in a candidate’s schedule, discretion with sensitive information, and experience with technology to monitor surveillance and provide updates as security threats are resolved.
Find Private Security Jobs Near You
If you have the qualifications and experience required to work as a private security guard, we would love to help you find your dream job! Household Staffing International has been helping candidates like you find meaningful and professional employment since 1974 while upholding our values of honesty, respect, and transparency. We conduct face-to-face interviews with all of our security guard candidates and keep you informed during every stage of your job search.
To get started, fill out our online application form or contact us to learn more about how the hiring process works.