Security Guard Jobs

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As the owner of a security guard company, I feel inclined to post this for all of you searching for security guard jobs.

My company, Trinity Executive Services, Inc. has been in business since 1994. Having only recently left the Marine Corps after a six year tour of duty when I started Trinity, I had this vision of a security guard company that would offer the premier security officers in the city. I would create a company that was fun to work for, offered a competitive pay rate, provide rewards to officers who went above and beyond the call of duty and would establish a sense of pride and honor in the officers I hired. Now, fifteen years later and after going through thousands of officers, I’ve come to realize that most people looking for a security guard job just don’t care. The security industry is only a stepping stone for some and a place to sleep of most others.

For those of you who love your job as a security officer and give 100% to your employer, I commend you. This post is certainly not applicable to the service you provide to your community. For the other 89% of applicants looking for a security guard job, please continue reading.

Working as a security guard is often a thankless boring job with long hours and little pay. Not unlike that of a police officer. I know because I am a police officer. Although police officers typically get a nice car and a bit more freedom to move about the city, the two jobs are not so vastly different that they can’t be compared in this post. Many of you may have an inclination to become a police officer. Many police officers would tell you to aspire to become something else, as police work isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Whether you want to become a security officer to gain experience for a future career as a police officer or you’re working your way through college or you just can’t find any other work, here are some tips to help both you and your employer.

Look good in your uniform. Wear it with pride. The better you look the more respect you will get. A well-dressed security officer will often demand just as much respect as a veteran police officer. Coming to work in a clean and pressed uniform will let your employer know that you are serious about your job. Promotions and pay increases will soon follow.
Work your schedule. Don’t call off just because it’s a warm and sunny day and you just don’t feel like working. When this happens, other officers will have to step up to fill the vacancy you created. Officers who work every scheduled day and who step up to fill in gaps in the schedule will be recognized by management.
Be punctual. Show up to work on time or a few minutes early. Talk with the manager-on-duty at your account or your supervisor to find out if there are any special orders or instructions for your shift.
Stay awake and stay alert. There’s nothing worse than seeing a security officer asleep in a car or behind a counter. How do you want the public to perceive you? Do you want to be thought of as a rent-a-cop or a professional security officer on par with a squared away police officer?
Write GREAT reports. What makes a report great? It must be clear and concise. It must contain who, what, when, where, why and how. It must not contain misspelled words. Carry a pocket dictionary in your car. If you don’t know how to spell a word, look it up. Many of the reports written by security officers end up in front of prosecutors and insurance adjusters. Do you want them to laugh at you and your report because it’s so poorly written? Again, how do you want to be perceived?
Be polite, courteous and helpful. You are there to provide a service, which is security. You are also there to be an asset to the company that hired you. Never discuss your personal life with the client or customers and never bad mouth your company.
Always use your chain-of-command and don’t be disrespectful to the office staff. Just as you may have had a bad day, the office staff at a security guard company is often nose deep in issues that should have been resolved fifteen minutes ago. Just as they should show you respect, you too should respect them and their position of authority in the company.
If you receive a write-up or reprimand, take it like a man (or woman). 99.9% of the time, you screwed up! Don’t try to argue about or belittle the situation. Admit your guilt, take your reprimand and don’t let it happen again.

Although this list of pointers is not all encompassing, it should give you a little insight as to what is expected of you as a security officer. Security guard jobs are easy to come by. Professional and dedicated security officers are not as easy to find.

Good luck in all of your future endeavors. Remember, you never know when or if you’ll have another chance, so make every minute your chance to make a lasting impression.