So, you want to hire a security guard?
Well, whether you plan to hire someone to work at a mall or an office building, he or she will have a lot of responsibility on their shoulders. They will have the lives of actual living, breathing humans on their hands, and must be capable of protecting your clientele.
To this end, he or she need a certain skill set. Security companies like yours must be picky when hiring new people. The candidates need to be mature and trustworthy people who can get the job done effectively.
Here are essential 6 security guard skills that every serious, quality candidate will need to be successful in this career.
1. Alertness
A great security officer is always alert and focused on their surroundings. They must avoid as many distractions as possible, or they might miss something important, or overlook something that could put lives in jeopardy.
They also need quick reflexes. It’s not just about noticing the crime anyone can do that. The difference is that he or she must be able to quickly analyze the situation react and figure out how to address it.
2. Honesty
A security guard is responsible for securing the access to buildings and protecting businesses from crime, so they have to be honest and trustworthy. A client needs to be able to look at your employee and think “Yes, I’m safe with this person.”
When you have an untrustworthy security guard, he or she may steal or do who knows what else, which is why most security companies run a thorough background check before hiring any guard candidate.
A quality candidate will present himself or herself well. First impressions mean a lot because they will probably decide if this person is trustworthy or not within the first conversation.
He or she must also maintain your trust. If they give you no reason to question them, then their employment in your company should go smoothly.
3. Physical Fitness
Ideal candidates need to be in a healthy weight range and exercise regularly. An unfit guard might not be able to protect people as well as a fit one and being in good shape will lead to mental alertness.
There is always a chance for a confrontation in this job field, so guards must be prepared to keep offenders at bay.
Not only do they need to be physically fit, but they need to look reputable, too. They should have a clean, neat uniform that’s always tucked in. If he or she looks well put together than that will make them, and your company, look good in the eyes of your client and the public they serve.
4. Good Communication Skills
A good security guard has to be able to communicate effectively with good written and speaking skills. Clear communication can be a deciding factor in handling a sticky situation, so ensure your guard candidate knows how to use their words.
Having good written communication skills allows them to carefully and accurately document each important incident that happens and the status of the facility at the end of their shift.
This security guard skill will let them get closer to your client’s customers and to the clients, themselves. Considering that most of their interactions will be with your client, it’s important for them to have an upbeat, friendly attitude and represent your company brand well.
5. Ability to Serve Client’s Needs
It’s important for your employee to be detail oriented because he or she has to perform several tasks and remember a lot of information to serve clients.
Each security officer is given a post, and at that post they will find a list of instructions that are based on your needs, so it’s important that he or she can follow directions.
They should be trained on these specific orders with your client, before assuming the post. For this, he or she needs a complete understanding of security operations, so they can meet your client’s needs.
They must perform these tasks in a professional manner, so it’s important that they are educated and trained to maintain a steady career.
6. Leader and Team Player
Security guards tend to work alone. But, they still need leadership skills. In some cases, security guards work in a group to ensure the perimeter of a business is completely secure.
When these rare instances occur, each guard needs to know the difference between when it’s time to assert themselves and take control, and when it’s time to stand down and take orders.
If they know this difference, then operations will be able to move a lot smoother. The situation can be quickly resolved, and the facility can go back to being safe and secure.
If they don’t have these leadership and team player skills, then they could potentially put lives in jeopardy.
Security Guard Skills You’ll Need to Be Successful
Before you decide to hire a guard, be sure each candidate possesses these important security guard skills. For even more qualities a successful security guard should have, read more here.
They all boil down to the individual’s ability to serve your clients and protect the public while also maintaining a professional aura. The moment they don that uniform, lives are in their hands. There is no time for slacking off.
Do you have questions about how insurance for your security company would work? Contact us at your convenience, and we will be happy to help.
