If you are interested in pursuing a job in the security industry, you may be pleased to know that there are currently plenty of opportunities available. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the minimum education required for this field is a high school diploma. The BLS also states that there will be a 12% increase in the demand for security guards in the future. While the average security guard earns a salary of $24,000 a year, this figure can drastically change depending on your level of experience and education. Below are some tips that will help you find your ideal security job.
Narrow Your Interest in the Security Field
As you look for a job in the security industry, you should know which positions interest you. Perhaps you prefer working the night shift for a small or medium-sized corporation. Maybe you want to deal with criminals in a high-stakes atmosphere, such as a bank or jewelry store. Security guards work in a variety of environments, such as office buildings, retail stores, casinos, government buildings, and more. If you are interested in the criminal justice field, you might want to serve as a security guard in a prison facility. Writing down your top security career preferences can help you maintain a clear goal throughout your job-search process.
You should also consider the amount of hours that you want to work. If you only want to work on a part-time basis, there are plenty of facilities that hire guards for only 10 to 20 hours a week. If you want a full-time job with benefits, make this a priority and only pursue employment opportunities that offer these factors.
Websites that List Security Job Postings
There are numerous ways to find security job postings. High-profile corporations frequently use Craigslist.com as a way of attracting employees who want to do the actual work and are not attracted to the “brand” or prestige of a company. You can also find numerous security job postings on websites that are tailored to the industry, such as iHireSecurity.com, Securitas.com and SecurityGuardJobsDirect.com. General job search websites, such as Monster.com or Indeed.com, can also be helpful if you are looking for security guard positions.
Questions for Aspiring Security Guards to Ask
As an aspiring security guard, you may benefit from asking an HR director or security guard manager certain questions. If you are concerned about the level of violence in an area, you may want to ask, “What do the typical duties of a security guard for this store entail?” or “How often must security guards deal with theft and violence?” Asking what duties are required for the position can give you an idea of what you can expect on an average day.
The Effectiveness of Networking
Networking can be a great way to land a position as a security guard. Because verbal communication skills are highly favored in the security industry, HR managers are attracted to candidates who go out of their way to network. Cold-calling HR managers or handing your resume to them in person are a couple of ways that you can increase your odds of receiving a job offer.
