How To Employ A Security Officer
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Consider entering almost any type of building or property: a school, office park, commercial center, retirement community, housing complex, recreation facility, or government office. Can you imagine who will be the first to welcome you? It's more than likely a security guard.
If you don't currently have a security guard service, you should get one unless you're a very young startup or tiny firm. If you have a lot of foot traffic, sell pricey items, or work in a high-crime area, on-site security is a wise investment.
When you've determined it's time to learn how to recruit a security guard service, the five steps outlined below can assist you in organizing your search for this critical hire.
1. Think about how a security guard will fit into your work environment. Setting
When it comes to security professionals, one size does not fit all. A candidate with a nice and approachable demeanor is vital when hiring a security guard for an elementary school or a senior living complex. However, if you're looking for someone to protect precious items in a high-crime area, you'll want someone who exudes authority while yet exercising appropriate restraint in high-stress situations.
Some environments necessitate 24-hour security. Residents of a planned community can expect 24-hour protection. On-site security can be an effective deterrent to crime, especially if your business is in a high-crime area and especially if expensive equipment or merchandise is stored on the premises. If you sell or store alcohol, knowing how to recruit a security guard is also essential.
2. Determine how you will outfit a security guard.
One of the most crucial questions to ask yourself before posting a position is whether you believe you require an armed security guard. If you wish to equip your security guard, they must first obtain a permit to carry a firearm. You should also consider whether you will provide your security officers with uniforms, firearms, and other equipment.
Security guards are required to complete additional training and obtain a qualification in some areas. If your community's security personnel do not require certification and are not obliged to complete firearms training, you may choose to require these certificates regardless. If your favorite applicant isn't certified, paying for certification can be a great inducement to hire them.
3. Writing a Job Description for a Security Guard
Now that you've considered how your environment will influence some of the main factors you're searching for, it's time to draught a job description for a security guard. Begin your job description by describing the environment. Make sure to explain what makes the organization your next security guard will be working for unique.
Following that, you should identify their likely responsibilities, such as:
Greeting visitors, directing them to their destination and having them sign a guest book or visiting register.
Observing safety precautions.
Entrance and exit monitoring
Safety and surveillance equipment is being monitored.
Traffic management and credential verification
Irregularities must be reported.
Trespassers are detained or restrained until law enforcement comes.
Creating crisis planning and conducting lockdown drills.
Data from security cameras is being archived.
Ensure that all alarms are up to date and working properly.
Conducting perimeter checks
After each shift, complete written reports.
Next, make a list of the talents and personality attributes you're looking for in a security guard. For example, they should be pleasant and professional because they are frequently the first person the public meets when entering your facility. They must also be calm under pressure and capable of maintaining sensitivity in potentially perilous situations.
Benefits and a wage range should be included in your job description. You can use Monster's free payment calculator to discover fair compensation in your area. Finish with a call to action, encouraging applicants to submit their resumes or applications. Browse Monster's security guard job listings for more ideas on how to employ a security guard and write your job description.
4. Ask the Appropriate Interview Questions
Once you've narrowed your applicant pool to a few good individuals, it's critical to use the interview process to learn about who they are, what they value, and how well they communicate. To guarantee that your top candidates are patient, restrained, and fair, ask emotional intelligence questions.
You should also include behavioral questions that ask how they would respond to common events that might occur during a shift. Their responses should be similar to how you would expect a security officer representing your company to reply. For example, you may inquire:
What security precautions would you take to reduce risk?
How would you handle a visitor who refuses to follow safety precautions?
How would you handle a tough situation?
How do you know when it's time to call the cops?
5. Conduct a background and reference investigation
Because ethical interactions and honesty are important attributes in a security guard, a background check and contact references, including former employers, are required. Ask open-ended questions to former employers and colleagues to get a feel of how the candidate behaves in a professional situation if they have excellent interpersonal skills, and how they solve problems and cope with unforeseen events.
If they need to use a corporate vehicle to patrol the property, be sure they have a valid driver's license and a clean driving record. The safety of your property, customers, and employees may one day be dependent on the individual you recruit, therefore thorough screening is required.
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