Security Guards play an important role in society. It is these men and women who stand in the first line of defense in protecting the establishments people frequent often, such as retail institutions, entertainment facilities and other public venues. With crimes like burglary on the rise, those with security skills are gaining momentum in the labor market. The United States Department of Labor’s Statistics Bureau reports that jobs in the industry are expected to grow by 18 percent this year. However, in order to obtain a good career in this fast-growing industry, a candidate must have a solid security guard resume.
These numbers bode well for those interested in entering the industry. However, prospective candidates must receive necessary training and, in many instances, are required to attain appropriate certification to gain employment. The following brief piece provides information about the steps prospective security guards need to take to enhance their security guard resume and move up the industry ladder.
Security positions at most institutions are typically filled by candidates who possess a security guard license. The requirements a prospective applicant will be required to meet vary depending upon either the state they reside in or the municipality he or she plans to seek employment. This information can often be found by researching the specific government department responsible for bestowing security guard licenses in each state. In addition, potential security personnel will likely need to hold a high school diploma or have completed a General Education Development (GED) program and have a certificate to prove it.
Applicants who have met the education mandates will then be subjected to a background check in which issues like their criminal history will be investigated, in addition to drug screening.
To gain recognition as a certified security guard, applicants must enroll in and complete a security guard training program. Certain states mandate future security personnel enter and pass a state-based educational program. However, other municipalities issue licenses to candidates who have received training at independent training academies or private security companies. Security guard trainees are also required to get fingerprinted and register the prints.
Specific training courses differ. That said, in many instances, initial instruction will be provided on topics such as emergency procedures, detention of criminal suspects, property rights, the methods of appropriately detaining a potential criminal perpetrator, the art of de-escalating tense and/or dangerous situations and public relations skills.
Depending upon the institution, training might also be provided in subjects including weapons of mass destruction, how to identify suspicious activity and/or individuals, as well as methods of interacting, subduing and detaining potentially harmful persons, such as those under the influence of alcohol or other substances, people with mental illnesses or individuals displaying aggressive and/or dangerous behavior.
Specific requirements that must be met by prospective candidates are often dictated by employers. However, applicants hopeful of advancing in the industry or finding more challenging and/or potentially more lucrative positions might wish to garner extensive knowledge of sophisticated cameras and surveillance equipment, the use of certain firearms and life-saving procedures such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
