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The security filed is a wide and very diverse one. There are positions as security guards and all the way up through specialized fields as well as overseas opportunities. To help you get a job in the security field, we are going to take an in depth look at the opportunities as well as the requirements and the possible pitfalls.
What do I need to become a security guard?
First of all, no matter where you live you will typically have to have a drivers license and a relatively clear criminal background to get licensed as a guard and to become employed. States have different requirements for security guards and the best way to find out what is required is to contact the state agency that handles security guard licensing or to contact a local security guard agency and ask them. To become licensed in most state you have to either have a clear criminal background or some allow crimes of a lesser offense. Again, you need to check locally. Also, I do not know of any security agency that will hire someone that doesn't have a valid drivers license. They may be out there, but most want their security guards to be available in various locations that may involve some serious travel.
The training time varies as well, and along with that, the cost of the course. Some states allow you to work as a guard with a certain number of hours of training in (by breaking it into separate classes) while others do not allow you to work until the whole training process is over. I will tell you this...most states seem to be tightening up on the requirements as the security field advances to a new level and they are making the requirements tougher as well as longer to fulfill. If you are interested in entering the field, I would recommend doing it sooner rather than later. If you get licensed as a security guard and they change the rules, you are usually grandfathered in.
What if I have no security experience?
What can I expect of a security job?
Getting a job as a security guard can be exciting, stressful, mundane, boring and more. It all depends on the security agency that hires you and the assignments that you get. Also, the size of the agency can have a bearing on the job. Some smaller agencies only take contracts and provide courtesy patrols to residences and apartment complexes. You patrol the area either on foot or in a vehicle and look for problems and contact the police when you see a potential or real problem. Other firms provide private protection to individuals as well as bomb squads or K-9 units and other diverse specialized units. There are other agencies that provide active armed security to government agencies with set guidelines of how situations are to handled up to and including use of force issues. No matter what agency hires you, make sure that you know what is expected of you so that you do not get jammed up for not doing what is expected or by going to far and being too aggressive.
What about overseas security jobs?
What about armed security positions and training?
Armed security guards in most states have to take a class to become a guard and extra training for the license to carry a firearm. The firearm training typically involves classroom instruction as well as range time and a mandatory gun qualification in a daytime, and sometimes nighttime shoot. The classroom time for the carry permit will typically involve gun safety, familiarity with the weapon, use of force rules and requirements, as well as general case law.
If you are really serious about entering the security field, check to see if you can get licensed by taking the classes first. This always looks good to an employer and provide you with security experience and shows initiative. If you can't afford it because you are recently laid off, check with the employment office and other job training programs in your area to see if they offer tuition help. The classes are usually short and the expense typically isn't hundreds of dollars. Of course, if you are going for an armed security position if will cost more due to the extra training, however the pay is usually higher for armed security guards rather than unarmed to make up for the extra training and responsibility of being accountable for the possible use of a firearm. You can also check with the security guard firms in your area to see if they will sponsor you in getting the training. Some will, but they do typically make you sign an agreement to reimburse them or to work for them for a certain length of time.
What about security guard pay?
The pay can very wildly. Some agencies pay minimum wage or slightly over and other pay significantly more. Again, it usually depends on the agency and the requirements. In tough times and depending on your experience and training, you may have to start in a lower paying job or with a company that pays less. This isn't to say that it will always remain that way. Once you gain experience and prove yourself in this field, it is a good occupation to have. The future for security jobs looks bright. A lot of businesses that used to pay off duty police for security have now contracted with regular security companies to save money. Some off duty officers make over $ 50.00 per hour for extra work and in hard economic times, this can make the difference between turning a profit as opposed to a loss. Governmental agencies are also turning to private security firms at bases, government owned buildings and more.
Make sure that you also check out security jobs the the Federal Website and your state websites as well. If you apply for a security job, make sure you check out our page with tips on a cover letter for security jobs and for help with the resume and job application tips and pointers as well as our how to get a state or federal job site if you decide to apply for a government security position.
There are usually overseas jobs available for security services. They usually require a year over seas so it can be difficult if you are marries or have a hard time leaving for an extended period of time. They also typically require extensive experience or a law enforcement background. The upside is that they usually pay more. You may be able to find more information on this type of job at usajobs.gov. This may include work as a security guard in a war zone or at United States embassies. Homeland security is another federal government source for security jobs typically at airports. Full time and part time positions are available at times so keep checking the government site for updates.
How to land a job as a security guard. Become a security officer
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