The demand for security officers is high right now, and finding job opportunities is generally not very difficult. However, there may be some competition for the most desirable roles. Outlined below are some tips for standing out from the other applicants and increasing your chances of being hired as a security officer.
Ensure You Have The Proper Licensing And Training
Prior training and experience will help established applicants get hired as a security officer. Although some companies do not require it and may train in house, any type of training or other coursework can provide you with an edge.
Be sure to have the proper license for the position before applying. In some states, it may not be possible to obtain licensing until an individual is officially employed by a security company. In other states, however, it will be necessary to have licensing in place before applying; check with your state for their specific requirements.
Know The Job Requirements
Prior to interviewing, it is essential to know what the position requires. Although a candidate is unlikely to be offered an interview if their application does not indicate they meet the minimum requirements, a deeper understanding of the job’s responsibilities can help your resume and you to stand out to the hiring manager.
For example, if the role entails securing a hotel, this means it will be important to be highly presentable and be able to discuss past experience in customer service. When interviewing for an armed security officer position, emphasizing any past experience in law enforcement or the military could give a candidate an edge.
Dress Appropriately For The Interview
Although working as a security officer may not be a formal role and may likely involve a uniform, it is still important to dress appropriately and have a neat and well-groomed appearance when attending an interview. Take the time to ensure that your appearance is professional; many security positions are public-facing roles that will require the ability to present a positive image.
Convey A Sense Of Confidence
Conveying a sense of confidence during interviews is imperative in any field. In the business of security, an employer will be selecting a candidate that is able to demonstrate confidence and stability, that is also approachable. Take the opportunity, if interviewing, to demonstrate any experience in which you may have had to respond quickly and calmly to an emergency situation.
Arrive On Time
Promptness is necessary for any appointment you may have and an interview is no exception. An inability to timely arrive for your interview sends that message that you may not be reliable in a hired position.
In some cases, they may even refuse to interview you past your scheduled appointment time. Always plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early to make a good impression and to be prepared for any unforeseen issues that could possibly delay your arrival.
Practice What To Say Ahead Of The Interview
Preparing what to say during an interview is another good way to increase the chances of aspiring security officers getting hired. Practice talking about yourself, your background and why you are interested in working in the field.
Be sure to mention any achievements you have made and why you believe you are qualified to work for the company. It may be helpful to practice with a friend or family member and research typical security officer interview questions online. This will allow you to practice delivering your answers and convey more confidence during the interview process.
Demonstrate Good Communication And Customer Service Skills
Communication and customer service is a large portion of the security position making it important to demonstrate these skills during the interview. Avoid any tendency to interrupt or over explain your answers; listen to the interviewer and only speak when they have finished talking.
Candidates who demonstrate a positive attitude are more likely to get hired than those who are standoffish or complain, particularly about previous employers. Coming across as approachable, genuine and warm can make a positive impact in an interview.
Have Good References Ready
Many hiring managers will not ask for references until the interview stage, therefore, have a prepared list of references with contact information to supply if requested. Choose individuals who are familiar with your work ethic, preferably former employers.
Ensure you choose people who will speak positively about you, and let them know that they may be contacted by the company with whom you have applied.
Contact American Protection Group
For more information about employment possibilities as a security officer, contact the professionals at American Protection Group. With three decades of experience in the security industry, we have employed many security professionals for a broad range of roles.