what is a security guard?
As a security guard, you protect a business or non-profit organisation from thieves, assailants, trespassers and other criminals. Your responsibilities as a guard vary depending on your job description. For example, if you work as a security guard (or bouncer) at a nightclub, you block entry for underage people, violent customers and anyone who shouldn't be there. If you work at a museum, you stand inside the building to ensure visitors don't steal or deface the artwork.
Other general responsibilities of a security guard may include inspecting packages and removing people who harass other visitors. While most security guard jobs require writing reports, the position comes with different levels of enforcement. For instance, some guards monitor security cameras and intervene if there are signs of trouble. Some security guards call police officers, ambulances and firefighters in an emergency.
Security guards who patrol their assigned grounds might detain people who break the law. Some guards check everyone who enters a building to ensure that they have valid IDs. Working as a security guard may also involve putting yourself in the line of violence. While a museum guard doesn't often deal with violent visitors, a security guard who works at a nightclub might have to deal with drunk or aggressive customers.
Security guards who work at banks, airports, stadiums and other high-risk areas might need defence and offence training to protect themselves and other visitors. Depending on your job description, you protect customers, employees, merchandise, cash and business interests even if it means putting yourself in danger.
Would working as a security guard suit your passion for protecting people? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a security guard role.
security guard salary
According to National Careers, a security guard earns an average salary between £18,000 and £32,000 per year based on experience and responsibilities. For instance, a door supervisor who guards licenced premises like bars and nightclubs earns a starting salary of £17,000 annually. The amount increases to £28,000 per year with experience and additional skills.
The salary of a security guard depends on the complexity of the job and the risks involved. For instance, working in a nightclub or bar involves dealing with disorderly behaviour and sometimes break-in attempts. In hospitals, your job is to prevent unauthorised access to various sections, and since thefts are minimal, your job is low risk.
Apart from the base salary, you enjoy medical and life insurance benefits. You also receive overtime pay for working additional hours, and some companies give bonuses to their security guards.
types of security guards
Nearly every industry has a position for security guards. Some security guards work at arenas, stadiums and event venues to direct parking and traffic and keep crowds under control. Some types of security guards include:
- government contract security guards: you protect and secure government buildings and employees if you are a government contract security guard. You need to be highly trained to guard courthouses or military command centres.
- in-house security guards: as a security guard, you can be hired in-house by a company as opposed to working through a security agency. You work in various settings, from hotels and hospitals to museums and nightclubs.
- bodyguards: as a personal security guard assigned to protect a dignitary, celebrity or VIP, you need to be highly trained. You have to assess threats in your surroundings and sometimes defend the person under your protection.
working as a security guard
Working as a security guard involves protecting people and business premises from assailants or break-ins and property damage. Here's what you should know about various aspects of this in-demand field:
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security guard job description
Some of the tasks of a security guard include:
- observing and reporting: your crucial responsibility as a security guard is to observe and report any incidents on the premises you are protecting. That means you have to patrol the building and perform security checks constantly. When you are a personal protection agent, you need to keep your eyes open for anything strange. In case of an emergency or a crime, it helps to recall the preceding events.
- being visible: as a security guard, you need to position yourself in a public and high-traffic area to create a feeling of safety. Your presence can prevent someone from attempting anything illegal, like theft.
- maintaining order: as a security guard, you have to maintain order on a property. For instance, you enforce company rules and policies like breaking up fights between workers and diffusing situations involving disgruntled clients or employees. You also control access to the building and monitor surveillance systems for unauthorised access and activity.
- helping guests: when you are stationed at the entrance of a building, your job involves assisting guests. You will provide them with relevant information and give directions.
- protecting property: as a security guard, you have to protect the property of your employer. That involves detecting chemical leaks and anything out of the ordinary that is a risk to the property.
- enforcing safety precautions: as a security guard, you are responsible for enforcing safety precautions according to the company policy. For instance, in case of fire, you direct people to the exits as you wait for firefighters and law enforcement services.
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work environment
The work environment varies according to the security guard's position. Many guards work inside in a fully heated or air-conditioned building. Some guards walk around during their shift while others stand or sit in a single location for eight hours. The environment varies wildly according to your location - a museum is calm and quiet while a stadium is full of screaming fans. Some guards work outside and deal with exposure to the weather. If you work as a security guard directing parking or traffic, you'll probably work in a small booth outside. You have to be present at the worksite to discharge your duties.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer, your colleagues include security officers, door supervisors or gateman post and security managers. You may also work alongside video surveillance operators and military officers, as well as other specialists that could include police officers, bodyguards and security systems installers.
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work schedule
Many businesses need 24-hour security even if they're not open 24 hours a day. As a result, you tend to get evening, early morning and overnight shifts as a security guard. Others get day shifts to guard businesses when they are open. You often work during evenings, weekends and holidays to secure the perimeter of a business.
Depending on the situation, you might find a job that offers day shifts and weekends off, but most security guard positions require a lot of flexibility. Working as a security guard can be unpredictable. If you're dealing with a large crowd, upcoming event or major incident, your employer might ask you to work overtime.
Security guards usually work eight-hour shifts that exceed no more than 40 hours a week. Some jobs come with hourly pay, while others have a set salary that doesn't change no matter how many hours you work.
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job outlook
Security guards have a positive job outlook. No matter how advanced technology gets, businesses and government facilities will always need guards to protect their interests. Without security guards present, people might get away with theft, shoplifting, assault, illegal parking and trespass. Security guards are particularly in demand for areas with high levels of security, like government buildings and military bases. Police officers can't be everywhere at once, so security guards watch premises and call emergency services if an incident breaks out.
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advantages of finding a security guard job through randstad
Finding your security guard job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a security guard is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
You don't need specific educational qualifications to become a security guard. However, you can boost your prospects with some post-secondary courses. For instance, a course in criminal justice boosts your job prospects.
To work as a security guard legally in the UK, you need a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence for front-line security work. You can apply for the licence if you have prior training in another licence-linked qualification. For instance, acquire qualifications in guarding cash and valuables in transit, CCTV operations or front-line security to get your licence. The licence ensures that you have the skills to protect yourself and do your work safely. Some roles like door supervision require emergency first-aid training.
When you deal with the public, some employers recommend training in public relations. Some employers have their guards take random drug tests throughout the year. If you fail a test, you're probably out of a job.
skills and competencies
Some of the qualities of a security guard include:
- physical and mental strength: as a security guard, you sometimes have to chase, apprehend and restrain people. You also stand for long hours during patrols. You need physical strength to apprehend people safely.
- honesty and trustworthiness: as a security guard, you are in charge of valuable items and properties. You need to be trusted to keep the place secure and prevent robberies.
- quick reflexes: you need to be aware of your surroundings and have quick reflexes in emergencies. You should assess and analyse situations and react quickly to prevent tragedies.
- rationality: a major part of your job involves making wise decisions and judgement calls. You need to assess whether something is a legitimate threat or not.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a security guard
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what do you do as a security guard?
Security guards protect businesses, customers and employees from criminal activity. Some confront criminals, deny access to unauthorised people, detain thieves, call the police and break up fights. Want to learn more about working as a security guard? Then check out this article.
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do security guards make good money?
Security guards make between £18,000 and £32,000 per year. You can increase your earnings through overtime and bonuses.
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what qualifications do I need to be a security guard?
Most employers don't require formal training, but you need an SIA licence to work as a security guard.
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is a security guard a good first job?
Working as a security guard is a good first job because most employers don't require post-secondary training. However, you need some experience to diffuse high-conflict situations properly.
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what skills does a security guard have?
A security guard needs to be mentally and physically strong to apprehend criminals. You also need to be calm and confident when dealing with security issues.
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how do I apply for a security guard vacancy?
Applying for a security guard job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
