Top 8 Skills Every Security Guard Should Have

You are considering a new career path as a security guard, but you are not sure what skills you will need to succeed. Don't sweat it! We've put together the top 8 skills every security guard should have. These critical competencies will set you up for security success. Read on to discover the must-have abilities to shine as a security pro, whether you're patrolling a busy office building or keeping watch over a construction site. With this list in your toolkit, you'll know exactly how to prepare for your new role in private security. Let's jump right in and explore the expertise and traits that make great security guards stand out from the crowd.

Observation Skills

As a security guard, your eyes and ears are your most important tools. You need to be constantly observing your environment and also the people in it. Notice small details like a door left open. Always be on the lookout for people acting uneasy.

Pay close attention to normal routines and behaviors so you can spot anything amiss. Notice what times people usually arrive and leave, what vehicles they drive, and who visits regularly. If something seems off, like an unfamiliar car in the parking lot, you should investigate right away.

Don't ignore your gut feelings. If someone's behavior makes you suspicious, there's probably a reason. Politely approach the person and ask a few questions to determine if your concern is justified. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

Communication Skills

As a security guard, you need to be an effective communicator. How you interact with people can make or break your performance.

Pay close attention to what others are saying and ask clarifying questions. Be patient and let people fully explain themselves before responding. Show you understand by paraphrasing their points.

Explain things thoroughly and be concise. Use simple language and speak in a courteous, professional tone. Answer questions directly and avoid being vague or impatient. Provide specific directions and instructions when needed.

Conflict resolution

Stay calm and composed if a situation escalates. Do not argue or threaten. Separate hostile parties if necessary and call the authorities if the conflict turns physical. Explain rules and policies to resolve issues. You should ask open-ended questions to determine the root cause of disagreements. Always look for compromise and solutions that satisfy all parties.

Critical Thinking Skills

Security guards need to think and assess situations quickly. Critical thinking skills allow you to evaluate information objectively and determine the best solution. 

Some key critical thinking skills for a security guard include:

• Keeping a watchful eye on your environment, noticing small details and changes. 
• Observe people, vehicles and situations to detect anything out of the ordinary that could indicate criminal or suspicious activity. 

When you do observe a suspicious situation, think logically about the best way to respond. Consider options to resolve issues in a safe, responsible and lawful manner. Act decisively but also cautiously, avoiding escalating a situation unnecessarily.

Physical Fitness

As a security guard, your physical fitness is essential for the job. You need to be able to remain alert during long shifts. 

Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. Walking, jogging, biking or using an exercise machine are all good options. Strong cardio will improve your stamina and endurance.

Incorporate strength training two to three times a week. Focus on major muscle groups like legs, back, chest and shoulders. Use weights or bodyweight exercises like pushups and squats. Developing strength will make it easier to stand for long periods.

Stretching is often overlooked but important for security guards. Tight muscles reduce your range of motion and make you more prone to injury. Try to stretch for 10 to 15 minutes a few times a week, especially after strength training. Flexibility will keep you nimble and able to respond quickly in any situation.

Integrity

As a security guard, you are entrusted to protect people, property, and information. Having a strong sense of integrity is essential.

Act with honesty and fairness. Deal with people and situations in an ethical, straightforward manner. Don’t abuse your position of power or bend the rules for personal gain. Be transparent in your actions. If you make a mistake, own up to it right away.

You will have access to sensitive data and private information. You should always keep anything you see or hear in confidence. 

Loose lips sink ships, so be careful not to divulge information that could compromise security.

Take your job seriously and do what you say you will do. Don’t slack off or make empty promises. If you commit to checking the perimeter every hour or reviewing camera footage, hold yourself accountable to fulfill those commitments. People are relying on you, so prove yourself to be utterly trustworthy through your actions.

Customer Service

As a security guard, providing good customer service should be one of your top priorities. Greeting visitors with a smile and friendly demeanor will go a long way. Be courteous and helpful to everyone entering the building or area you are patrolling. Offer directions or assistance to those who seem lost or confused. Your job is to make people feel safe and secure, so maintaining a positive attitude and helpful spirit will make you an excellent security guard.

Politely ask for identification from visitors if required. Explain why you need to see their ID and thank them for their cooperation. When checking vehicles or bags, be respectful of people's time and belongings. Move quickly but thoroughly, and apologize for any inconvenience. If you ever need to ask someone to leave the premises or cease an activity, do so courteously and provide a clear explanation. 

Technology Proficiency

As a security guard, you need to be comfortable using a variety of security technologies. Many companies now use advanced systems like access control systems and security cameras.

To monitor the premises and identify any suspicious activity, you'll need to know how to properly operate security cameras and video equipment. This includes pan-tilt-zoom cameras that provide an adjustable view, as well as how to adjust settings to get the clearest image quality in different lighting conditions. You should also be familiar with digital video recorders that store footage for review.

You may need to screen people and belongings using metal detectors or x-ray machines. Become well-versed in calibrating the sensitivity and properly interpreting the readings to determine if further inspection is needed while avoiding false positives. Know how to politely and respectfully conduct pat-downs or bag searches when the detectors are triggered.

Some companies use electronic access control systems to restrict entry to authorized individuals. As a security guard, you'll be responsible for verifying credentials and unlocking doors. Make sure you understand how to check badges or keycards against access lists, open locked doors in emergency situations, and handle system malfunctions or power outages.

Take advantage of any opportunities to receive additional training or certifications on the job. The more proficient you are, the better equipped you'll be to handle any situation.

Conclusion

So there you have it - the top 8 skills that any aspiring or current security guard should develop and harness. Now that you know the most important abilities, it's up to you to cultivate them through practice and dedication to your craft. Believe in your potential and go be the best guard you can be.