Whether you’re looking to start a career in unarmed security, or have been in the field for a while but are seeking new employment, you’ve come to the right place.
The great thing about this career field is that entry-level positions can be found even if you only have a high school diploma. For those with experience in security or a related field, many more opportunities exist.
In this article, we will go over what unarmed security jobs involve, the skills and qualifications needed to land a security job, where to look for these jobs, and how to apply.
What Unarmed Security Jobs Involve
Unarmed security jobs involve a variety of tasks, including patrolling on foot or by vehicle, monitoring video feeds, deterring crime, locking and unlocking buildings based on business hours or work schedules, screening those who enter a building or premises, and responding to emergencies by securing the area while waiting for emergency services to arrive.
The role of the unarmed guard is used more often in places without significant security risks or the threat of danger. Many who work in this role do so in very public capacities, such as a shopping mall, a concert event, or a college campus.
Part of their role might include engaging positively with the public so that they feel safe and unthreatened. In low-risk scenarios, by remaining unarmed, this type of guard may be more likely to de-escalate situations because it is apparent they do not have the means to use lethal force.
The Skills Needed to Work in Unarmed Security
It’s important to distinguish between the skills needed to work in this field and the qualifications or requirements of the job. Someone may very easily have the qualifications or meet the minimum requirements without the necessary skills to succeed.
Skills that are valuable in this line of work include:
Communication skills. It is important to be able to relay information to various people, write reports, and provide instruction.
Professionalism. As an authority figure, it is important to display a professional stance at all times.
Integrity. Your role as a security guard is to protect people, property, and facilities. You must be honest and not take advantage of your access.
Ability to de-escalate. There may be times when people become threatening or difficult to control, and you will need to find a way to calm them down to prevent harm.
Reliability. The last thing anyone wants is for an emergency to happen and the security guard to be nowhere in sight. You must be diligent and alert.
Physical fitness. Often, this job requires a lot of standing, walking, and the occasional need to lift heavy items or react quickly to a threat. Being physically fit makes you better able to handle all of the duties of the job.
Ability to adapt and change. Sometimes, this sort of job might feel the same every day, but other times, things might change quickly, or you will need to look out for different possible threats. You should always be able to adapt and change as the situation requires.
Organizational skills. You may be required to monitor several things at once or keep track of multiple possible threats. The ability to organize your time and attention efficiently is paramount.
Customer service skills. Because this role often includes interacting with the public — whether seeing them through a security screening, helping them when they are lost, or escorting them to their car in the dark — it is important that you be personable.
Other essential abilities include being able to problem-solve, handle high-stress situations, and make important decisions quickly.
How to Become Qualified for an Unarmed Security Job
While qualifications for unarmed security jobs vary, some common ones are as follows:
Must be at least 18 years of age, with the exception of some roles having an age limit of 21
Must have obtained your high school diploma or GED
Must be able to pass a drug screen and background check
May need a driver’s license with a clean driving record if the job involves driving
Nearly all states also have security guard certification or licensing requirements. To become certified, you must complete a certain amount of training. This training might be anywhere from eight hours to 40 hours or more. Check the SecurityGuard-License.org website for details about your state’s requirements.
For entry-level positions, it is sometimes the case that you can get hired without your certification, and the company will then attend to your training before you begin in your role. The training often includes learning about the legal aspects of the job (what you are and are not allowed to do as a security officer by law), crowd control tactics, CPR, theft prevention, note-taking, and the use of force. Training and requirements for unarmed guards are usually less involved than for armed guards.
Higher-end security positions may require additional training, experience, or even degrees in fields like criminal justice. Some roles also give a strong preference to those with a background in military or law enforcement.
Where to Look for Unarmed Security Jobs
Once you are confident that you have the skills, qualifications, and the desire to work in the security field, it’s time to find jobs to apply to. Unarmed security guard jobs exist in many industries, including hospitals, large businesses, manufacturing facilities, shopping malls, college campuses, convention centers, and other similar locations.
Sometimes, these facilities will post openings for guards on their job boards on their websites. You may also find listings in local papers and on job search pages. Often, businesses contract with security agencies to hire security guards, so you can also check with local security agencies to see if they are hiring.
However, one of the easiest ways to find unarmed security jobs is to use the features on Joblist to personalize your search results and get listings from different openings in your area.
Applying for Unarmed Security Jobs
The next step after you’ve identified jobs that look like a good fit is to apply to them. This usually involves submitting a resume and a cover letter. You might also need to include references, background checks, fitness tests, or other requirements.
It is important to target your resume and cover letter for the job you want. You need to stand out among the other applicants to be chosen. Highlight all of your skills, abilities, and additional qualifications. Then, in your cover letter, make it clear why you want to work for their company specifically.
If the potential employer likes your application, they may ask you for an interview as the next step. Make sure you prepare, dress, and act professionally when this happens.
Unarmed Security Career Paths
If you are hoping to make a career in security and are just starting, note that there are many paths to higher-level positions in this field. As you prove yourself and gain experience on the job, you may move up to supervisory roles.
Look for opportunities to attend additional training or to work toward an associate degree. Both of those can give you a real boost when it comes to higher-level positions down the road. It is good to be trained and educated, but the fact that you pursued those opportunities on your own will make you appear motivated and desirable to potential employers.
In 2019, the median wage for security guards was $29,680, with the top 10% of those in the field making over $50,000 per year. The industry also employs over a million people and is expected to grow by 4% over the next decade.
Start Your Job Search Today
Check out Joblist if you’re ready to start your search today. Not only do we provide a personalized list of jobs that you can save and come back to, but our website also has a plethora of articles and resources to set you up for success during the application process and beyond.
