Steps You Need to Take to Apply for a Private Security Job

If you’re trying to break into the private security industry, you need to do your research to make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into and what the typical qualifications are.

In this article, we outline what private security is, what minimum qualifications are generally required, how to make yourself stand out from the rest of the applicant pool, and how to find jobs. Then, we cover the details of the application process.

Private security can mean many things. Typically, it involves protecting property or people by keeping watch, monitoring potential threats, preventing trespassing, and dealing with issues as they arise. This might mean detaining or removing threats yourself or contacting law enforcement since private security personnel typically have less authority than the police.

Those working in private security may be armed or unarmed, depending on the job, trained in CPR, have to attend specialized training courses, and may be responsible for very low-threat work, such as patrolling a shopping mall, or high-threat work, such as acting as a bodyguard for someone receiving legitimate death threats. When searching for work in this field, you will need to decide which part of the spectrum you feel most confident and comfortable with.

Make sure you read descriptions of duties carefully when choosing private security jobs. You want to be comfortable performing everything that will be expected of you and competent enough to professionally perform those duties.

In 2019, the median pay for a security guard was $29,680. Note that many can enter this field with just a high school diploma or GED, but those working in positions that require more skills and specialized training tend to make more.

There are over a million jobs in this field all over the United States, with 4% growth expected over the next decade. To succeed in this field, it helps to have a military background or a background in law enforcement. You should also be competent in certain technology, including video surveillance systems. Overall, given the growth rate and the fact that people leave this field and retire regularly, the job prospects are fairly decent.

As you look into entering this field, it is a good idea to assess whether you meet the typical minimum qualifications. Required qualifications vary depending on the job, but common requirements include:

• Age: Most expect that you are at least 18 years of age, with some requiring that you are 21 years of age, especially if you will be carrying a firearm.
  
• Education: Most require that you have a high school diploma or GED.
  
• Licensing: Many states have licensing requirements for those who work in security. You can check your state’s requirements here. For some entry-level positions, you may be trained and licensed on the job.
  
• Drug test: You may be required to pass a drug test. This can include demonstrating that you have not been using marijuana, even if it is legal.
  
• Background check: Most require that you pass a background check, although not all negative marks on your history will be disqualifying for certain positions.
  
• Driver’s license or passport: In some cases, especially if you will be driving a patrol vehicle or traveling with a client, you may be required to have a driver’s license, a clean driving record, and/or a valid passport.
  
• Physical fitness: Depending on the position, you may be required to meet certain minimum physical fitness requirements.
  
• Firearms: If you will carry a weapon as part of the job, you need to be able and licensed.
  
• Availability: For some jobs, being on call and able to come in at a moment’s notice or be reachable during off-hours might be required.

Additional minimum requirements vary by position but may include minimum competencies with writing, communication, technology, and interpersonal skills.

Beyond the minimum qualifications, there are many more that will help you stand out among the applicants. Also, for higher-end positions, these additional competencies may be minimum requirements. These include, but are not limited to:

• Military background: Many companies or people who hire private security prefer those with prior military training.
  
• Law enforcement background: Like the military, if you have prior experience in law enforcement, this is often a big plus on your application.
  
• Education: Any degree that might be related to the field can work in your favor, for instance, an associate or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
  
• Training: If you have attended specialized training programs for security or personal protection, this can make you more desirable.
  
• CPR certification: Some positions might even include this as a minimum requirement. The ability to save lives in an emergency can be critical in certain security jobs.
  
• Experience: Any prior experience in security or personal protection is often a plus and sometimes a requirement.
  
• Personal competencies: This includes professional demeanor, independence, high-stress tolerance, ability to deal with uncertainty, good judgment, objectivity, dependability, integrity, customer service skills, and the ability to multitask.
  
• Additional skills: This includes experience with closed-circuit TV (CCTV), computer skills, hand-to-hand combat skills, alarm monitoring, weapons training, advanced driving skills, and intelligence training.

When you plan on applying to a job, it’s always good to look at not just their minimum skills but their preferred or desired skills. Find as many skills that you possess and make it a point to include them explicitly on your resume and/or cover letter.

Of course, the first step to applying is finding jobs to apply to in the first place. There are many places you can choose to search for security job listings. On Joblist, we offer the ability to search through millions of listings at once.

By answering a few quick questions, you will get a list of jobs personalized to you. You can take your time looking through the listings, then come back to them later when you’re ready to apply.

Once you have your list of jobs you would like to apply to, you need to complete the application process for each. Requirements vary depending on the position and company, but common pieces of security job applications include:

• A resume: This is where you summarize your experience and qualifications neatly and efficiently for potential employers. It’s often a good idea to adjust and personalize your resume to specific positions, emphasizing the skills they are looking for.
  
• A cover letter: This is your opportunity to introduce yourself, summarize why you are interested in the position, and why you think you would be a good fit.
  
• References: Some jobs like to have a list of references from former employers, co-workers, or educators who have worked with you and can vouch for your abilities.
  
• Certifications: If the job requires certifications, licenses, or a degree, you will be required to furnish proof.
  
• A background check: Security jobs almost always require a background check. However, this may not be required until you have the job offer.
  
• A drug test: These jobs often require drug screenings, which also might not happen until after the initial job offer.
  
• A physical fitness test: Depending on the position, you may be required to pass a physical fitness test to ensure you can meet the physical demands of the job.

After the initial application is submitted, you may be selected for an interview. This may happen over the phone, virtually, or in person. It’s always good to prepare, dress up, be on time, and enter an interview ready to interact professionally.

The job application process can be fraught with uncertainty and anxiety. You want to be able to put your best foot forward, then present your background, experience, and skills in the best possible light.

Make use of the resources at Joblist, including tips on how to make your resume stand out, write a cover letter, prepare for a virtual job interview, and much more.