Working security is a serious job. It shouldn’t be taken lightly, as people’s lives are involved, and choosing to work in the security field requires a strong sense of responsibility and duty. But what other traits should be involved? Rohen Hancock, General Manager at Chief Group Services, offers insights from his extensive experience vetting applicants with security guard training.
When asked about the desired personality traits he looks for in applicants, Hancock states that friendly, enthusiastic, and motivated applicants tend to surface to the top of the list. Excellent communication skills are well-received and can raise an applicant from the rest as a top candidate for hiring.
A pleasant personality isn’t all that’s looked into. Hancock has this to say about applicants and their background: “I note the RTO and the quality of the training they are likely to have undertaken. Security experience is preferred but not essential.” That is to say, applicants with complete requisite training are always going to have an edge over applicants who have yet to take security guard courses.
The reasons behind leaving one’s previous employment are looked into, as well, where applicable; were there extenuating circumstances behind the applicant’s leaving their past work or employment? Was the separation amicable?
Customer or hospitality service work experience is an advantage, as is an applicant’s availability. Applicants who can’t commit to working weekends, during which a lot of establishments tend to be at their peak with crowd density (eg shopping centres, hotels, events and bars/nightclubs), can greatly disadvantage their chances of getting hired. Being inflexible regarding work schedules isn’t ideal, given that working in security is a round-the-clock kind of job that exceeds beyond the daylight hours.
On the pen-and-paper side of things, a well-written resume (inclusive of a recent photo of the applicant) is urged, according to Hancock. Clearly outlined credentials aren’t just a plus – for Hancock, they’re a must. Applicants for a security-related position should have (and shouldn’t be limited to) current security licences for Crowd Control, First Aid, and RSA. On top of these, additional licences related to security training are a preference.
There’s also the practical application of the training that the applicants have received. In some cases, scenarios are given out to test the applicant on their know-how and their on-the-spot responses. These instances are borne out of observations that Hancock has made regarding applicants – and in some cases, recent hires – who have exhibited a lack of even basic common sense.
Basic understanding and responsibility regarding following instructions is another trait that is highly favoured; it’s expected of applicants to be able to follow instructions and other necessary processes, like carrying and wearing a radio and earpiece, or signing onto a crowd control register or time sheet. Additional training and skills, such as knowing how to de-escalate a situation involving a confrontational person, can significantly improve an applicant’s chances of being hired.
There is also the general etiquette and hygiene when applying for work. As with any job application, proper hygiene should always be observed. Applicants should present themselves as professionals; wearing trainers and singlets to an interview is not just unprofessional, it may even get an applicant rejected instantly. According to Hancock, looking presentable goes a long way towards making a good impression and can be a deciding factor between highly qualified applicants.
There isn’t a guaranteed manual for getting hired, especially in a line of work such as security. There’s no discounting that taking security courses gold coast is crucial – but merely having the certification is inadequate. The traits and points above can, at the very least, assure that one’s chances of getting hired are solid. Consider heeding the above-listed information when applying for security work.