How to Hire Security With GigSmart
Whether you’re looking to post security jobs for retail, an event or to keep your employees safe, finding the right security worker is of the utmost importance. With GigSmart, it’s easy to find your ideal security candidate by connecting you to a wide network of skilled, on-demand security who meet your business needs. Not sure where to start? Keep these tips in mind as you go through the process of finding and hiring security guards.
Know the Difference Between Security Workers
Even though there are certain skills that all security personnel should possess, not all security professionals have the same level of training. While an unarmed security guard may not need too much training to get hired for certain jobs, armed security officers need to go through mandatory training that allows them to carry firearms, as well as additional security training.
There are many different kinds of security workers across a number of industries, but most traditional security guards or officers will fall under these five general groups:
- Unarmed Security Guard: Entry level, minimal training.
- Unarmed Security Officer: Requires some level of training and often carries self-defense tools like tasers or nightsticks.
- Armed Security Officer: Has firearms safety training at a minimum.
- Public Safety Officer: Law enforcement training and/or relevant college degree are prerequisites as well as firearms training.
- Senior Security Officer: Considered senior security staff with extensive training and experience.
The kind of security guard or officer you hire will greatly depend on what your needs are and what you’re looking to hire security for.
Training and Experience Requirements for Security Jobs
Ultimately who you hire as a security worker will come down to who meets most or all of your requirements. While some employers may require that their security have at least first-aid training to get hired, some may want security guards with certifications or a degree in a related field or even past law enforcement experience.
At a minimum, candidates should have at least one year of relevant experience and have some basic administrative skills. And, considering that security is there to ensure the safety of everyone, some self-defense and first-aid training should be required as well.
Skills to Look for When Hiring Security
As you review different candidates, you may notice a lot of overlap in terms of experience and training among applicants. Make it simpler to identify who may be the best fit for the job by looking for these skills:
- Physical fitness and strength
- Vigilance
- Strong communication skills
- Crisis management
- Experience creating emergency plans
- Quick thinking
- Attention to detail
Make sure to prepare questions that speak to these skills and see how each candidate responds. A strong candidate should be able to answer skill questions with confidence.
Create a Strong Security Job Description
Attract the right applicants to hire for security services by writing a thorough job description that includes a complete list of duties and responsibilities. Any previous experience, skillset or certification that you want your candidates to possess should also be included.
GigSmart gives you instant access to a wide selection of high-quality security candidates, making finding the perfect fit easy and efficient. Get started today.