How To Get A Retail Security Job?

Countless industries employ security guards but in terms of the largest and most active industry? Retail security takes the crown, hiring many veteran and newer security guards. Despite the overall downward trend for retail crime, theft, violence and abuse still pose a massive issue in the industry.

While visibly placed surveillance systems can act as a fantastic criminal deterrent, they unfortunately cannot provide physical protection. This is why it is good practice to hire a security guard alongside installing CCTV cameras.

As often said, prevention is better than cure. This mindset translates into the great need to hire professionally trained and certified security guards. With retail security guards present on site, the likelihood of crime affecting your business significantly reduces.

A Complete Guide To Get A Retail Security Job

Are you interested in applying for a retail security job, but don’t really know where to start? Below is a detailed guide that discusses some of the best application tips.

Retail Security Guard Job Requirements

If you’re keen on getting security jobs in retail stores, then you need to ensure that you have the required qualifications and training, first. Security guard positions often require some form of special education, skills and training. In some regions, a specific certification is necessary as well.

Whilst it may seem like a lot of work, this is a direct way to improve your general employability. With the right combination of education, certifications, skills and training, you can become an incredibly desirable security officer.

Aspiring retail security officers must complete high school or their GED. They also need to be at least 18 in order to apply to any retail security job positions.

Security guard training often talks through topics such as CPR, crowd control, workplace violence and theft prevention. Additional topics may include the different types of roles and general note-taking. For armed security guards, firearm handling training is an absolute requirement.

In regard to security guard certifications, every region will have its own rules and regulations. The most common certifications tend to be Associate Protection Professional, Professional Certified Investigator, Physical Security Professional and Certified Protection Professional.

Research The Possible Places To Apply

If you are looking into a retail security guard job, the best way to find places to apply would be via online job boards or security company websites. Indeed is a fantastic example for finding local security guard roles – or you can check for vacancies at Region Security Guarding through our current vacancies page.

There are also job search and career development agencies which will further help you to progress your search.

Make sure to keep track of possible job opportunities by compiling a list of some of the best ones for you. With your list completed, you can begin applying to ones which best fit your qualifications, job experience and perks.

Send in your CV and any additional required documents, then sit back and wait for an interview call from your potential new employers.

Prepare Your Resume

This is the most crucial step of the process. You need to make sure that your resume or CV is both effective and visually pleasing to increase your chances of getting picked for the position you want.

Employers will often be looking for essential skills, so ensure that you are highlighting them. By emphasising them, you’re effectively increasing the likelihood of getting your retail security job.

We have some additional tips to provide surrounding the most vital factors to keep in mind when writing your resume:

• Present yourself as a goal-oriented, passionate and motivated individual.
• Emphasise your communication skills to your employer, because communication plays a huge role in security jobs in retail stores.
• Include any internships, prior work experience and specific skills on top of your education.
• Show strong personal integrity and values.
• Put across that you are honest.
• Critical thinking skills are a necessity, ensure that you have them noted somewhere on your resume.
• Let your hiring manager or employer know how vigilant you can be.
• Pay attention to the little details, everything counts.

If you have little to no previous work experience, substitute it with the following instead:

• Any time spent in military service.
• Volunteer work, especially in the security guarding industry.
• Working as a bouncer or in customer service.

For pointers on what to do during interviews, your main priority should be ensuring your communication skills are up to scratch. Being able to answer each one of the interviewer’s questions is important.

Stay calm and remain confident in yourself. As an aspiring security guard, it is important to keep a level head and understand where you may need to be efficient with your skills.

Interviews can be difficult and intimidating, but they’re all a part of the process when it comes to becoming retail security guard jobs. Being prepared can help reduce some of the stress that comes with interviews and will help you in the long run.

Extra Tips To Get Security Jobs In Retail Stores

It is good to remember the basic duties of a retail security guard, such as patrolling buildings, preventing theft, and acting as a physical guard for the business. In addition to these, there are other qualities which are likely to boost your chances of landing a security job – including, but not limited to:

• Awareness and ability to stay vigilant for signs of suspicious behaviours.
• Ability to apprehend individuals when required.
• Maintain a good relationship with authorities to better deal with any incidents.
• Strong communication skills – both written and spoken.
• Ability to think critically.
• As a retail security officer, you need good customer service skills.
• Quick thinking and judgement in dangerous situations.
• Strong knowledge of the law.
• In some – but not all – cases, you will also need to be legally allowed to carry a handgun.

So, How To Get A Retail Security Job?

Whether just starting in the industry, or planning a change in career paths, this guide is a go-to option for helpful tips and tricks in improving your chances of getting a job.

Despite the fact the exact requirements and scope of practice vary with the region you’re in, there are still global concepts that you can apply to your own experience.

These practices are not only useful for the retail industry, but also for reception and building security, or even event security.

If you enjoyed this article, and are interested in keeping up to date with the latest in retail security news, why not check out our retail articles page? Here, you can discover other posts about retail security officer duties and how to be an efficient retail security officer.

Additionally, if you want more than just articles, take a look at our Region Security Guarding YouTube channel, where we upload video guides on all the best content.

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