4 answers
Luhiso
Student
Mount Vernon, Washington
1
Question
Updated
452 views
What do those before me have to say about being a security guard and how was the experience for it ? What are three informational interview questions you would ask??
What do those before me have to say about being a security guard and how was the experience for it? What are three informational interview questions you would ask?
Login to comment
4 answers
Dina Capaldi
Assistant Security Manager
5
Answers
New Jersey, New Jersey
Updated
Dina’s Answer
The quality of experience that a Security Officer gains is dependent on two key factors. The first factor is the type of experience that the company offers its employees, and the second is how the individual engages with and understands their role. Unfortunately, there are companies that fail to provide a positive experience for their employees, leading to a negative perception of the job. However, when a Security Officer finds a company they enjoy working for, their morale increases and they look forward to their work.
The specific duties and assignments of a Security Officer can vary greatly from one company to another. For instance, a Security Officer working in a college campus setting will have different responsibilities compared to one working in a casino.
Often, individuals who transition from a laid-back security role, such as sitting by a door or desk, to a more active role like in a casino, may experience a significant drop in morale. This is usually due to the lack of exposure to more dynamic environments. If a Security Officer encounters this challenge, they must learn to adapt to the new setting or risk having a negative experience. Ultimately, the experience is what you make of it. I personally had a fantastic experience with my company, which allowed me to climb up the ranks.
When it comes to good interview questions, I would recommend asking about the specific requirements of the job and request for examples. Another insightful question would be to ask about the level of crime or undesirable activity in the company or area. Lastly, it would be beneficial to ask about the salary and possibly negotiate it.
The specific duties and assignments of a Security Officer can vary greatly from one company to another. For instance, a Security Officer working in a college campus setting will have different responsibilities compared to one working in a casino.
Often, individuals who transition from a laid-back security role, such as sitting by a door or desk, to a more active role like in a casino, may experience a significant drop in morale. This is usually due to the lack of exposure to more dynamic environments. If a Security Officer encounters this challenge, they must learn to adapt to the new setting or risk having a negative experience. Ultimately, the experience is what you make of it. I personally had a fantastic experience with my company, which allowed me to climb up the ranks.
When it comes to good interview questions, I would recommend asking about the specific requirements of the job and request for examples. Another insightful question would be to ask about the level of crime or undesirable activity in the company or area. Lastly, it would be beneficial to ask about the salary and possibly negotiate it.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6134
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Luhiso!
Experiences of Security Guards
Being a security guard can vary significantly based on the environment, responsibilities, and individual experiences. Generally, those who have worked as security guards report a mix of challenges and rewards.
Work Environment: Security guards work in various settings, including retail stores, corporate offices, event venues, and residential areas. The nature of the job often dictates the experience; for example, working in a high-crime area may lead to more stressful situations compared to a corporate office where the primary duties involve monitoring access points.
Daily Responsibilities: Common tasks include monitoring surveillance equipment, conducting patrols, checking identification, responding to alarms or incidents, and writing reports. Many guards emphasize the importance of vigilance and communication skills in their roles. Some also highlight the need for conflict resolution skills when dealing with difficult individuals.
Job Satisfaction: Many security guards find satisfaction in their roles due to the responsibility they hold in ensuring safety and security for others. However, some report feeling undervalued or underpaid for their work. Job satisfaction can also be influenced by factors such as management support and opportunities for advancement.
Training and Skills Development: Training requirements vary by employer but often include basic security protocols, emergency response training, and sometimes specialized training depending on the industry (e.g., healthcare or finance). Continuous professional development is essential for those looking to advance within the field.
Challenges Faced: Security guards may face various challenges including long hours (often involving night shifts), dealing with potentially dangerous situations, and sometimes having to manage confrontational individuals without physical confrontation.
Career Advancement: There are opportunities for advancement within the security field; experienced guards may move into supervisory roles or specialize in areas such as cybersecurity or risk management.
Informational Interview Questions
When conducting informational interviews with current or former security guards, consider asking questions that provide insight into their experiences and advice for newcomers:
What motivated you to become a security guard, and how has your perception of the job changed since you started?
This question helps understand personal motivations and any shifts in perspective that come from real-world experience.
Can you describe a particularly challenging situation you faced while on duty? How did you handle it?
This question allows interviewees to share specific experiences that highlight problem-solving skills and resilience.
What advice would you give someone considering a career as a security guard?
This question seeks practical advice that could help someone new to the field navigate their career path effectively.
In summary, being a security guard involves diverse experiences shaped by various factors such as work environment and personal interactions. Informational interviews can provide valuable insights into this profession through targeted questions about motivation, challenges faced on duty, and advice for newcomers.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS provides comprehensive data on job outlooks, responsibilities, salary information, and employment trends related to various occupations including security guards.
2. International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO)
IFPO offers resources focused on professional development within the security industry including training programs and certifications which are crucial for understanding career advancement opportunities.
3. Security Management Magazine
This publication covers trends in the security industry along with articles featuring firsthand accounts from professionals which can provide insights into daily experiences faced by security personnel.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless!
JC.
Experiences of Security Guards
Being a security guard can vary significantly based on the environment, responsibilities, and individual experiences. Generally, those who have worked as security guards report a mix of challenges and rewards.
Work Environment: Security guards work in various settings, including retail stores, corporate offices, event venues, and residential areas. The nature of the job often dictates the experience; for example, working in a high-crime area may lead to more stressful situations compared to a corporate office where the primary duties involve monitoring access points.
Daily Responsibilities: Common tasks include monitoring surveillance equipment, conducting patrols, checking identification, responding to alarms or incidents, and writing reports. Many guards emphasize the importance of vigilance and communication skills in their roles. Some also highlight the need for conflict resolution skills when dealing with difficult individuals.
Job Satisfaction: Many security guards find satisfaction in their roles due to the responsibility they hold in ensuring safety and security for others. However, some report feeling undervalued or underpaid for their work. Job satisfaction can also be influenced by factors such as management support and opportunities for advancement.
Training and Skills Development: Training requirements vary by employer but often include basic security protocols, emergency response training, and sometimes specialized training depending on the industry (e.g., healthcare or finance). Continuous professional development is essential for those looking to advance within the field.
Challenges Faced: Security guards may face various challenges including long hours (often involving night shifts), dealing with potentially dangerous situations, and sometimes having to manage confrontational individuals without physical confrontation.
Career Advancement: There are opportunities for advancement within the security field; experienced guards may move into supervisory roles or specialize in areas such as cybersecurity or risk management.
Informational Interview Questions
When conducting informational interviews with current or former security guards, consider asking questions that provide insight into their experiences and advice for newcomers:
What motivated you to become a security guard, and how has your perception of the job changed since you started?
This question helps understand personal motivations and any shifts in perspective that come from real-world experience.
Can you describe a particularly challenging situation you faced while on duty? How did you handle it?
This question allows interviewees to share specific experiences that highlight problem-solving skills and resilience.
What advice would you give someone considering a career as a security guard?
This question seeks practical advice that could help someone new to the field navigate their career path effectively.
In summary, being a security guard involves diverse experiences shaped by various factors such as work environment and personal interactions. Informational interviews can provide valuable insights into this profession through targeted questions about motivation, challenges faced on duty, and advice for newcomers.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS provides comprehensive data on job outlooks, responsibilities, salary information, and employment trends related to various occupations including security guards.
2. International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO)
IFPO offers resources focused on professional development within the security industry including training programs and certifications which are crucial for understanding career advancement opportunities.
3. Security Management Magazine
This publication covers trends in the security industry along with articles featuring firsthand accounts from professionals which can provide insights into daily experiences faced by security personnel.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless!
JC.
Jason Flint
Crisis Response and Workplace Experience
51
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Hi Luhiso,
The experience can range from good to bad depending on a number of factors.
Not every guard assignment is going to be in a great environment. Deciding what kind of environment you want to guard is a good starting point. Consider if you would want to be in an office environment, a retail environment or hospitality environment. Each location has its unique challenges and benefits.
Depending on the post orders, you may have to be very vocal and active throughout your shift or simply monitoring for threats and greeting guests. There are pros and cons to either situation.
For your interview questions, ask about the clients the guard company has and what industries they cover? Ask about the client, if possible, and the expectations from the post orders including what threats you would be guarding against. Ask about professional development opportunities and what the guard company offers to make sure you have the ability to grow.
The experience can range from good to bad depending on a number of factors.
Not every guard assignment is going to be in a great environment. Deciding what kind of environment you want to guard is a good starting point. Consider if you would want to be in an office environment, a retail environment or hospitality environment. Each location has its unique challenges and benefits.
Depending on the post orders, you may have to be very vocal and active throughout your shift or simply monitoring for threats and greeting guests. There are pros and cons to either situation.
For your interview questions, ask about the clients the guard company has and what industries they cover? Ask about the client, if possible, and the expectations from the post orders including what threats you would be guarding against. Ask about professional development opportunities and what the guard company offers to make sure you have the ability to grow.
Angel S
UI/UX Design Aspirant
156
Answers
India
Updated
Angel’s Answer
Being a security guard can be a fulfilling career with a variety of experiences! Many who have worked in this role highlight the importance of vigilance, communication, and problem-solving skills. They often appreciate the opportunity to interact with diverse people and the sense of responsibility in ensuring safety. However, some also mention the challenges of long hours and dealing with difficult situations.
Here are three great informational interview questions you might consider asking someone in the field:
What does a typical day look like for you as a security guard, and what are some unexpected challenges you face?
This question can provide insight into daily responsibilities and potential surprises in the job.
What skills do you believe are most important for success in this role?
Understanding key skills can help you prepare for the job and enhance your employability.
Can you share an experience that significantly impacted your perspective on being a security guard?
Personal stories can give you a deeper understanding of the job's realities and emotional aspects.
Good luck with your exploration of this career path!
Here are three great informational interview questions you might consider asking someone in the field:
What does a typical day look like for you as a security guard, and what are some unexpected challenges you face?
This question can provide insight into daily responsibilities and potential surprises in the job.
What skills do you believe are most important for success in this role?
Understanding key skills can help you prepare for the job and enhance your employability.
Can you share an experience that significantly impacted your perspective on being a security guard?
Personal stories can give you a deeper understanding of the job's realities and emotional aspects.
Good luck with your exploration of this career path!