Being a security guard can offer a lot of opportunities across many different industries. Here are some essential traits that you will need in order to be an effective and professional security guard:

Vigilance

A lot of the time, being a security guard is about preventing incidents, and your presence alone will accomplish that. But staying alert and keeping a watchful eye on the activity around you is a crucial skill that helps prevent crime and maintain safety.

People-oriented

In addition to everything you do behind the scenes, you are also on the front lines engaging in customer service. Dealing with people of different backgrounds and personalities in a compassionate yet professional way is part of the job.

Good judgment

Whether you’re at a stationary post or patrolling an area, you have to know when it’s time to intervene with a perpetrator. Furthermore, in some cases, you might even need to make a judgment call about whether a physical intervention is needed.

Calmness

Security guards need to be able to handle stress in emergency and crisis situations. Having a calm and even-tempered disposition helps balance out the adrenaline rush in dangerous situations.

Honesty

Being honest and having integrity are important qualities that companies look for when they are hiring security guards. They are relying on you to protect their people and valuable assets.

Willingness to work during odd hours

Similar to certain jobs in the military as well as policing, some security guards have to work outside the typical 9-to-5 workday. Companies need their property and people to be safe 24/7, so there are many security guards who work at times when other people typically do not.

Patience and discipline

Security guards must follow specific procedures and be professional at all times. This requires patience, maturity, and discipline.

These are some of the qualities that security guards must have. The job comes with a variety of responsibilities, but it can also be very rewarding and offer a lot of opportunities.

If you are interested in becoming a security guard, visit our careers site to explore our job openings and career opportunities.