Security Guards

realistic interests theft safety problem write reports equipment unauthorized person secure building alarms

Safety and Security Officer, Security Agent, Security Guard, Security Officer

What they do:
Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.
On the job, you would:
  • Lock doors and gates of entrances and exits to secure buildings.
  • Answer alarms and investigate disturbances.
  • Monitor and authorize entrance and departure of employees, visitors, and other persons to guard against theft and maintain security of premises.

Knowledge

Safety and Government

  • public safety and security

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Business

  • customer service

Skills

Basic Skills

  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements

Social

  • changing what is done based on other people's actions
  • understanding people's reactions

Abilities

Verbal

  • listen and understand what people say
  • communicate by speaking

Attention

  • pay attention to something without being distracted

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

They do well at jobs that need:

  • Integrity
  • Dependability
  • Self Control
  • Attention to Detail
  • Cooperation
  • Adaptability/Flexibility

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Spreadsheet software

  • IBM Lotus 1-2-3
  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology

Video conferencing software

  • FaceTime

Office suite software

  • Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
  • Microsoft Office software Hot Technology

Education

Education: (rated 2 of 5)
high school diploma/GED
usually needed

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Job Outlook

Bright
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about security guards.