All security guards undergo specialized training, but if you want to truly excel in this field, you’ll need a robust set of skills that sets you apart. In this article, we’ll explore the top 5 security guard skills you should master to build a successful career.
1. Communication
Throughout your career, you’ll be communicating with colleagues, supervisors, law enforcement, and members of the public.
Strong communication skills are critical during these interactions and allow you to diffuse tense situations, provide clear instructions, give accurate descriptions, and gather information.
You can improve your communication by practicing active listening, where you are attuned to the thoughts and feelings of others while paying attention to all the information you’re receiving rather than simply waiting for them to finish speaking.
Good communication as a security guard also depends on your tone. A calm, respectful, and professional tone can help de-escalate situations and convey authority without aggression, encouraging others to be more cooperative with you.
Recommended Training
In our Communication module, we provide specific information on reporting to your supervisor, talking to clients, and reporting incidents.
Upon completing this module, you’ll also know how to communicate through various systems, including two-way radios, telephones, and intercoms, as well as how to calmly convey information and instructions in stressful situations.
2. Observation
As a security guard, observation skills will help you detect subtle changes in your surroundings, such as unusual behavior, unauthorized access, or suspicious objects. You will be able to identify potential threats early, allowing for proactive measures to prevent incidents before they escalate.
Strong observational skills also support the accurate documentation of events, which is crucial for investigations and legal proceedings. By remaining vigilant and attentive, you can monitor large areas, ensure compliance with safety protocols, and respond swiftly to emergencies.
You can sharpen your observation skills by practicing situational awareness and paying attention to smaller details.
Don’t rely solely on your sight, and learn to engage your other senses. Listening to unusual sounds or using smell to detect smoke or chemicals can drastically improve your ability to spot potential threats.
Recommended Training
Our Observation and Documentation security guard training module covers photographing evidence, evaluating evidence, writing reports, noting details from witnesses, and searching techniques, helping you effectively observe and assess your environment in any security setting.
Guard Training Tip: Focus on ongoing skill development rather than viewing it as a one-time task. With our training modules, you gain lifetime access, so you can regularly refer back to the materials to refresh your security guard skills.
3. Leadership
In a security role, leadership is about guiding your team, making quick decisions in challenging situations, and ensuring the safety of everyone involved by taking charge and staying calm under pressure.
Leadership requires you to prevent confusion and help other security personnel feel confident and supported in tense situations.
You can build your leadership skills by practicing proactive decision-making, learning to stay composed in emergencies, and developing your ability to delegate responsibilities.
Recommended Training
In our Supervision module, you’ll learn techniques to help you succeed as a security supervisor, including addressing your team’s psychological needs and motivations.
This module also covers general leadership skills, such as the common traits and characteristics of strong leaders, as well as the different leadership styles that can be applied in various situations.
4. Technology Proficiency
When completing tasks and duties as a security guard, you’ll be expected to use various on-site equipment such as mobile surveillance trailers, cameras, drones, access control systems, and handheld devices like radios. You’ll also sometimes need to operate vehicles like golf carts and cars.
With all these tools, systems, and technology, you must know how to use them appropriately, or else you risk compromising security or missing critical incidents that will jeopardize the safety of others.
Technology proficiency skills are developed through practice, and throughout your training, you’ll have the opportunity to familiarize yourself with various tools and equipment through hands-on experience.
However, avoiding costly mistakes and fully utilizing these tools requires a solid understanding of their functions, which can be done by reviewing written materials and manuals.
Recommended Training
We offer several security guard training modules that provide information on various tools and technologies.
Our Radio Procedures module discusses various phrases for expediting communication, authorized decision codes, and frequently used slang through radios, helping you feel comfortable using radios to provide clear messages and coordinate responses with other personnel.
We also have a Driver Safety module that helps your security guard skills when operating vehicles. This training covers patrol vehicle checklists, bicycle safety, and golf cart safety, ensuring you can perform routine checks, maintain equipment, and drive safely in any scenario.
5. Customer Service
While customer service involves good communication skills, you’ll have to do more than simply talk to public members when on duty.
As a security guard, you’ll often be the first point of contact for visitors, employees, or clients, so how you engage with them can impact their perception of the facility you have been assigned to protect.
If you have poor customer service, you may be less likely to gain trust from the people you interact with, and it can make your role more challenging.
You can build customer service skills by focusing on being approachable, professional, and attentive. When you’re greeting visitors, providing directions, or addressing concerns, you should maintain a friendly attitude, or else your employer may receive complaints that can reflect poorly on the entire security team.
Customer service skills can also be improved by showing empathy to everyone around you and delivering personalized interactions by tailoring your response to individuals rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.
Recommended Training
Our Public Relations module highlights the importance of customer service skills for security officers by providing practical approaches and techniques to aid interactions with the public. This training focuses on how to create positive experiences for visitors, employees, and clients through effective communication and professionalism.
Through this module, you’ll learn how to handle challenging situations with a calm, respectful attitude that helps de-escalate conflicts and establish trust. By focusing on key elements like image, conduct, attitude, and appearance, you can better understand how your behavior on duty directly impacts customer perceptions and satisfaction.
Hone Your Skills With Online Security Guard Training Courses
Improve other important skills and techniques, including emergency response tactics, conflict resolution, risk assessments, crowd control, post assignments, and searches, through our structured training modules.
If you’re a security guard employer, these modules can help ensure your team is up-to-date with the latest security protocols and best practices.
Purchase modules now and work through them at your own pace to receive a customized certificate demonstrating your proficiency and expertise in essential security guard skills.
“Every skill you acquire doubles your odds of success.” – Scott Adams