Professional Security Services: Is Working for a Security Company the Right Path for you?

Finding work that is fulfilling and provides fair compensation is everyone’s goal. The key to landing the right position for you comes down to your skills and personality. For some, working in the professional security services industry is going to be the right fit.

All over North America, there is a need for security specialists. Hawaii, in particular, will see an increased demand as Maui rebuilds from the fires. The security industry will provide many great opportunities on the Islands. We’ve put together this guide to help you understand if security is the right field for you.

Benefits of being a Security Professional

1. Flexible working hours

Security is a 24/7 gig. To fill that need, security companies hire to be able to staff many job sites at all hours and also cover absences. This means that you likely will be able to find a company that will provide the flexibility want. You may even be able to work part-time if that’s what you are looking for.

Your best option is to be upfront with the companies you apply to. Ask them questions about what they need, and be open to what you are looking for. Any job interview is also a negotiation. Being upfront with them gives you the best chance of finding a position that you will be happy with.

2. Educational requirements are not steep

For many jobs, a limited education can hold you back. Professional security services often don’t need a minimum educational level. Being smart, trainable, and having common sense are as important as any formal education.

You will still need to be able to communicate well. There is also mandatory training you must pass for certification. As long as you can do those things, don’t hesitate to apply.

3. Growing career opportunities

The security services industry has been growing over the last few years. It’s a national trend that we have felt in Hawaii, too. Construction, property, personal, and event security are common needs.

When you hire into a security company, you will develop skills and learn techniques. These will help you as you go after internal promotions or outside opportunities. Building your skills in the security industry will open doors for you.

4. It can be a physical job

Not all roles within a security company are going to be physical. But most companies will have a lot of opportunities for those who like to move and be outside. If you can’t see yourself sitting behind a desk, then you should consider security work.

Some sites will be peaceful and you will find yourself sitting for long periods of time. Other jobs will involve walking and even interacting with clients and their guests. Depending on your location, you may find yourself in a fast-paced situation.

5. Opportunities for individual and teamwork settings

Professional security services provide a wide range of work settings. You may find yourself alone, or working as part of a team. It will depend on the client’s requirements and you will have opportunities to do both.

Knowing if you have a preference is helpful. It’s easy to say you like doing both, but the company may be prioritizing filling out a team. You can be comfortable in either situation while also talking about your preferences.

Challenges Security Professionals Face

1. Personal risk

Security professionals are not law enforcement. This will keep you out of a lot of dangerous situations. But there may be times when you will be put in danger. This can happen at events that serve alcohol or if you happen to meet up with a criminal while on patrol. Any time you are dealing with belligerent people, there is a risk to you.

This risk can be minimized. Security companies should provide training in de-escalation and risk management. All good security companies will emphasize de-escalation tactics. They will also provide proper training on how to handle dangerous situations.

2. Lots of holidays, nights and weekends

Remember earlier when we said that security is a 24/7 gig? That means that there will be a lot of shifts that happen at night, on weekends, and over holidays. While most companies will have flexibility, working those types of hours is common.

Before applying and interviewing, be aware of what you can and can’t do. It’s not going to be a good fit for you if the working hours are going to cause stress. The employer, too, will be unhappy if they hire expecting you to be available, but are hard to schedule.

3. Uncomfortable Conditions

For shifts that happen outside, dealing with the elements is part of the deal. While Hawaii’s weather is pretty nice, there will be times when you have to work in a storm, or on a chilly night.

You may also find yourself working with the public or alone at night. If you find that either of these situations makes you uncomfortable, there still may be a role for you to play. Understanding yourself and knowing what works for you is important.

4. It can take a while to grow your earnings.

Many professional security services usually hire for entry-level positions. While education and the need for flexibility are not barriers they can affect your ability to quickly grow your wages. The more you can do, the more valuable you are to the company.

Keeping your expectations realistic in an entry-level position wage is important. You should also check out what other perks the company may offer that you like. Check out their social media to see what their company culture is like, too. Finding an opportunity that is a good fit for you and the employer will help both of you meet your goals in the long run.

What to look for in Professional Security Services

First, you want to find security companies with a good reputation. If they have a satisfied client base, it’s a sign that the company invests in its employees. High turnover and unhappy guards don’t make for happy clients. Hiring into a system that is proven to work will make your success more likely.

A security company that provides a lot of training is also a good sign. When a company invests in its employees it means that it wants to keep them. Companies that provide skill development are also committed to seeing their employees grow over time. Beware of security services who claim that the basic state certification is all you need to know.

Finally, look for local companies that show involvement in the community. When people work where they live, they understand the needs of their co-workers and employees. Active involvement in charities, both big and small, is always a good sign. Check out a prospective company’s site to get a sense if they have the right feel for you.

Check out KT Protection Services

If you live in the Hawaiian Islands and are interested in becoming a security professional, KT Protection Services would like to talk to you. We are a Hawaiian company with a Hawaiian culture.We’re poised to grow, and with growth comes new opportunities for new people. Maui will be one of our biggest areas of growth so we will be keeping our eye out for candidates that come from there. If you’re interested in learning more about what KT Protection Services has to offer, hit us up here. We’d be happy to hear from you.