Lesson 7 of 7 · 3 min read
Getting hired and growing a career
What employers look for, how to stand out, and where the job can lead.
What employers look for
- A clean background that will pass the state's check.
- Reliability: showing up on time, every time. It is the number one complaint about security staff, so it is how you stand out.
- Communication: clear speaking and writing, and comfort talking with the public.
- Judgment: staying calm and knowing when to call for help.
- Availability: nights, weekends and holidays are common, especially early on.
How to apply
- Make a short resume that highlights reliability, customer service and any security, military, retail, hospitality or emergency experience.
- Apply to licensed security companies. Ask how they handle state training and licensing; many arrange it.
- Be ready for a background check, fingerprints and possibly a drug screen.
- In the interview, give real examples of handling a difficult customer, staying alert on a long shift, or following written procedures.
Credentials that help
A real CPR and first aid course from an accredited provider (such as the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association) is useful on almost any post. Completion certificates from free online courses like this one show initiative, but they are not licenses or accredited credentials.
Where the job can lead
- Armed positions, after extra state training and firearms qualification.
- Supervisor and site manager roles, scheduling and training other officers.
- Special Police Officer in DC, with a commission and arrest authority on assigned property.
- Specialties such as event security, loss prevention, executive protection and corporate security, and from there operations and management.
Key points
- Employers want a clean background, reliability, communication, judgment and availability.
- Apply to licensed security companies and ask how they handle state training.
- Accredited CPR and first aid courses help; online completion certificates are not licenses.
- Paths include armed work, supervision, DC SPO commissions and specialties.
Picture it
An interview question: "Tell me about a time you dealt with an upset customer."
A strong answer is a real, short story: what happened, what you said, how it ended, and what you learned. For example, calming a customer over a refund by listening, explaining what you could do, and getting a manager when it was beyond your role.
Resources
- CareerOneStop Job Finder
A free job search from the Department of Labor. Search "security officer" with your city or ZIP code.
- CareerOneStop: Security Guards occupation profile
Pay in your state and city, typical duties and skills, and links to local jobs and training.
- Apply to Hire Police
Hire Police's application page for security officer jobs in DC and Maryland.
- American Red Cross: Take a Class
Find accredited CPR, AED and first aid classes near you (in person or blended). Useful on almost any security post.
- American Heart Association: CPR and First Aid course finder
Find AHA CPR and first aid courses (Heartsaver, BLS) and training centers near you.