Do you have what it takes?
Large. Strong build. Enough ‘body’ to fill a door way. A serious face. Muscles big enough to lift a car. The ability to overtake. The ability to ‘throw down’. The strength to fend off a small army.
This is what makes a Security guard right? Especially when it comes to close protection?
Wrong.
Some of those characteristics may be seen as assets, none of them alone will make you a prime example of a guard.
While you don’t need to be a rocket scientist, there are some key traits you may want to brush up on before considering a career change – or a career advancement.
First off – physical appearance. I don’t think in today’s world I need to say you need to have any certain physical characteristics. While there will always be someone to fight on either side (and that goes for every topic ever), there really and truly aren’t any physical characteristics that are must have.
Now while I said there aren’t any physical characteristics that are must have – there are some basics that make for some good qualifications and may tip you ahead of the other guy.
Being physically fit (and I don’t mean fit like The Hulk – but fit as in you look after yourself), being healthy, and being somewhat strong. These are good skills to have in this industry.
If in the event something happens and you need to react, being physically prepared is a must. You may have to run, you may have to hold back, you may have to endure. While these events may not be common occurrences, they are still something you need to be trained for and prepared for.
Mental well being is another good trait. Obviously being of sound mind is a key factor. You need to be mentally prepared to deal with anything that might arise on a shift.
While you don’t have to have an outrageously high IQ, having good solid common sense is key.
As ‘common’ as it should be – common sense seems to be something that lots of people lack these days. This also goes hand in hand with being able to set aside differences. I shouldn’t need to say that just because you don’t believe in something or disagree with someone, this doesn’t mean that you don’t help, and support the greater good. Being able to find common ground and leave your opinions at the door is a huge trait that more people should exhibit.
Physical and Mental well being and preparedness aside, there are some other details you may want to brush up on when pursuing this line of work.
First off – regardless of what type of security, where you’re securing or what you’re guarding, dress presentable. No one ever lost marks in an interview for dressing up. Its always better to be the best dressed at the party then the worst. While both typically leave impressions and stick out, the reasons are entirely different and the opinions are generally in favour of the nicely dressed individual. Dress for the job you want – not the job you have.
Punctuality. This goes back to common sense – yet again, some people need this pointed out for them.
Being on time doesn’t mean showing up for your 11 o’clock shift at 11. It means being there at least 15 minutes early in case there are any details or briefings to go over beforehand. If you shift starts at 11 – you start at 11, ready to go.
Especially in this industry, having a game plan – or an advance – is a must.
Things are constantly changing, shifting, moving. Being prepared for the unexpected is key. This means getting there early.
In the world of close protection especially – being on the ball doesn’t just mean ‘being on the ball’. It means being ahead of it. If you’re guarding someone and their schedule changes last minute – do you think they’ll wait for you?
Probably not. Not in todays fast paced world.
Being ready to go at the drop of the hat when you’re on call is what will set you apart from the other guy who decided to take a nap, wonder off, sit down to a 12 course meal or what have you.
Its not a glamorous industry by any means. Is it rewarding? Sometimes. Is it all flashy celebs and big parties? Hardly. Is it bankers hours? Not at all. Is it worth it?
You get out what you put in. As in any job, your attitude affects everything and will dictate how each day will start and end. Being positive and open and prepared are the best steps you can take for any day – in any industry.
Security can mean long days, late nights, early mornings, skipped meals, lots of standing, lots of waiting, and lots of watching. But don’t write it off for those reasons.
You get to see things, meet people, experience, and go behind the scenes sometimes.
It can be really exciting (it can be really boring). It really can be whatever you make of it.
You don’t have to be a bulky weight lifting hunk of a man to do it.
Your little sister can do it – maybe. If she has the right attitude and shows up to work ready and on time.
Its amazing what common sense, effort, attitude, and personality can do these days.
Use them to your advantage and you never know where they may take you.
Guest Blogger Rayna Davies
Rayna Davies is a graduate and practitioner of Business Management. She has developed an expertise in blogging, covering subjects like travel, world events and security. Having grown up with a father who has developed an expertise in Physical Security and Executive Protection in the RCMP and two major corporations, she has personally observed and 
experienced many security details. These experiences have included personally meeting HM Queen Elizabeth, Prime Minister Jean Chretien and many celebrities. She presently assists Sentinel Security in Executive Protection workshops and guest blogging and also assists Gloprosec Preventative Services in Intelligence gathering and Business Administration. Her passions include World travel, having visited every continent. She currently is on maternity leave and providing daily close protection for a baby and a toddler and spending time with her husband who is a Police Officer.
