What Does a Security Do?

A Security's main responsibility is to keep people or an establishment safe. This responsibility is carried out by constantly patrolling a designated area and monitoring the activity within the premises. Most of the tasks involved are inspecting buildings and equipment, monitoring entry and exit points, reporting irregularities, responding to customers in distress, and other surveillance activities. The security is basically an establishment's first line of defense, this is why one must have good communication skills, keen observation and judgment, and as well as presence of mind.

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Security Responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real security resumes representing typical tasks they are likely to perform in their roles.

Administer first aide as needed and CPR.
Practice assertive alertness and interaction with guests and staff.
Job require driving, walking, and climbing stairs and ladders.
Gain training in CPR, first aid, and defibrillator usage.
Check ids and make sure no patrons allow any unauthorize entries into the building.
Work security for big events in deadwood check ids, check for wrist bands and watch for disruptions.
Maintain consistent investigative patrol methods to further enhance safety.
Perform patrol and security checks on construction site and apartment complex
Promote security awareness and encourage the involvement and participation in baggage alertness.
Utilize security resources as necessary including campus CCTV security system to monitor real or perceive threats.
Participate in personal training and development in order to maintain an understanding of current CCTV legislation and regulations.
Maintain a standard of punctuality and dependability of attendance and retain myself cleanliness, tidiness, neatness and appropriately attire.
Provide armed escort for ATM repairpersons

Security Job Description

Between the years 2018 and 2028, security jobs are expected to undergo a growth rate described as "as fast as average" at 4%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. So if the thought "should I become a security?" Has crossed your mind, maybe you should take the growth rate into account. In addition, the number of security opportunities that are projected to become available by 2028 is 40,600.

Securities average about $15.31 an hour, which makes the security annual salary $31,836. Additionally, securities are known to earn anywhere from $23,000 to $43,000 a year. This means that the top-earning securities make $18,000 more than the lowest earning ones.

As is the case with most jobs, it takes work to become a security. Sometimes people change their minds about their career after working in the profession. That's why we looked into some other professions that might help you find your next opportunity. These professions include a protective officer, armed guard, commissioned security officer, and protection security officer.

Learn More About Security Job Descriptions

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12 Security Resume Examples

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Harold Berry Security Contact Information Plano, TX (260) 555-5353 hberry@example.com Skills IDS Transport Individuals Unsafe Behavior Safety Program Unarmed Security Client Site Communication Sales Floor Law Enforcement Emergency Employment History Security 2017 - Present UNITED PROTECTIVE TECH Plano, TX Work closely with emergency responders when needed. Respond to incidents of suspicious activity, fire, medical emergencies, bomb threat, and flooding. Proved armed security services to each site,to maintain a professional demeanor and outstanding customer service. Security Guards Dispatcher 2015 - 2017 UNITED PROTECTIVE TECH Plano, TX Monitored and patrolled facilities and maintained daily log during shift. Determined the nature and location of emergency; prioritized emergency dispatch units as needed and in accordance with established procedures. Proved armed security services to each site,to maintain a professional demeanor and outstanding customer service. Issue access to the facility using the Lenel access control system. Loss Prevention Agent 2012 - 2015 J. C. Penney Plano, TX Perform camera surveillance, detect, investigate, and apprehend shoplifters/fraudulent workers. Apprehended and detained shoplifters, filled and completed reports, and worked with police officers/law enforcement agencies. Assisted guest/employees with emergency situations. Developed effective liaison with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to complement overall loss prevention functions and programs. Apprehend shoplifters and prepare reports for prosecution. Installed and Monitored Surveillance equipment Investigated on going theft Apprehended shop lifters according to company policies. Education High School Diploma 2012 - 2012


Amber Armstrong Security Contact Info Radcliff, KY (940) 555-7827 aarmstrong@example.com Skills Unarmed SecurityEvict ViolatorsGuest RoomsDisposal AreasPublic RestroomsFacilityGuest ServiceGlass SurfacesLaundry ItemsEvent Staff Employment History Security 2020 - Present Caesars Entertainment Radcliff, KY Protect company assets, employees, and visitors Complete facility tours and look for any security breaches or threats Monitor all fire alarms, emergency exits. Experience of managing large events, organizing traffic and working closely with the emergency services. Enforce rules, regulation, policies, procedures, and respond to emergency situations requiring security assistance. Operate a range of remote call monitoring, alarms and communication facilities contained within the Control Room. Provide constant vigil on surveillance equipment and alarms. Security 2019 - 2020 Super 8 Worldwide Radcliff, KY Log daily activities into the log book. Operate a range of remote call monitoring, alarms and communication facilities contained within the Control Room. Report safety concerns, security breaches and unusual circumstances.Monitor security cameras, manage visitor logs. Complete incident reports to document all incidents on property. Guard door Check all IDs and badges Make hourly reports of building activates Room Attendant 2016 - 2019 Super 8 Worldwide Radcliff, KY Identified and reported preventative issues in guest rooms. Communicate with guest and supervisors to assure best customer service. Fix technical problems with the games and customer service Cleaned guest rooms when guests checked out to prepare room for incoming guests stay. Write requisitions for room supplies, furniture renovation, or replacement. Vacuumed guest rooms and mopped bathroom floors. Education High School Diploma 2016 - 2016


Edward Peters Security Phoenix, AZ (810) 555-2848 epeters@example.com Experience Security2017 - Present Andrew International Services•Phoenix, AZ Handle hot works, medicals, first aid, hazmat, fire and CPR issues. Crowd control for fraternity events -Asset and property protection -Secured all entrances and exits Parking Security Attendant2016 - 2017 Securitas Services•Saint Louis, MO Provided private security services to hotel. Type reports when a medical emergency occurs during work hours. Received outstanding reviews of security program from sucessive Navy Inspector General and Physical Security Surveys resulting in no requirements for improvement. Escort2006 - 2016 Securitas Services•Memphis, TN Reported daily activities and any irregular events which took place at the facility. Escort patients to procedures such as MRI, CT, UltraSounds and much more. Write reports ofdailyactivities and irregularities or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, or unusual occurrences. Delegated tasks to be carried out throughout the facility. Skills CPRUnarmed SecurityDaily ActivitiesNuclear PowerFacilityLaw EnforcementGovernment PersonnelIncident ReportsEvent StaffSecurity Services Education High School Diploma 2006 - 2006

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Security Skills and Personality Traits

We calculated that 22% of Securities are proficient in Patrol, Ladders, and Property Damage. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Good judgment, and Observation skills.

We break down the percentage of Securities that have these skills listed on their resume here:

Patrol, 22%
Patrol hospital and hospital grounds Submitted several ideas to improve security and safety which were implemented by leadership.
Ladders, 9%
Communicate by radio or phone; climb ladders to make sure trucks were secure in all types of weather.
Property Damage, 8%
Monitor surveillance and equipment, often safety patrol fir property damage or vandalism, identification access and periodic daily report.
Good Judgment, 7%
Demonstrated good judgment and problem solving by maintaining crowd control and diffusing hostile situations.
Customer Service, 5%
Screen hostile and compliant passengers with respect and dignity while maintaining exceptional customer service and following federal travel screening protocols.
Emergency Situations, 5%
Well-versed in using different alarms for security purposes and handling emergency situations against threats, accidents and other emergencies.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Security Resume templates

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Some of the skills we found on security resumes included "patrol," "ladders," and "property damage." We have detailed the most important security responsibilities below.

Arguably the most important personality trait for a security to have happens to be communication skills. An example from a resume said this about the skill, "security guards and officers must communicate effectively with others, even in stressful situations." Additionally, other resumes have pointed out that securities can use communication skills to "regulate crowd control,loss prevention, two-way radio communications, celebrity client host and private security. "

Another trait important for fulfilling security duties is good judgment. According to a security resume, "security guards and officers must be able to quickly determine the best course of action when a dangerous situation arises." Here's an example of how securities are able to utilize good judgment: "receive acknowledgment from upper management for good listening skills, while responding quickly to all emergency situations. "

Another skill that is quite popular among securities is observation skills. This skill is very critical to fulfilling every day responsibilities as is shown in this example from a security resume: "security guards and officers must be alert and aware of their surroundings, and be able to quickly recognize anything out of the ordinary." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "complete all month paperwork, meaning lpo's (loss prevention observation), safety audits. "

A thorough review of lots of resumes revealed to us that "patience" is important to completing security responsibilities. This resume example shows just one way securities use this skill: "security guards and officers may need to spend long periods standing and observing their environment without distractions." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical security tasks: "answer questions and direct crowds.skills: crowd management requires organization, patience to keep situations calm and orderly. "

See the full list of security skills.

We've found that 22.4% of securities have earned a bachelor's degree. Furthermore, 1.8% earned their master's degrees before becoming a security. While it's true that some securities have a college degree, it's generally possible to become one with only a high school degree. In fact, one out of every two securities did not spend the extra money to attend college.

The securities who went onto college to earn a more in-depth education generally studied criminal justice and business, while a small population of securities studied general studies and psychology.

Once you're ready to become a security, you should explore the companies that typically hire securities. According to security resumes that we searched through, securities are hired the most by Live Nation Entertainment, Allied Universal, and Securitas AB. Currently, Live Nation Entertainment has 226 security job openings, while there are 184 at Allied Universal and 100 at Securitas AB.

If you're interested in companies where securities make the most money, you'll want to apply for positions at Microsoft, IBM, and Google. We found that at Microsoft, the average security salary is $83,212. Whereas at IBM, securities earn roughly $63,983. And at Google, they make an average salary of $54,095.

View more details on security salaries across the United States.

If you earned a degree from the top 100 educational institutions in the United States, you might want to take a look at Securitas AB, Securitas AB, and U.S. Security Associates. These three companies have hired a significant number of securities from these institutions.

The three companies that hire the most prestigious securitys are:

Live Nation Entertainment226 Securities Jobs
Allied Universal184 Securities Jobs
Securitas AB100 Securities Jobs

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What Protective Officers Do

A protective officer is in charge of preventing theft and damages in stores and other establishments. Among their responsibilities include monitoring alarm systems and surveillance cameras, patrolling areas, keeping an eye on suspicious activities and behavior, developing strategies to enforce security protocols, and responding to distress. There are also instances where they must conduct inspections and produce reports. Furthermore, as a protective officer, it is essential to coordinate with law enforcement should the situation require.

In this section, we take a look at the annual salaries of other professions. Take protective officer for example. On average, the protective officers annual salary is $8,693 higher than what securities make on average every year.

While the salaries between these two careers can be different, they do share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both securities and protective officers positions are skilled in patrol, property damage, and customer service.

As far as similarities go, this is where it ends because a security responsibility requires skills such as "ladders," "good judgment," "stars," and "transport individuals." Whereas a protective officer is skilled in "security systems," "patients," "security procedures," and "criminal justice." So if you're looking for what truly separates the two careers, you've found it.

Protective officers receive the highest salaries in the professional industry coming in with an average yearly salary of $38,169. But securities are paid more in the start-up industry with an average salary of $31,007.

On average, protective officers reach similar levels of education than securities. Protective officers are 3.7% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

What Are The Duties Of an Armed Guard?

A protection security officer is responsible for maintaining the safety and security within the premises to protect the employees and company assets. Protection security officers inspect the facilities and patrol around the building to identify unusual activities and monitor suspicious people. They also check surveillance equipment and escalate incident reports to the security team for immediate actions to prevent potential hazards and operational delays. A protection security officer must have excellent communication and observational skills, especially in assisting and verifying the identity of guests and checking their luggage upon arrival.

Now we're going to look at the armed guard profession. On average, armed guards earn a $11,353 higher salary than securities a year.

A similarity between the two careers of securities and armed guards are a few of the skills associated with both roles. We used resumes from both professions to find that both use skills like "patrol," "property damage," and "emergency situations. "

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences that are worth noting. For example, security responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "ladders," "good judgment," "customer service," and "stars." Meanwhile, a armed guard might be skilled in areas such as "cash management," "national security," "law enforcement," and "security services." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

On average, armed guards earn a higher salary than securities. There are industries that support higher salaries in each profession respectively. Interestingly enough, armed guards earn the most pay in the non profits industry with an average salary of $40,152. Whereas, securities have higher paychecks in the start-up industry where they earn an average of $31,007.

On the topic of education, armed guards earn similar levels of education than securities. In general, they're 0.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

How a Commissioned Security Officer Compares

The commissioned security officer profession generally makes a higher amount of money when compared to the average salary of securities. The difference in salaries is commissioned security officers making $316 higher than securities.

Using securities and commissioned security officers resumes, we found that both professions have similar skills such as "patrol," "property damage," and "emergency situations," but the other skills required are very different.

As mentioned, these two careers differ between other skills that are required for performing the work exceedingly well. For example, gathering from securities resumes, they are more likely to have skills like "ladders," "good judgment," "customer service," and "stars." But a commissioned security officer might have skills like "vehicle patrols," "security services," "deter crime," and "security breaches."

Commissioned security officers are known to earn similar educational levels when compared to securities. Additionally, they're 2.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Description Of a Protection Security Officer

Protection security officers tend to earn a higher pay than securities by about $4,090 per year.

While their salaries may vary, securities and protection security officers both use similar skills to perform their jobs. Resumes from both professions include skills like "patrol," "property damage," and "customer service. "

Each job requires different skills like "ladders," "good judgment," "stars," and "transport individuals," which might show up on a security resume. Whereas protection security officer might include skills like "law enforcement," "criminal justice," "security patrols," and "patients."

Now, let's take a closer look at the financials in each career. The utilities industry tends to pay more for protection security officers with an average of $35,274. While the highest security annual salary comes from the start-up industry.

In general, protection security officers reach similar levels of education when compared to securities resumes. Protection security officers are 4.3% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Updated October 2, 2020