Security Officer Jobs in the United States

Security Officer Jobs Overview

Are you looking for a service-oriented career in which you can take an active role in protecting life and property? Do you take pride in paying attention to detail and keeping a cool head under pressure? If so, you may be an ideal candidate for security officer jobs.

Most security guards are assigned fixed tasks, such as controlling access to a door or guarding a specific location. Security officers, however, generally take on more authority and broader responsibilities. They're expected to act independently and will often serve in managerial roles. Their day-to-day job typically involves a wide range of duties, including:

• Assigning orders to security staff.
• Monitoring and patrolling worksites.
• Assessing and responding to security threats.
• Coordinating with local law enforcement.
• Guiding emergency evacuations.

As a security officer, you may be called to work in a variety of settings. Common locations include banks, universities, hospitals, retail stores, construction sites, and industrial facilities. While some posts are only operational during conventional business hours, it's not uncommon for security personnel to work overnight or be scheduled in rotating 12-hour shifts.

Salaries for Security Officer Jobs

Working to deter crime and keep people safe is certainly its own reward, but can it also help you pay the bills? Fortunately, we've got all the answers you need. According to our national salary data, the median pay for security officer jobs is $14.22 per hour. For a full-time officer working 40 hours per week, that's an average of about $29,577 in yearly earnings.

Of course, your actual salary is highly variable and dependent on an array of factors. In cities like New York and Los Angeles, where security personnel are in greater demand, median salaries are nearly 10% higher than the national average. Well-qualified candidates who are licensed to carry a firearm fare even better, with average wages ranging as high as $23.72 per hour. To further explore your earning potential, check out the convenient, easy-to-use Monster Salary Tool.

How To Find Security Officer Jobs You'll Love

Finding work in security is easy enough, but finding a job you're passionate about isn't always so straightforward. It requires a firm understanding of both the role you're seeking and your own individual abilities. This is why we recommend starting with a basic skills assessment.

As a security officer, you'll need to be a keen observer and meticulous record-keeper. You should also have excellent communication skills, knowledge of basic security principles, and the ability to quickly and effectively resolve conflicts. Did you figure out which skills you possess? Then We've got a few simple tips to help you narrow down your search and identify the most suitable openings for your particular skills.

What Kind of Security Officer Are You?

Broadly speaking, security officers fall into two categories. Most officers perform primarily management duties, overseeing and directing day-to-day operations for a staff with multiple security guards. This kind of role demands strong organizational, interpersonal, and leadership skills, making it an excellent choice if you enjoy working as a team in a highly structured environment.

More rarely, officers may work alone, providing all the necessary security functions for an entire location. This offers a more dynamic and varied work experience, but it requires the ability to function independently and effectively manage high-stress situations. If you prefer taking the initiative and being more physically active, this type of position may be perfect for you.

Do Your Due Diligence

No two security officer jobs are exactly alike, so it's important to carefully review each job description to ensure you understand the duties and responsibilities of the role. It's also helpful to do additional research on the employer to assess how well the job aligns with your work values. Company websites and social media profiles are useful information sources, as are industry publications and reviews from employees and customers. This research can provide valuable insights on a variety of questions, including:

• What are the company's values?
• Is it a positive work environment?
• Does the schedule fit your lifestyle?
• Is the work rewarding and fulfilling?
• Does the employer have a good reputation?

Evaluate Your Qualifications

Few things are more frustrating than wasting time on applications that are promptly rejected. You can boost your odds by paying close attention to the listed qualifications for each opening but remember that these requirements aren't set in stone. Many employers are willing to make certain allowances for the right candidate, so don't hesitate to take a shot if you believe you're a good match.

The key to maximizing your success is identifying which qualifications are most critical to the job. For instance, falling short of an employer's desired level of education or experience is less of a problem than lacking requisite training or certifications.

How to Apply to Security Officer Jobs

If you're looking to land a security job, being able to effectively and efficiently navigate the application process is vital. It's also simpler than you might think, and it all starts with putting your best foot forward.

Lock Down Your Resume

Nothing will improve your odds of securing a job interview more than a great resume. In your resume, mention your education, certificates, and relevant work experience. A well-crafted resume demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail — precisely the traits that employers value in a security officer candidate.

Here at Monster, our professional resume writing services make it easy to make a fabulous first impression. If you prefer the do-it-yourself approach, roll up your sleeves and follow these tips to create a high-impact resume for security officer openings:

• Use a clean, easy-to-read font and simple formatting.
• Focus on the skills, qualifications, and experiences most relevant to the position.
• Write clearly and concisely, utilizing action verbs where appropriate.
• Research and incorporate job-appropriate keywords, such as risk assessment, security management, crime prevention, and surveillance.
• Meticulously proofread for grammar mistakes and missing information.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter

Though it's rarely required, including a cover letter is always a good idea when you're applying to become a security officer. In fact, you can think of it as your introduction to the employer. Its purpose is to provide additional context with a more personal touch than would be appropriate in a resume.

In general, cover letters for security officer jobs should express your passion for security work, showcase your most valuable skills and credentials, and highlight how your experience relates to the responsibilities of the position. However, while showing enthusiasm and personality is encouraged, remember that your letter should ultimately reflect your suitability for the role. That means keeping your writing concise, professional, and error-free.

Manage and Submit Your Applications

With your resume and cover letter squared away, you're ready to create a free Monster account and start pursuing the job you've always wanted. We have a variety of features designed to make life easier for job seekers, including the ability to upload your resume, set custom job alerts, and apply to new listings with just a few clicks. We can even help you unlock new opportunities by getting your resume in front of the right recruiters.

How to Follow Up With Prospective Employers

Once you've started submitting applications to security officer jobs, it's natural to wonder what comes next. Should you follow up with prospective employers? How long should you wait? Who are you supposed to contact? With so many questions and so few answers, it can seem a little overwhelming.

To help you make sense of it all, we've developed practical guidelines.

1. Start by reviewing the job posting carefully to ensure it doesn't prohibit follow-ups.
2. If a contact is included in the listing, address your follow-up to them.
3. If not, try to find the employer's hiring manager or HR department.
4. If all else fails, contact the company directly and request to be connected to the appropriate person.

Email is the preferred method of communication in most cases, but the same basic principles apply when speaking over the phone. To follow up effectively:

• Wait at least a week after sending in your application.
• Be polite and professional but get straight to the point.
• Reiterate your enthusiasm and briefly highlight your suitability for the job.
• Conclude by asking about the next steps in the hiring process.

Interviewing Tips for Security Officer Jobs

A strong resume is essential to getting your foot in the door, but it takes more than that to start pulling in official job offers. To cement yourself as a top candidate for well-paying security officer jobs, it's time to learn the secrets to ace your next interview.

Preparing for Success

As with most things in life, the key to a successful job interview is preparation. You can give yourself a leg up on the competition by researching the employer, paying particular attention to their values, their client base, and the specific services they offer. During the interview, use this information to form your responses and ask appropriate, engaging questions when given the opportunity.

Be sure to arrive promptly at the appointed time and dress appropriately for the situation. When in doubt, err on the side of more formal and conservative clothing. Greet your interviewer with a firm handshake and don't forget to thank them for the opportunity.

Practice Makes Perfect

While it's important to be authentic and avoid sounding too rehearsed, reviewing and practicing common interview questions can help you deliver confident, informative answers. Whenever possible, your responses should incorporate specific examples and experiences. This demonstrates how you've used your skills to accomplish goals or solve problems. Some of the questions you're most likely to encounter include:

• Have you dealt with stressful or dangerous incidents in the past?
• How do you remain vigilant and attentive during long shifts?
• How would you respond to a security breach or other emergency?
• What are the most essential duties for a security officer to perform?
• What measures would you take to address an underperforming subordinate?

The Art of the Follow-Up

At the end of the interview, politely inquire about the next steps in the process. Within 24 hours, send a short, personalized email to express your gratitude and reaffirm your interest in the job. Unless you're given a specific timeline, it's usually safe to reach out again if you haven't been contacted within a week. Remember to be courteous and respectful, and don't get discouraged if you don't receive a response right away.

What To Do When You Get an Offer

It's always a great feeling when you're accepted for a new job, but don't break out the champagne just yet. You still have to make sure the offer is right for you, which can be especially tricky if you're choosing between multiple security officer positions.

Even if you're not ready to decide, it's important to respond swiftly. Contact the employer within 24 hours to acknowledge the job offer and thank them for the opportunity, but don't be afraid to request more time if you need to think things over.

In fact, you should never accept an offer until you've had a chance to thoroughly review all terms and conditions in writing. If you're unsure of any details, ask for clarification before proceeding. Finally, consider whether you may be able to secure a more attractive offer by entering into negotiations. In addition to higher pay, there are plenty of other negotiable perks that can add value or enhance your work experience.

Career Paths for Security Officers

As a security officer, you'll gain experience and skills that can help you achieve success in a variety of roles. Depending on your interests, qualifications, and education level, promising career paths to consider include law enforcement, private security, security management, and protective services.

To truly maximize your career prospects in the security sector, you may wish to pursue further training and education. Though many jobs don't require a college diploma, a degree in criminal justice is a great way to stand out from the crowd. Likewise, organizations such as ASIS International and the International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO) offer comprehensive certification courses that provide in-demand skills and look great on your resume.

Similar Occupations

The need to keep people and property safe is universal, so why limit your job search to one particular industry? If you're on the hunt for a security officer role, look at the listings for these related positions as well:

• Prison guard jobs
• Bodyguard jobs
• Transportation security officer jobs
• Loss prevention specialist jobs
• Event security jobs
• Bouncer jobs