It isn’t hard to become a parking garage security watchmen and the certification doesn’t take years of formal education. This allows you to mentally and physically prepare for the job and explore the work. Find out if there are any local parking garage security guards you can talk to and ask them questions about their job. This is one of the best ways to feel out what kind of work you’ll be doing and whether you’ll enjoy it. It is rare to find someone who has chosen this line of work as their career, but it is possible. If you are looking for a part time job or professional career this is great for both. Most positions are part time but there are possibilities for promotions and creating a full time career of it.
Most people don’t associate a security job with helping people directly, and their incidents don’t usually make headline news. Most of the gratification from this job is internal; knowing that you are making your local community and its residents safer is a very noble line of work. Once you find a position and place you enjoy working in you should make sure that you are expanding and fulfilling that position to the maximum. Integrity and honesty is essential in this line of work.
Although you don’t carry a badge and get to arrest people you will work, in some cases, closely with law enforcement. Some of those incidences may include testifying in court, holding a criminal or aiding in an investigation. It’s important to know the boundaries and limits you have legally so you can handle a situation correctly. Overstepping your authority can result in losing your job and permanent suspension.
Most of the job locations are urban populated cities and you will be working in the downtown areas. It’s near impossible to find a security job that is located in rural areas because of the nature of the work. Things like this are all important to take into account when choosing a career. Make sure that the working environment and conditions don’t affect your job performance.
The requirements for a position like this are minimal. You must be 18 years of age or older and most positions will require a drivers license. Certifications can often times be obtained online but must be state certified once received. Every state’s certification varies somewhat and you’ll need to make sure that your certification is sufficient. If the position requires any kind of extra responsibilities or task you’ll need to make sure you are qualified. If ever you feel unqualified or inadequate to perform the job requirements don’t be afraid to say so. There are lots of training opportunities and help available. Asking questions is one of the most important things to do when it comes to the work field. You can learn and grow most if you are questioning and thinking. Seek out learning opportunities and don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know.
Every individual security company will have their own set of physical security policies. Make sure you know what they are and abide strictly to them. It is very possible you’ll encounter situations you never thought of. The typical loitering, break-ins and illegal activity is probably the norm. However, minor car accidents, medical emergencies and general information are frequently things parking garage security guards have to deal with. It’s unlikely you’ll have to have any basic medical training but basic CPR training and emergency medicine procedures are all good things to have.
Patience is a big part of this job field and is crucial to making this kind of job a career. Dealing with the public and people who are not abiding by the law generally takes a lot of patience; maintaining that patience and a professional manner during these situations will be the determining factor between a good security guard and a poor one.
