How to Get a Security Guard Job: What You Need to Know After Getting Your Security Licence

Welcome to Ontario Security Hub’s post license guide! This comprehensive guide is tailored for individuals who have recently acquired their Security Guard License and are eager to embark on their security guard journey.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the key aspects of your post-licensing experience, including the security guard job search, the interview process, post-hiring steps, and the exciting career opportunities that await you in the security industry. So, let’s dive right in, starting with the crucial step: Finding the Right Security Guard Company

Finding the Right Security Guard Company

Once you’ve obtained your security guard license, your initial concern is likely, “How do I find security guard companies, and what is the best way to apply to them?” These are common questions that newcomers to the industry often grapple with, and we’re here to provide the answers.

The best way to discover security guard companies in your area is by conducting a simple search on platforms like Canada’s Job Bank or Indeed. You can also apply directly on the security company’s website. You may need to make an account and fill out your past employment history and profile. For smaller companies you would email your resume directly to HR or their general email address. A lot of times, job applications from multiple sources are all sent to the recruiters in one place. Once you’ve identified a company that aligns with your career aspirations, it’s time to delve into research. We’ve previously published a blog post titled “Choosing the Right Security Guard Company to Build Your Career in Ontario” which offers valuable insights into conducting research on potential employers.

With a verified company in mind, the next step is to submit your application. Drawing on our industry experience, we can tell you that applying directly to licensed security guard companies online is the most effective way to get noticed and secure an interview. It’s worth addressing a common misconception here – while applying in-person used to be the norm, technological advancements have shifted the preference towards online applications. In fact, many security companies explicitly encourage online applications because they often use automated screening systems to sift through resumes. To ensure your resume passes these automated screenings, we recommend reading Indeed’s blog on “18 Tips to Pass Automated Screening Resume Software.” Having an optimized resume can make all the difference in getting noticed.

Securing an interview is often the most challenging part of the process. Therefore, having an optimized resume is your first step towards achieving success in The Interview Process.

The Interview Process

The interview process typically unfolds in several stages, including phone screen, a face to face interview, testing, and pre-deployment training.

Phone Screen: This stage usually involves a brief 10-15 minute phone call where the employer will discuss your resume, inquire about your interest in the position, and assess your communication skills. If you pass this stage, they will schedule a full interview with you.

Face to Face Interview: The full interview, which lasts approximately 30 minutes, encompasses a discussion of your work and educational history, followed by security and first-aid scenario questions. These scenarios often mirror questions from the Ministry Exam or the First-Aid test that you’ve already passed as part of your licensing process.

For instance, you might be asked how you’d handle a loiterer in a property you’re patrolling or how you’d respond to someone in need of medical assistance. Passing these scenario questions demonstrates your readiness for the role. Additionally, some positions, particularly those at specialized sites like hospitals or airports, may require a written test, assessing spelling, language comprehension, and cognitive skills.

Pre-Deployment Training: After successfully navigating the interview and any required testing, you’ll move on to pre-deployment training, which typically lasts 1-2 weeks. This training combines online and in-person elements, mirroring the format you encountered in our Security Guard Training Course.

During this phase, you’ll spend time in a classroom setting learning about your new company, standard operating procedures, and your specific role as a Security Guard. Following the classroom training, you’ll likely receive field experience alongside an experienced guard or trainer. This hands-on experience allows you to apply your knowledge and ask questions, ensuring you’re fully prepared for your new role. Once your trainer approves your readiness, you’re set to begin your career in the security industry.

Future Opportunities in the Security Industry

The world of security is brimming with opportunities for career advancement and personal growth. Experienced security guards can aspire to move into roles in Security Management or Law Enforcement. Climbing the ranks from a guard to a supervisor can eventually lead to high-ranking positions as a Security Manager.

However, if management isn’t your calling, you might consider pursuing a career in Law Enforcement. Roles such as Border Services, Correctional Officers, Screening Officers, and Municipal Law Enforcement or Bylaw Officers often have their roots in a security guard career. These paths allow you to contribute meaningfully to your community while gaining invaluable law enforcement experience.

To explore these career progression options in more depth, check out our comprehensive blog post on Moving Up in the Security Industry.

In conclusion, we hope this Post Security Guard License Guide has provided you with valuable insights into what to expect after obtaining your Ontario Security Guard License. By visualizing the post-license process, from initial contact to pre-deployment training, you can ease any anxiety or uncertainty you may have about your journey. We look forward to welcoming you soon as a skilled and dedicated Security Professional.

If you’re not yet a Licenced Security Guard in Ontario but are eligible to work in Canada, you can kickstart your training by creating an account on our website. We are a licensed security guard training organization in Ontario, a status you can verify directly on the Ministry’s website.

Start your journey toward an exciting and rewarding career in the security industry today!