Written by Jovan Lee
All You Need to Know About Joining the Security Industry
The security industry aims to protect the places we live and work and has remained in high demand throughout the years, growing more with the recently heightened terrorism threats. As the sector has evolved to deliver integrated security solutions, the focus of security has shifted to investing in the skills of security professionals as well as innovation and technology. With this new focus, jobseekers looking for a job in the security industry must understand what is required to join the security industry.
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Certis has been recognised for their efforts in cultivating a nurturing environment for our employees with the Singapore Best Workplaces™ 2020 award, HR Asia Most Caring Companies Award 2020 award, and many more.
Be part of a supportive organisation that helps you grow in your career.
Be part of the Certis family today! Apply now!
Why join the Security industry?
Security work is often not what it seems from the outside looking in. Security professionals are highly trained individuals who are capable of performing their tasks efficiently and vigilantly.
Training certification is necessary for all security personnel, but some companies provide training for newcomers looking to join them as a security officer. This means you're free to apply for security jobs even if you aren't trained as a security professional.
In the security sector, career progression is important. As such, security professionals can expect to progress through the career path from Security Officer to Security Supervisor and even to Chief Security Officer - as long as you have the right mindset and willingness to upskill.
Furthermore, security professionals can enjoy attractive benefits such as attractive bonuses, monthly performance incentives, joining bonuses, yearly increment, group insurance coverage, and many more.
Apart from the tangible benefits of joining the security sector, many security professionals see their jobs as meaningful work.
Training certification is necessary for all security personnel, but some companies provide training for newcomers looking to join them as a security officer. This means you're free to apply for security jobs even if you aren't trained as a security professional.
In the security sector, career progression is important. As such, security professionals can expect to progress through the career path from Security Officer to Security Supervisor and even to Chief Security Officer - as long as you have the right mindset and willingness to upskill.
Furthermore, security professionals can enjoy attractive benefits such as attractive bonuses, monthly performance incentives, joining bonuses, yearly increment, group insurance coverage, and many more.
Apart from the tangible benefits of joining the security sector, many security professionals see their jobs as meaningful work.
"There's a lot of responsibility in a security job, and you are accountable for the well-being of others"
Security Officer Daniel
Read on to find out how you can do well in your job application to join the security industry.
Be prepared to undergo training
Getting a job in security requires the training and expertise to deal with threats and situations should they arise. Not everyone can fill the shoes of a security officer, and being educated with the knowledge and skills is the first step towards a job in the security sector.
In order to start your training, you'll first have to pass the screening by the police to get your security license.
Here are the criteria to be eligible for a Security Officer License or click here to view the full e-service on security licenses:
In order to start your training, you'll first have to pass the screening by the police to get your security license.
Here are the criteria to be eligible for a Security Officer License or click here to view the full e-service on security licenses:
If you're eligible for a security license, you can get yourself certified with your employers too. Untrained applicants who are new to the security industry can have their training provided for by their employers should they be selected for the job.
Typically, untrained candidates will be given additional bonuses upon completing their training and joining the company as a certified security professional.
If you would like to get your security license before applying for a job, here's how you can.
Skills Future Singapore has come up with a Skills Framework for Security, comprising of a set of courses that adequately prepare security professionals for their line of work. Certification is mandatory for all professionals and is the first step for a career in the industry.
There are more than a few ways to get a security license. The Security Industry Institute (SII) offers many courses for individuals looking to join the security sector, as well as advanced courses for security professionals looking to move up the ladder.
Typically, untrained candidates will be given additional bonuses upon completing their training and joining the company as a certified security professional.
If you would like to get your security license before applying for a job, here's how you can.
Skills Future Singapore has come up with a Skills Framework for Security, comprising of a set of courses that adequately prepare security professionals for their line of work. Certification is mandatory for all professionals and is the first step for a career in the industry.
There are more than a few ways to get a security license. The Security Industry Institute (SII) offers many courses for individuals looking to join the security sector, as well as advanced courses for security professionals looking to move up the ladder.
"Many companies are placing more emphasis on security, so security officers are also being upgraded constantly to combat larger threats. It's also important to be fit and ensure that you are disciplined and never complacent."
Security Officer Waileen
Know the career path
Security is not as one-dimensional as some of you may think. There are unique pathways that one can take in the security industry and different job scopes suitable for various skill sets. Skills Future Singapore identifies 3 different pathways: (i) Private Security, (ii) Security Consultancy, and (iii) Police Auxiliary.
Career progression in the security sector is another important aspect to take note of. The Progressive Wage Model for the security industry outlines the career path, which begins with functional or operational roles (Security Officer), before moving on to supervisory roles (Security Supervisor), and then reaching management level (Chief Security Officer).
To find out more about career pathways and the Progressive Wage Model for Security, download the Security Handbook.
To find out more about career pathways and the Progressive Wage Model for Security, download the Security Handbook.
Be able to work under pressure
Everyone in the security industry faces pressure at some point in their careers. Encounters with trespassers or eliminating unwanted behaviour at your site are examples of high-pressure situations that you might have to deal with. As a security professional, it is vital that you are able to keep a cool head, follow your training, and deal with these situations effectively.
When going for an interview for a security role, be sure to highlight your ability to work under pressure. Use examples from a previous job or other life experiences to draw comparisons to a real-life security situation.
If you feel that you are not able to work well under pressure, state your willingness to learn and improve. During your training to become a certified security professional, you will be taught to evaluate difficult situations, which will help you keep cool under pressure.
When going for an interview for a security role, be sure to highlight your ability to work under pressure. Use examples from a previous job or other life experiences to draw comparisons to a real-life security situation.
If you feel that you are not able to work well under pressure, state your willingness to learn and improve. During your training to become a certified security professional, you will be taught to evaluate difficult situations, which will help you keep cool under pressure.
Improve your English literacy skills
A large part of a security job is communicating with people. People are oftentimes, the subjects that you will be keeping safe. They can also be a large part of the situations that you have to handle.
Being proficient in the English language can help you communicate more effectively with colleagues, as well as with visitors of your site. As you'll be speaking to visitors often, having a good grasp of the language can speed up processes and eliminate any misunderstandings.
That being said, being able to speak more than one language is also a big advantage as you'll be able to understand and communicate with a more diverse group of people.
Being proficient in the English language can help you communicate more effectively with colleagues, as well as with visitors of your site. As you'll be speaking to visitors often, having a good grasp of the language can speed up processes and eliminate any misunderstandings.
That being said, being able to speak more than one language is also a big advantage as you'll be able to understand and communicate with a more diverse group of people.
"I really enjoy meeting new people who come in and out of the guardhouse, so I always try my best to give people a positive experience of dealing with security."
Senior Security Officer Johan
If you would like to improve your language skills, look for online courses that you can take (like this one from NTUC Learning Hub) or check out free educational videos on YouTube.
