The 3 things to look for when recruiting Security Guards

Top ten lists are too long! So many factors and so many variables to consider. Are they ranked in order of importance, can some veto over others? It's all too much to consider.

At NGS, we work on the rule of three. Three levels of contingency for operatives, three levels of contact for clients, three levels of checks for health and safety. It's a rule we run with as double-checking is not enough for peace of mind, for our clients or us.

We apply this rule to our recruitment, three levels to the process, three levels to the staff induction and three things we look for when interviewing.

Below are the top three areas we look at when recruiting security guards.

1. Personality/Character

It is no mistake that this is number one. We always look for a positive can-do attitude with excellent interpersonal communication. Our operatives must be able to react to a wide range of service user needs. Not just respond in the 'correct way' but with an approach where they are happy in delivering the service to our clients.

2. Eye for detail

Identifying risks to our clients and acting appropriately is key to all security services. But more than this, we need our operatives to notice subtle details about service users. Ensuring delivery is within the service defined by our clients but also tailored to each service users needs. That skill becomes particularly essential when dealing with a user base from a range of backgrounds and with specific needs. This eye for detail also carries over to report writing and the subsequent improvement in service provision proposals we can give clients. Accurate data is essential for the client's internal data and for getting the most out of their security operatives.

3. Desire for self-improvement

We always look for a self-improvement streak in our operatives. This can be in the form of additional in-house or external training specific to the role. It could also look like an engagement outside of work in activities that are of benefit to them or others. Anything from attending art classes to charity work. That desire for improvement means that we can rest assured that there is a desire to refine both the individuals and associated processes at every level of the organisation.