There Are Some Security Guard Jobs That You Should Try To Stay Away From

Unfortunately, some employers who hire security guards try and take advantage of them. There are shady characters in every line of work, but security guards are particularly susceptible to employer abuses or mistreatment, especially if they are seeking employment. Here are some points to consider before you take a security guard job:

1. Is the job a permanent post? Ask your employer. Many guard positions are only temporary. Sometimes the security guard company will not tell you this because they are temporarily shorthanded and need guards right away but only for a short term commitment. Either way, you should find out how long you will be working at the account as it may interfere with other aspects of your life, such a finding a better full-time position.
2. Similarly, find out if the hours you were assigned are set. Sometime schedules change at the last minute as shifts are moved around. This is particularly important if you have other aspects of your life that require your time and attention. It's always better to voice such concerns upfront.
3. What does the client expect from the security officers? Ask for your post orders as soon as arrive on the job site. Post orders are rules and regulations for you to follow. If there are no post orders, this can be a problem for you. If something happens and you are blamed for not acting the way you should, you may be held accountable. You want to find out as much as possible what is expected of you so you are prepared to deal with most situations.
4. Find out when you are to be paid. Write down the dates.
5. Make sure you are hired as an 'employee.' This means you will have to fill out a W2 form. Some security guard companies ask employees to become 'independent contractors' so that they can avoid paying taxes and other benefits. Do not allow them to get away with this. You will end up paying more taxes. (note: there are some exceptions when working at a security guard job as an independent contractor is acceptable; for instance, if it's only for a day or two and the security guard company is acting as a mere agent).
6. Find out how far the job is away from your house before you take the job. This may seem obvious, but sometimes, because officers can be desperate to find employment, they'll take practically anything only to realize the position will not work for them.
7. Find out what uniform requirements are expected. Also find out who is supposed to furnish the uniforms.

There are other issues to consider, but the above points should at least give you some measure of assurance that you know what you are getting into before you take a security guard job.
 

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 17th, 2010 at 7:14 pm and is filed under Security Guard Jobs. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.