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If you want to find employment as a security guard at a shopping mall, there are a few things you should know before you start sending out resumes.
As with any security guard position, you need training, physical strength, attention to detail, and a variety of other skills.
During the training period, you will find out more about the job requirements and the different responsibilities of a security guard who works at a shopping mall.
This article is meant to give you an introduction to what a typical workday will look like.
Article Table of Contents
Mall Security Guard Duties
Some of the main job responsibilities a mall security guard has to complete are:
- preventing shopliftings and other criminal activities
- maintaining order amongst the shoppers
- mediating disagreements when these situations occur
- escorting people out of the mall
- making sure that all doors and locks are secure when the mall is closed
Mall security guards are present in the mall during normal business hours but also when the mall is closed.
Earning Prospects
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage reported by security guards was $29,680 as of May 2019, which means that half of all workers in this profession earned less than this amount while half earned more.
Salaries vary depending on the place of employment and the employee’s level of experience, among other factors.
While security guards who worked for banks reportedly made $47,990 per year on average, those who worked for companies that provide investigation and security services earned around $31,350.
Your monthly salary will also be influenced by the number of shifts you cover, especially if you’re paid on an hourly wage basis.
Education Requirements
You will typically need a high school diploma or GED in order to qualify for a security guard position and taking social studies, physical education, and government regulations classes may help.
Completing a security guard training program is another requirement.
These post-secondary programs cover topics such as Laws and Liabilities, Security Guard Conduct, Arrest and Detention, Emergencies, Threats and Evacuations, and Investigations.
Screening Process
Before being formally hired as a security guard in a shopping mall you will have to pass a screening process that may include:
- criminal record checks
- submitting fingerprints
- background checks
If you have a record of a felony you will not be able to find employment as a security guard at a mall.
Pre-assignment and On-The-Job Training
Before your first shift, you will also have to complete eight hours consisting of a pre-assignment session, which will focus on providing you with an overview of what will be expected of you.
This will help your employer decide if you are the right fit for the job.
If you complete this session, you are ready to start on-the-job training.
This will teach you about trespassing laws, handling crowds, and other tasks that are specific to shopping mall guards.
In Conclusion
A job as a security guard at a mall can be quite demanding, especially during busy hours but if you have good observation skills and you enjoy working with people, this may be the ideal career for you.