How to Be Restaurant Security Guard - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 16, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The need for restaurant security guards is rapidly increasing due to the rise in criminal activity. Burglaries, robberies, fights, and other incidents are becoming more common in restaurants, leading to a need for additional protection. With the right security guard in place, restaurants can benefit from improved customer satisfaction, higher sales, and a better overall reputation.

Security guards also provide a visible deterrent to potential criminals, creating an atmosphere of safety and security that encourages customers to return. Furthermore, they can assist with crowd control, help ensure employee safety, and monitor employee activity. Overall, having a restaurant security guard can prove to be an invaluable asset to any restaurant.

Steps How to Become

Meet the Qualifications. To become a restaurant security guard, you must first meet the qualifications. This includes being at least 18 years old, having a high school diploma or equivalent, and having a valid drivers license.
Obtain a Security Guard License. To work as a security guard in a restaurant, you will need to obtain a security guard license from your state. Each state has different requirements for licensing and you will need to ensure you meet them before applying.
Get Training. Before you can become a restaurant security guard, you will need to complete training and certification. This training will cover topics such as safety protocols, customer service, conflict resolution, and other topics related to restaurant security.
Find Employment. Once you have met the qualifications and obtained your license and training, you can start looking for employment opportunities. You can search online or contact local restaurants to inquire about open positions.
Become Certified. To increase your chances of getting hired, consider becoming certified in restaurant security. This certification will show employers that you are knowledgeable and experienced in this field.
Consider Specialization. To further increase your chances of getting hired, consider specializing in a certain area of restaurant security such as loss prevention or crowd management. This will make you more attractive to potential employers.

The security of a restaurant is paramount in ensuring the safety of customers, employees, and property. As such, it is important for restaurant security guards to stay up to date and qualified. To achieve this, guards should attend regular training sessions in order to stay knowledgeable on the latest technologies and techniques.

they should continually review security policies and procedures to ensure they are being followed properly. Finally, guards should maintain their licensing and certifications to ensure they are compliant with local laws and regulations. By keeping up to date and qualified, restaurant security guards can ensure that any potential threats are addressed quickly and appropriately.

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Job Description

Monitor and patrol the restaurant premises to prevent theft, vandalism, and other criminal activity.
Ensure that guests and employees abide by restaurant rules and regulations.
Respond to emergencies and provide assistance to guests and employees.
Investigate suspicious activities and report any violations of security protocols.
Observe and report any safety hazards or irregularities.
Report any suspicious or illegal activities to the appropriate authorities.
Maintain a detailed log of all incidents and activities that occur on the premises.
Conduct regular patrols of the premises to ensure that all security protocols are being followed.
Monitor surveillance cameras and other security equipment to identify potential threats or criminal activity.
Greet visitors, verify their identity and purpose for entry, and direct them to the appropriate areas.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent interpersonal skills
Ability to observe and retain details
Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
Knowledge of basic security protocols
Familiarity with local laws and regulations
Ability to quickly assess and respond to potential threats
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time
Good physical condition and stamina
Good communication skills, both verbal and written
Proficiency in the use of security equipment
Ability to work independently without direct supervision
Willingness to work nights, weekends, and holidays
Experience with CCTV systems, alarm systems, and access control systems

Good restaurant security guards have several key skills and qualities that are essential for keeping customers and staff safe and secure. One of the most important skills a restaurant security guard needs to have is strong observation and attention to detail. They must be able to observe their surroundings and look for any suspicious activity or people that may cause trouble.

They also need to be able to recognize any signs of criminal activity or potential danger. a restaurant security guard must possess excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, in order to effectively communicate with customers and staff. They also need to be able to assess potential risks and act accordingly, such as alerting the police if necessary.

Finally, restaurant security guards must have the physical ability to protect themselves in case of an emergency, so they must possess a good level of fitness and strength. All of these skills combined make for an effective restaurant security guard that can help keep customers and staff safe.

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Frequent Interview Questions

How have you handled difficult situations with customers in the past?
What do you consider to be the most important qualities of a successful security guard?
Are you familiar with the safety regulations related to restaurants?
How do you handle potential threats or disturbances in a restaurant setting?
Have you ever had to deal with an altercation between customers or employees?
How do you handle stressful situations?
What measures do you take to ensure the safety and security of restaurant customers?
What would you do if you saw someone stealing from the restaurant?
Describe how you would handle a situation where a customer is making a scene and disrupting the restaurant environment.
What strategies do you use to build relationships with restaurant customers and staff?

Common Tools in Industry

Body Camera. A small camera worn by security guards to record activity and provide evidence in case of an incident (eg: Axon Body 2 Camera).
Walkie-Talkie. A two-way radio transceiver used to communicate with other security guards (eg: Motorola Talkabout T400).
Flashlight. A handheld light used to illuminate dark areas (eg: Streamlight ProTac HL5-X).
Baton. A metal stick used to restrain individuals or control crowds (eg: ASP Talon Baton).
Handcuffs. Restraints used to restrain individuals (eg: Peerless Handcuffs).
Pepper Spray. An aerosol spray used to disperse crowds or restrain individuals (eg: Sabre Red Pepper Spray).
Bulletproof Vest. A body armor that protects from bullets and shrapnel (eg: Second Chance Bulletproof Vest).
Surveillance System. A set of cameras and monitors used to observe activity in a given area (eg: Lorex 8 Channel Surveillance System).

Professional Organizations to Know

International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS)
National Restaurant Association (NRA)
National Association for Professional Security Services (NAPSS)
American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS)
International Security Management Association (ISMA)
International Association of Professional Security Consultants (IAPSC)
International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO)
Security Industry Association (SIA)
National Association of Chiefs of Police (NACOP)
National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA)

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Common Important Terms

CCTV Surveillance. Closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance is a monitoring system that uses video cameras to transmit a signal to a specific place, on a limited set of monitors.
Access Control. Access Control is a security system designed to regulate who or what can view or access resources within a given physical arena.
Panic Button. Panic Buttons are devices that are used to alert security personnel of an emergency situation occurring on the premises.
Guard Tour System. A guard tour system is used to track and monitor the movement of security personnel. It usually involves the use of radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags that are scanned at various locations by the guard.
Visitor Management System. A Visitor Management System (VMS) is an electronic system used to monitor and control visitor access to a building or facility.
Security System Integration. Security System Integration is the process by which multiple security systems are connected and managed together as one unified system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of a Restaurant Security Guard?

The primary role of a Restaurant Security Guard is to protect the restaurant and its customers from theft, vandalism, and other illegal activities.

What are some of the qualifications needed to be a Restaurant Security Guard?

Potential candidates for Restaurant Security Guard positions must have at least a high school diploma or GED, pass a background check, and be physically fit. Some employers may also require experience in security or law enforcement.

What are some of the duties of a Restaurant Security Guard?

Restaurant Security Guards may be responsible for patrolling the premises, monitoring surveillance footage, responding to alarms, intervening in situations where criminal activity is suspected, and ensuring that all applicable laws and regulations are being followed.

How many hours do Restaurant Security Guards typically work?

The number of hours worked by Restaurant Security Guards varies depending on the employer, but many work full-time schedules of 40 hours per week or more.

What is the average salary for a Restaurant Security Guard?

According to PayScale.com, the average salary for a Restaurant Security Guard ranges from $23,000 to $33,000 per year.

Web Resources

Online Security Guard Training- Program Overview | Penn Foster www.pennfoster.edu
Security Guard Career Pathways | Penn Foster Career School www.pennfoster.edu
Security Guard - Naugatuck Valley Community College nv.edu