The job description of any event security position is a helpful tool for a venue for both practical and legal reasons. Job descriptions are useful communication tools. Not only do they tell employees what tasks they are expected to perform but it also addresses the quality and standards that a venue or service provider expects of their employees. To get an idea of what was important in event security I researched 100 event security job descriptions worldwide. This list ranged from small to extremely large event venues in all genres from conventions to music concerts, to college and professional sporting events. Some job descriptions were from the listed venue or the event, and others were from event security providers. Note that some service providers provided services in several different venues.
Communication Skills- About 70 of the 100 job descriptions researched mentioned having good communication skills to do the job. In fact, it was the most consistent among event security jobs. Good communication skills involve your ability to take an idea or set of instructions and be able to convey them to others in a manner that is easy to understand.
These skills will enable you to give clear instructions, communicate ideas to your team or group, and keep management and other stake holders informed of any current happenings with an event or within the venue itself.
Interpersonal skills were often mentioned in the same sentence or bullet point as communication. Interpersonal skills simply refer to your ability to communicate with and interact with other people.
Reliability- Being reliable was the second most listed attribute in a job description. Do you have reliable transportation to and from the event? And of course, punctuality.
In the competitive landscape of event security, the success of the venue and the event being protected relies on the reliability and consistency of its security staff. Dependability is an extremely important attribute and plays a pivotal role in ensuring good work ethic, reliable work performance, and overall event effectiveness.
Dependability at the event directly impacts guest satisfaction and loyalty among your teammates and management. If the guests trust you as a member of the security staff it ensures that they can trust the venue and the event organizers, which in turn enhances both reputation and brand image.
Customer Service- Good customer service is the third most listed attribute in an event security job description. Customer service is the assistance an event security staff member provides to customers and guests of the event. This service is offered by attending to a customer’s needs, answering questions, displaying professionalism, and helping them buy or understand the events or venues, products, and services. Good customer service leads to happy clients and customers, which positively affects the venue’s growth.
Courtesy shows respect and politeness. It costs nothing but pays well. Respect for you and the job you are doing will follow courtesy. Even if the person reacts negatively don’t allow that to change the way you act. There is every reason to be courteous but no reason to be rude. Always treat people with courtesy and dignity.
Physical Demands of the Job- A good 70% of the job descriptions researched had a list of the physical demands for the job. It might be standing for long hours. Walking the venue grounds. Lifting a certain amount of weight. And even having adequate vision (eyesight).
I value stamina as a trait both mentally and physically. It is your ability to sustain prolonged physical or mental effort. The job of an event security professional can involve long hours, lack of food or hydration, inclement weather, and more. You might be at the entry dealing with admissions and long lines. You may be standing by a stage, a sporting area, or covering a corridor that no one seems to use or appears all but forgotten. Some days will be shorter than others and some will seem to last forever.
Getting good sleep, having a good diet, and exercising regularly will increase your stamina. If you can increase your stamina, it will help you endure discomfort or stress when you’re assigned to your post.
Physical Appearance- About one-third of the job descriptions researched mention having a good positive image and a professional appearance. This should be an expectation for most jobs but let’s discuss what this means.
Like the adage says, “You don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression.” People often form initial judgements based on appearance. A positive professional appearance can create a positive first impression. This can be crucial during professional and social interactions. A polished and professional image can enhance your credibility and make others trust you more. Your image suggests competence, reliability, and your attention to detail.
When dealing with guests and other stake holders a good image can influence their perception of the venue’s quality, values, and professionalism. It can lead to stronger relationships and repeat business.
Flexibility- Lastly, 40% of the job descriptions researched included flexibility and adaptability as a required trait. Event security is a job where no concert, convention, or sporting event are the same. Times of events change frequently. Hours may get extended. You may be asked to come in early or stay late.
Adaptability is your own ability to make changes in the environment. You could work in snowy weather (skiing competition), rainy weather (soccer game), indoors (basketball game or concert), or extremely hot weather (Racetrack).
Working a new post also requires some flexibility. People call in sick or quit and certain posts need to be covered. It’s easy to be comfortable in a familiar post but for learning it’s better to know several different posts. Be open to considering new roles and assignments. Some things are just out of your control so there is no reason to be upset about it. Adaptability and flexibility are crucial skills because change happens. Accept that change happens. It leaves room for new opportunities and assists in professional growth.
In closing, remember character is really formed by an individual’s actions. Some of these actions, bad or good, might be formed out of habit. We as individuals tend to self-regulate. To do good, you must know what good is. In the genre of event security, you will deal with a great many people all with their own personalities; some good and some bad. One concert, or event, to the next will be different as will the fans attending. If you are working at an athletic event, then you will deal with hometown fans and visiting fans rooting for the opposing team. Character is who we are and if you want to have the character of a good event security professional then you must consider your habits, actions, and emotional responses. Are you easily angered? Are you sarcastic or condescending? Are you opinionated to a fault? Perhaps these are the things you need to work on to navigate event security.
“A bend in the road is not the end of the road, unless you fail to make the turn.”
-Helen Keller-
I have had the privilege of working around the Delta Center, Utah Jazz, and the Smith Entertainment Group. I've observed, researched, and learned from a great many employees, managers, and colleagues in the event security industry. As a business owner in the security industry I have also managed and planned security operations for music festivals and conventions. The future looks bright in the event industry.
-Lee Barnard-
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