What do we look for when hiring security guards?

Angus Gastle

When hiring security guards, we don't just look for individuals to fill a position. Beyond the basics we require—Alberta Basic Security Guard Training Course (ABST), First Aid, as well as ProTect, and ProServe certifications—we seek out dedicated individuals who are committed to providing exceptional service, and are capable of creating and repairing processes. We are honest about what the role demands to attract the right candidates. Wondering what it takes to work at XA Security? Here's what we look for when hiring:

Desire to help: What we love to do most is to be helpful and create better experiences for people. We foster a secure, yet welcoming atmosphere for your guests. We smile! Our ideal candidates are those who genuinely want to do the job, make a difference and help others.

Problem-solving abilities: Our guards are proactive problem solvers who are always prepared to respond to and handle any situation. We’re smart. And we want individuals who can think on their feet and find solutions to challenges as they arise.

Commitment to excellence: We want individuals who are eager to elevate the security industry. Are you willing to put in the effort to continuously improve and excel in your role?

Effective communication: Effective communication is crucial for ensuring smooth operations, coordinating with team members, and addressing any issues or emergencies efficiently. Our guards articulate details clearly and concisely, ensuring accurate documentation, and facilitating follow-up actions.

Patience and responsiveness: Security situations can be tense and challenging. We seek individuals who can remain patient, respond calmly, and refrain from reacting impulsively in high-pressure situations.

Professionalism and punctuality: We expect candidates to be professional in their demeanor and actions, respecting deadlines and commitments.

Attention to detail: The small things matter. We look for individuals who pay attention to the details, ensuring accuracy and quality in everything they do.

Overall, the right candidate must be vigilant, professional, a great decision-maker, and effective communicator to ensure the safety and security of people and property. We recruit individuals who align with our values and are dedicated to providing excellent service. If you're interested in joining our team, be prepared to demonstrate your dedication, professionalism, and passion.

Visit our Careers page for the latest job openings—best of luck on your application.

Read more →

What makes our guard training at XA different?

Angus Gastle

At XA, we do security differently. We are not tactical guards. We focus on de-escalation techniques, approaching every situation with openness and thoughtfulness. We also take pride in offering security guard training in Calgary and Edmonton that go above and beyond the standard. Curious about what sets our training apart from the rest? Read on. 

In-person and personalized training

Beyond the essential skills, knowledge, and certifications like First Aid, XA Training focuses on in-house, in-person training. People have different learning styles, and we believe in learning by doing. Our training involves acting out scenarios, asking questions in the moment, and diving into the nuances of our work. For every issue that needs a security response, there are ninety-nine that need a human response. And we empower our team members to actively contribute in enhancing our human-centred services.

Critical thinking and problem-solving skills

Our trainings are designed to be robust, exposing our guards to a range of real-world experiences. We focus on building critical thinking skills and honing the ability to make strategic and smart decisions. We’re selective with the courses that we deliver online, as we believe that hands-on, practical face-to-face sessions are the most effective way to convey our message and ensure understanding.

We want our guards to understand the job, be enthusiastic about it, and be fully capable. Security is not a rule-enforcing industry; it's a situation management industry. Situations are rarely black and white, and we focus on developing good decision-makers who can think critically. We prioritize making smart judgment calls and determining when to enforce rules based on the unique circumstances at hand.

Specialized and ongoing

Our training continues even after the initial onboarding and Alberta Basic Security Guard Training Course. We provide specialized training to improve our guards’ skills over time. As the industry evolves, so do we. We don’t just rely on what was done in the past. Learning from others, we lead the way, always exploring ways to raise the bar and do better.

Read more →