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While it may not seem obvious when you think of a security, customer service is one of the key aspects of the role. Whether you’re working on the doors of a new night club, working at a festival or checking bags at a large supermarket, your face is the face of your employers.

A security guard is the first and last face a customer sees when they enter an establishment. By offering a friendly face, instead of the usual stern face, can greatly enhance the reputation of your employers.

Security guards get a bad reputation from years before, so people already have a perceived idea of who you are, so don’t be that employee which gives the customer a bad impression. The key is to go above and beyond for your customers, by building a good relationship; you encourage repeat business for your employers, which they always love.

Here are our top tips for improving customer service as a security guard.

Develop Relationships with Employees and Customers

The end of your 12 hours shift is looming in the department store and just as you search for your keys to lock up, a customer rushes in with 5 minutes to spare.

Instead of giving them the cold shoulder, try to treat them as if it was 5 minutes into your shift, the customer is already likely to be stressed with closing time imminent, so great them with a smile or a nod to acknowledge their presence.

Communication Goes A Long Way

Every security operative needs to be able to communicate effectively. In fact, communication is a key aspect when an employer is looking to hire.

Be polite and respectful, even when that doesn’t go both ways sometimes. Friendliness can be conveyed, through the tone of your voice, an insightful question or even a simple and genuine smile.

If someone has a question, make sure you take the time to hear him or her out and be open-minded to what they might say.

Be aware of body language and make eye contact with them while conversing. Even little things like hand gestures can play a role in how someone will conceive how you’re communicating.

Get Personal with People

Learning the names of employees and regular customers can go a long way, even from an outside perspective.

If you’re working in an office environment, get to know the employees and if you’re on the doors of a nightclub, bar or pub, get to know the regulars. It will make those people feel special and people looking at the interaction will also want to be part of that inner circle you’ve created.

Be Ready to Help

If you see a problem, try to be the solution. If a customer looks like they’re struggling to carry their shopping, help them out.

If your job requires you to verify identification, do it respectfully and with dignity, this will also help you get to know faces in an office environment.

If you’re working overnight guarding a department store and the employee needs to get back to their car, off to walk them back to make them feel safe.

As a security officer, your main job is to help protect people, property and information. And while those roles can sometimes be difficult, always try to consider customer service as key.