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The role of psychometric testing in the recruitment of security guards.

The recent spate of negative press reports concerning the South African guarding industry has highlighted the importance of effective and efficient recruiting procedures within the security industry.

Security guarding is a demanding industry requiring a certain type of personality and candidates need specific attributes in order to be proficient security guards. Basic requirements include discipline, dedication and a desire to protect and serve your fellow citizens. However factors such as integrity, which is a vital ingredient in a security guard's make up, are at times very hard to detect through face-to-face interviews alone.

When recruiting for higher grade guards and supervisory positions, Sentry Security Guarding has found psychometric testing invaluable.

"When it comes to a supervisory level we recruit our guards specifically for a particular job. Psychometric tests are often seen in a negative light however psychometric tests are the best way to ensure that the correct individual is matched up with a particular position.

"When we are recruiting for a particular position we need to make sure that there is a good 'fit' between the personality of the candidate and the specific corporate environment they are going to work in. Psychoanalytic testing helps ensure a win-win situation for both the candidate and the client. If the candidate is not suited to that particular environment they will be unhappy and be unable to perform effectively thereby making the client unhappy. An individual working in an environment that is a good match for their personality makes a far better employee," explains Roger Deats, Sentry Security Guarding human resources manager

The psychometric tests, once completed, are evaluated by an external independent clinical psychologist.

Psychometric tests are used to establish, amongst other attributes, the way in which they handle both being in a position of authority and having a person in authority over them and whether candidates have the tenacity to follow through with tasks.

"Guarding is a service industry and like any other service business we are only as good as the people we employ. In addition to using psychometric testing on higher grades, all our candidates are thoroughly reference checked by Sentry Security Guarding prior to employment. Security checks are also done with the Security Officers Board, including checking for criminal records. Once employed all guards undergo on-the-job training in addition to their industry training which stands them in good stead to deal with the increasing sophistication of the criminal element," says Pieter du Toit, CEO of Sentry Security Guarding.

"The assessment of personality can never be an exact science, nevertheless using psychometric testing makes the Sentry Security Guarding selection process more objective and reliable. In addition the cost of training is such that we need to ensure our recruitment procedures are effective and efficient. It is important to us that our staff are happy in their positions and psychometric testing helps ensure this," says du Toit.

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