A door supervisor manages the flow of customers into and out of an establishment to prevent issues such as overcrowding, overcharging, or inebriated guests from causing harm to other patrons or staff members. Before you can begin working at nightclubs and bars in the country, your employer will require that you have completed sia top up training or similar courses on how to be a door supervisor.
While there are no official qualifications that are required of all door supervisors, having this specialized training can help you better understand your responsibilities as well as build the confidence necessary to do your job well.
Age
In most states, you must be at least 18 years old. However, to become a licensed security officer, you must be 21 years old or older. This is due to legal drinking age restrictions within your location.
Age requirements for becoming a door supervisor can vary by state. A good first step is to contact your local city hall and find out what’s required of anyone seeking employment as a door supervisor in your state.
Since qualifications for bouncers can also differ from region to region, it’s best to confirm those differences with contacts at city hall or law enforcement officers before applying for work with any particular establishments within your town.
Experience
The most common misconception about door supervisors is that any large, imposing person can put on a black tuxedo and make it through their first shift. However, experience is one of your greatest assets in entry-level security jobs like door supervisor.
The more time you spend inside an establishment, watching how customers interact with employees, understanding when it’s appropriate to step in and when it’s better to stay back, and learning how managers run things behind-the-scenes, will all pay off greatly during your first few shifts.
If you get hired with no experience or previous training as a security guard or bouncer at a well-known club or restaurant then be prepared to work as an entry-level employee for 6 months before ever being allowed out front by yourself.
Education
The best way to learn about being a door supervisor is by learning from a professional in the field. VET courses with Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) are designed for anyone looking to gain employment in a variety of roles, including door supervisors. An RTO-certified qualification will teach you about security systems, planning for emergencies, and conflict resolution.
The knowledge and experience you gain in these courses will make you well-prepared for your first door supervisor position. In some cases, employers may also require that you have a certificate IV or diploma in hospitality management or similar.
Experience
While there’s no set amount of time required before applying for a job as a door supervisor, many employers prefer candidates who have at least one year of relevant work experience. This can be gained through working in an entry-level role within hospitality or retail and moving up to more senior positions such as bar staff or sales assistant.
Many people choose to start their careers as door staff after completing their VET course because they have already received training on how to handle difficult situations with customers, keep their cool under pressure, and plan when things go wrong. This can help them land jobs faster than those without relevant work experience.
License
Some doormen have a Security Industry Authority (SIA) license, which is required by law. To get one, you must be over 18 years old and pass an exam covering all aspects of security work. A Criminal Records Bureau check will also be required to work in security.
If you’re working part-time while studying, you can work in door supervision with a valid part-time SIA license for up to 10 hours per week and full-time once your course has finished for two years. If it’s not related to your degree subject, then there’s no time limit on your SIA license.
Drug Test
You’ll have to pass a drug test to be eligible for most security jobs. The specifics of these requirements vary from state to state and company to company, but all applicants will undergo a urinalysis during their application process.
The same goes for fingerprints and criminal background checks they’re necessary, but no one wants to talk about them. If you fail any part of your prehire process or have legal problems, your application could be disqualified without an opportunity for appeal.
Training
Understandably, you might not have any experience in the door-supervisor role. However, you must get training for your first job to be able to stay out of trouble. Many employers will want some basic experience under your belt before they let you patrol their club or venue.
Keep an eye on job ads and see whether there are any specific qualifications listed. If you’re not sure how much experience is expected, contact companies directly and ask about training requirements. If an employer offers formal training as opposed to on-the-job learning, make sure you understand what’s included, and don’t sign up until you do!
Reference Checks
It’s not always easy working in security, but it can be rewarding. Door supervisors work closely with management and other staff, making them an important part of any organization. Before applying for a security job, research your state’s licensing requirements to make sure you are eligible.
A good rule of thumb is, if you’re asked to provide security at an event or establishment, then you will need some type of credential or license. If there is no such requirement for your state or region then check with your local law enforcement agency, they should be able to point you in the right direction based on their jurisdiction.
Conclusion
At some point, you may have considered a career as a door supervisor. Perhaps you’ve considered it after reading so many job postings online or in real life. Even if you haven’t thought about it before, we hope that reading about all of these qualifications might make you consider it. Being a door supervisor is a tough job but an important one. It can be stressful at times and require great patience.