Career Development

What Does a Doorman Do?

Find out what a doorman does, how to get this job, and what it takes to succeed as a doorman.

Doormen are the people who greet you when you enter a building. They’re often the face of the business or organization that owns the property, and they play an important role in ensuring the safety of everyone who visits. Doormen may also be responsible for checking identification to ensure that only authorized individuals can access certain areas of the building.

Doorman Job Duties

Doormen typically have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

  • Ensure that residents’ needs are met such as responding to requests for deliveries or repair services
  • Directing visitors to appropriate destinations within the building or complex, such as front desks or concierge desks
  • Interacting with residents and guests, answering questions about building rules and regulations, and handling emergencies such as fires or medical calls
  • Inspecting packages for dangerous materials and checking IDs for age requirements
  • Operating security equipment such as closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras and intercom systems
  • Conducting security checks of vehicles entering the complex, including requesting identification from drivers and inspecting vehicles for signs of damage or hidden storage compartments
  • Providing security at building entrances by checking IDs and permits of all individuals entering the building
  • Maintaining order in the building by enforcing rules and regulations regarding noise levels, pets, unruly behavior, and other infractions
  • Providing concierge services to residents, such as arranging reservations at restaurants or entertainment venues

Doorman Salary & Outlook

Doormen’s salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the company they work for. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of tips.

  • Median Annual Salary: $38,000 ($18.27/hour)
  • Top 10% Annual Salary: $86,500 ($41.59/hour)

The employment of doormen is expected to grow faster than average over the next decade.

Demand for doormen is expected to increase as more people move into new apartment buildings and condominiums. As these developments are built, there will be a need for doormen to control access to the buildings and ensure the safety of residents and visitors.

Related: Doorman Interview Questions and Answers

Doorman Job Requirements

The following are some of the requirements for becoming a doorman:

Education: Doormen are typically required to have at least a high school diploma or GED. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed a post-secondary program in security or law enforcement. These programs teach doormen about the laws and regulations they must enforce, how to handle different situations and how to handle weapons and firearms.

Training & Experience: Doormen typically receive on-the-job training from their employers. This training may include instruction on the building’s policies and procedures, how to operate the building’s security systems and how to interact with residents and guests. Doormen who work in high-security areas may also receive instruction on how to handle threats and emergencies.

Certifications & Licenses: Doormen must be licensed to work in the public sector. To earn this license, they must pass the Basic Life Support Certification exam, which tests their knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillation. They must also pass the National Certification Examination for Doormen to earn their license.

Doorman Skills

Doormen need the following skills in order to be successful:

Customer service: Customer service is the ability to interact with customers in a friendly and helpful manner. Doormen often interact with customers on a daily basis, so it’s important that they know how to provide excellent customer service. This includes greeting customers, answering questions, directing customers to the correct location and resolving customer issues.

Security: Doormen should have a basic understanding of security practices and procedures. They should know how to identify suspicious individuals and situations, and they should be able to take action to ensure the safety of the building and its residents. They should also be familiar with the building’s security system and how to operate it.

Communication: Doormen should be able to communicate with residents, guests and other staff members. They should be able to answer questions and relay messages to other staff members. They should also be able to communicate with residents and guests in a way that is friendly and helpful.

Problem-solving: Doormen often encounter situations that require them to think critically and solve problems. For example, if a guest is locked out of their room, the doorman may need to find a way to get them back inside. This may involve finding the right person to contact to get a spare key or finding a way to break into the room. Doormen who are good at problem-solving can handle these situations quickly and efficiently.

Physical fitness: Doormen often have physically demanding jobs that require them to be in good physical shape. They often have to stand for long periods of time, walk long distances and lift heavy objects. Being physically fit can help doormen perform their job duties safely and efficiently.

Doorman Work Environment

The work environment for a doorman is usually an apartment building, office building, or hotel. They typically work long hours, often including weekends and holidays. The job can be physically demanding, as doormen are required to stand for long periods of time and may be required to lift heavy objects. They also must be able to deal with difficult people, as they are often the first point of contact for residents, guests, and delivery people. Doormen must be able to remain calm and professional in all situations.

Doorman Trends

Here are three trends influencing how doormen work. Doormen will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Rise of the Concierge Economy

The concierge economy is a growing trend that is seeing businesses move towards a model where customers are provided with an exceptional customer experience. This can include things like door-to-door delivery, personalization, and more.

Doormen can play a key role in this trend by providing excellent customer service and helping customers feel welcome and appreciated. They can also help businesses create a positive image and build trust with their customers.

More Focus on Security

As the world becomes increasingly dangerous, businesses are placing a greater emphasis on security. This means that doormen will need to be well-versed in security measures and how to keep employees and customers safe.

Doormen can utilize this trend by becoming experts in security measures and procedures. They can also work with management to develop plans for emergencies and other situations where security is important. In addition, doormen can focus on building relationships with employees and customers so that they feel comfortable coming to them with any concerns or questions.

Greater Use of Technology

Technology is playing an ever-increasing role in the workplace, and this is especially true for doormen. As technology advances, doormen will need to learn how to use it to their advantage.

For example, many businesses are now using electronic locks that allow doormen to open the door without having to physically check who is outside. This allows doormen to spend more time interacting with customers and less time opening doors.

How to Become a Doorman

Doorman jobs can be a great way to get started in the security industry. They offer a chance to learn about different aspects of the business and meet people from all walks of life. Doormen are often the first point of contact for customers, so they need to be friendly and welcoming. They also need to be able to handle difficult situations calmly and professionally.

Doorman training programs can help you develop these skills. They typically last between six months and one year and include classroom instruction and on-the-job training. You’ll also learn about building security systems, fire safety procedures, and customer service best practices.

Advancement Prospects

Doormen can advance in their careers by becoming supervisors or managers of other doormen. They may also move into other positions in the hospitality industry, such as concierge or hotel manager. With experience, some doormen may open their own businesses providing security or concierge services.

Doorman Job Description Example

As the first and last point of contact for visitors, guests, and tenants, doormen play a key role in the overall experience at [CompanyX]. We are looking for a professional, customer-service oriented individual to join our team as a doorman. The ideal candidate will have prior experience working in a customer-service capacity and be able to maintain a calm and friendly demeanor at all times. He or she will be responsible for greeting visitors, guests, and tenants, as well as providing assistance as needed. Additionally, the doorman will be responsible for monitoring the building entrance and exit, and keeping track of who is coming and going.

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Greet and welcome guests in a warm, professional, and friendly manner
  • Verify guest identity and issue appropriate access credentials
  • Monitor and authorize entrance and departure of employees, visitors, and other persons to maintain security of premises
  • Inspect bags and parcels to ensure no prohibited items are brought into the building
  • Direct visitors to appropriate destination and provide general information about the property and local area
  • Assist with set up and break down of events as needed
  • Patrol assigned areas on foot or by vehicle to maintain order and protect property
  • Respond to alarms and investigate disturbances
  • Prepare incident reports as necessary
  • Enforce rules and regulations of the property to ensure safety and security of all occupants
  • Provide assistance to tenants, guests, and employees as needed
  • Maintain cleanliness and orderliness of lobby and common areas

Required Skills and Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • At least 21 years of age
  • Proven customer service experience
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time and lift up to 50 pounds
  • Flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

  • Associate’s degree or higher
  • Previous doorman or security experience
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish)
  • First Aid and CPR certification

Previous

What Does a Clinical Specialist Do?

Back to Career Development
Next

What Does a Marketing Technology Specialist Do?