doorman

A doorman is a staff member positioned at the entrance of a building or facility to control access, assist visitors, and provide general security. Doormen are commonly found in residential apartment buildings, hotels, office complexes, and gated communities. Their presence is intended to deter unauthorized entry, direct people efficiently, and offer customer service.

Typical duties include greeting residents and guests, verifying identification or appointment details, issuing visitor passes, managing sign-in logs, accepting deliveries, hailing taxis, and helping with luggage or packages. Doormen also monitor entrances with CCTV, operate access-control systems, and coordinate with security personnel or building management to resolve incidents or alarms. They may assist with evacuations and provide basic information about local services.

Training for doormen often covers customer service, safety and security awareness, privacy considerations, basic first aid, and de-escalation techniques. Knowledge of access-control technologies, alarm systems, and intercoms is common. Depending on the setting, a doorman may require licensing or certifications and may work within a security team or property-management staff. Good communication, reliability, and a professional appearance are emphasized.

In residential settings, a doorman may also perform light concierge duties, such as accepting packages and notifying residents of deliveries. In hotels, the role is similar to a porter: assisting guests with luggage and directions. In office or commercial buildings, duties may focus more on screening visitors and contractor access. Work often includes shift work, nights, weekends, and holidays, and roles may be unionized or contracted through security firms.

Common equipment includes a uniform and badge, a two-way radio, access-control devices, CCTV monitors, keys or key fobs, and sometimes flashlights or safety gear.