How To Write a Security Guard Resume

Your resume is your gateway to a career in security. It serves as your professional introduction, presenting your educational background, skills, and work experience to potential employers. By mastering the art of How To Write a Security Guard Resume and crafting an engaging security guard resume, you will significantly enhance your chances of securing an interview and advancing to the next stage of the hiring process.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll define what a security guard resume entails, outline crucial elements to incorporate, walk you through the steps of resume creation, and provide important keywords to serve as valuable highlights as you embark on your journey to draft your own.

What Is a Security Guard Resume?

A security guard's resume is a comprehensive document that tells people about your qualifications and work history.

It's usually the first thing that employers read when you apply for a job.

Since employers look at many resumes, it's crucial to make yours interesting and attention-grabbing to stand out.

How to Write a Security Guard Resume

Whether you work as a static or patrol security guard, follow these steps to build your resume:

Pick a Resume Type

Chronological Resume:

These focus on your work history, listing your most recent jobs first. Opt for this if you have consistent security guard experience.

Functional Resume:

These highlight your skills and place your skills section above your work experience. Use this if you're new to security or returning to work after a break.

You can also use a combination resume, which emphasizes both your work history and skills, allowing you to choose which section comes first. This is useful if you have only a few gaps in your work history.

Write Your  Contact Information

Begin your security guard resume with your contact information at the top. Include your full name, phone number, email address, and, if you prefer, your LinkedIn profile.

Make sure your contact information is accurate and professional.

Key Skills and Qualifications

In this section, emphasize the skills and qualifications that make you an ideal candidate for the security guard role.

Key skills and qualifications to include in your security guard resume are:

Security Training:

Mention any formal security training you've completed, such as security guard certification or courses in emergency response.

Physical Fitness:

Highlight your physical fitness and ability to handle physically demanding tasks, as security guards may need to patrol on foot for extended periods.

Surveillance Skills:

Showcase your ability to monitor surveillance equipment and assess security footage effectively.

Crisis Management:

Discuss your capability to remain calm under pressure and handle emergency situations efficiently.

Communication:

Emphasize strong verbal and written communication skills, as security guards often need to interact with colleagues and report incidents.

Conflict Resolution:

Mention your ability to de-escalate conflicts and resolve disputes in a non-violent manner.

Describe Your Academic Background

Present your academic journey, beginning with the most recent qualifications, showcasing the schools you attended, degrees earned, and respective timeframes, along with notable activities and achievements.

Include Your Licenses, Training and Certifications

When applying for specific security guard roles, it's essential to showcase your required certifications, training, and licenses in your security guard resume.

These credentials not only validate your qualifications but also emphasize your commitment to the job.

Be sure to include the names of the courses, issuing organizations, and completion dates.

Notable certifications like Conflict Resolution and First Aid/CPR should feature prominently in your resume.

Additionally, if the position involves firearm usage, highlighting any relevant licenses or training, such as the Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL), Restricted Possession and Acquisition Licence (RPAL), Canadian Firearms Safety Course, or the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course can significantly enhance your appeal to potential employers.

Additional Relevant Information

Your security guard resume extends beyond your qualifications and work history. Adding relevant details can make your application more compelling.

Consider sharing interests and hobbies that align with the security field, showcasing your genuine passion.

Highlight any volunteer experiences, especially those involving crowd control or safety management, as they demonstrate your effectiveness in security-related tasks.

Additionally, include pertinent information like language skills, familiarity with security software, or memberships in security organizations to present a well-rounded and committed candidate.

By incorporating these elements, you'll create an application that stands out and reflects your readiness to excel as a security guard.

Cover Letter

Crafting an effective cover letter for your security guard resume is crucial in the competitive job market.

Start with a personalized introduction that expresses your enthusiasm for the position and a clear connection to how you found out about it.

In the body, use specific examples to demonstrate your relevant skills and experiences, emphasizing your dedication to safety and security.

Highlight any specialized certifications or training you possess, showcasing your commitment to the role.

In the closing, request an opportunity for further discussion and thank the employer for considering your application.

Ensure a professional finish with a signature and meticulous proofreading, customizing each cover letter to the specific job application to make a lasting impression on potential employers.

Top 10 Skills to Incorporate Into Your Security Guard Resume

Surveillance

Security personnel must possess strong observation and monitoring skills as they play a pivotal role in overseeing and safeguarding properties against unauthorized activities like theft, vandalism, and potential hazards.

Proficiency in these skills is essential for identifying unusual conduct or disruptions that could jeopardize the safety of the property and its occupants.

Incorporating observation and monitoring abilities into a resume objective signals to prospective employers that the applicant is adept at vigilantly assessing their surroundings and responding appropriately as needed.

Conflict Resolution

Security personnel frequently find themselves in scenarios where conflicts might emerge, ranging from interpersonal disputes to potential security risks.

The capacity to address these conflicts calmly and proficiently holds paramount importance in upholding safety and order.

This aptitude showcases the guard's competence in managing high-pressure situations, making judicious choices, and defusing potentially hazardous incidents.

Highlighting this skill in your security guard resume underscores the candidate's aptitude for executing their responsibilities with efficiency and effectiveness.

Communication

You'll need strong communication skills to convey essential information effectively, whether it's sharing security protocols, interacting with colleagues, or documenting incidents accurately.

Clear verbal and written communication is vital for working in teams, creating comprehensible incident reports, and de-escalating potentially confrontational situations.

Additionally, during emergencies, your ability to communicate evacuation instructions and safety protocols can be crucial.

Demonstrating strong communication skills in your resume objective showcases your capacity to maintain order, safety, and professionalism.

Any customer service skills and experience should be highlighted as well.

Physical Fitness

Highlight your physical readiness to excel in demanding tasks such as patrolling, standing for extended periods, and responding swiftly to security breaches.

A strong emphasis on physical fitness underscores your capacity to remain alert and agile during prolonged shifts, effectively address conflicts or emergencies, and maintain a professional image that instils confidence.

It signifies your preparedness to meet the rigorous physical requirements of the role

Emergency Response

Showcase your specialized training and expertise in responding effectively to a wide range of emergency situations, encompassing fires, medical crises, and security breaches.

Your ability to calmly and decisively handle these critical scenarios not only ensures the safety of individuals but also safeguards valuable assets.

Demonstrating your competence in emergency response illustrates your capability to act swiftly and effectively under pressure, making you an indispensable asset in maintaining security and minimizing risks.

Attention to Detail

Illustrate your meticulous attention to detail, a vital skill for identifying and mitigating security risks effectively, as well as ensuring strict adherence to all security protocols.

Your ability to notice even the smallest irregularities can be the key to preventing security breaches and maintaining a safe environment.

Moreover, this skill extends to accurate record-keeping and incident documentation, which are essential for thorough investigations and legal compliance.

Access Control

A security guard must be skilled in access control to efficiently handle entry and exit points in a specific area.

This ability is essential for stopping unauthorized access, safeguarding property, keeping things orderly, and ensuring the safety of everyone inside.

When you mention this skill in your security guard resume, it tells potential employers that you're capable of effectively managing security measures and rules.

Report Writing

Security guards often need to write down what they see and do during their shifts. This encompasses the creation of comprehensive reports intended for review by management or law enforcement authorities.

Consequently, possessing strong report-writing skills becomes imperative, as it shows the ability to express important information clearly and professionally.

These skills also underscore an individual's keen attention to detail and their proficiency in accurately recalling and recording events—an indispensable quality for a security guard.

Incorporating this expertise into your security guard resume can accentuate an applicant's adeptness in handling critical communication duties integral to the role.

First Aid/CPR Certification

First aid and CPR skills are crucial for security guards because they are often the first responders in accidents or health emergencies.

With these skills, they can provide immediate assistance before medical professionals arrive, potentially saving lives.

This capability not only enhances their capacity to protect and ensure safety but also showcases their readiness to handle emergency situations effectively.

Note: If you have Narcan training (for opioid overdoses) this is a great place to add that information to your security guard resume.

Knowledge of Security Systems and Technology

Emphasize your proficiency in security equipment, including surveillance cameras, alarms, access control systems, and emerging security technologies.

Your ability to not only operate but also troubleshoot and maintain these systems effectively is pivotal in ensuring the safety and security of the premises.

Demonstrating your expertise in the latest security technologies and trends not only enhances your capacity to safeguard against evolving threats but also underscores your commitment to staying at the forefront of security practices.

Using the Right Words on Your Security Guard Resume

In the competitive job market, your security guard resume is your first opportunity to make a lasting impression on potential employers.

One of the often overlooked aspects of resume writing is the choice of words used to describe your experiences and achievements.

While it may seem subtle, using precise and powerful words can significantly impact how your qualifications are perceived.

Here are ten impactful words to consider incorporating into your security guard resume:

Secured:

Secured facilities: Describe your commitment to safety by saying you “secured facilities” instead of “protected” or “guarded” them.

Verified:

Verified identification: Instead of merely “checking” identification, showcase your commitment to security by stating that you “verified identification” instead of “checked” or “confirmed” it.

Surveilled:

Surveilled premises: Highlight your monitoring skills by stating that you “surveilled premises” rather than simply “watched” or “monitored” them.

Enforced:

Enforced security protocols: Emphasize your authority and responsibility by noting that you “enforced security protocols” instead of “implemented” or “carried out” them.

Detected:

Detected suspicious activity: Showcase your keen observation skills with “detected suspicious activity” instead of just “saw” or “noticed” it.

Prevented:

Prevented security breaches: Highlight your proactive approach by mentioning how you “prevented security breaches” instead of “stopped” or “averted” them.

Responded:

Responded swiftly to incidents: Demonstrate your readiness by stating that you “responded swiftly to incidents” instead of “reacted” or “acted.”

Escorted:

Escorted personnel: Show your dedication to safety by explaining how you “escorted personnel” instead of “accompanied” or “guided” them.

Collaborated:

Collaborated with law enforcement: Showcase your teamwork by mentioning how you “collaborated with law enforcement” instead of “worked together” or “cooperated”.

Maintained:

Maintained a secure environment: Stress your commitment to order and discipline by explaining how you “maintained a secure environment” instead of “kept” or “preserved” it.

These changes will help make your security guard resume more impactful and convey your qualifications more effectively.

Final Points

Remember to tailor your security guard resume to the specific position you're applying for and use concrete examples from your experience to illustrate how you've demonstrated these skills in real-world situations.

By doing so, you'll increase your chances of landing the security guard position you desire and making a meaningful contribution to the safety and security of your community.

Read our guide on how to succeed on your first day on the job.

Last Updated on Jul 5, 2024