Security Guard Resume Job Description, Skills & Example
Follow these resume examples and tips to write a great resume for a security guard position.
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What to Highlight in a Security Guard Resume
Contrary to what some may think, the most important element of being a security guard is not your physical ability but your skills in observing potential suspicious behavior, noting when it happens, and assisting others as well as law enforcement in dealing with problems. You need to highlight your ability to prevent as much damage as possible when problems occur.
Let’s explore how to make a resume that highlights your best qualities. Here’s where to start.
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The Structure of a Security Guard Resume
Your resume format will have an impact on your security guard resume structure. It’s important that you determine your resume format first: reverse-chronological format, functional format, or combination format. Because there isn’t typically much work experience required, most security guards will choose the functional format, which emphasizes skills and training. Here’s how your resume sections should look.
Contact information
The first element of your resume will be the header that includes your contact information. This is the top design element of the resume, and it typically includes your full name, your phone number, email address, and any professional links, such as your LinkedIn profile. Recruiters use the information in this section to connect with potential employees, so it is important to make sure your information here is accurate.
Resume summary or objective
Next is your resume summary or resume objective section. This is a short 2-3 sentence paragraph that highlights the most impressive elements of your resume. A summary stresses top skills and work experience, while an objective emphasizes your abilities and career goals.
Skills
Here are a few bullet points you could use to prove that you’d be a good addition to a security team:
- Handling security cameras and CCTV
- Noticing suspicious activity
- Preventing property damage
- Detaining or identifying violators
- Writing reports
- Loss prevention
- Conflict resolution
- Quick decision-making
- Problem-solving
- First Aid
The specific skills you list in your skills section will be related to what type of security guard position you’re applying for. A security guard who does loss prevention will need different skills than one who manages security cameras at a school, for example.
Work history
List all of your security-related experience in the work experience section of your resume. Because this is a field that’s fairly easy to break into, you don’t have to worry about having years of experience. However, make sure you feature job experiences that include transferable skills, such as experience in jobs that depend on stamina, fast thinking and organizational abilities (e.g., working or volunteering in a fire department).
Education
Your education section should include your highest educational credential, along with any other related training. Most security guard companies only require a high school diploma for you to be able to work as a security guard. Entry-level organizations may even provide training as a security guard when you sign on. If you have any certifications, you should add them to this section of your resume.
Do’s and Don’ts for a Security Guard Resume
- Understand the differences in security guard positions. All security guard positions are not the same, and may require different training and certifications, so read the job posting carefully before you apply.
- Look over a security guard resume example before you write your own. ResumeHelp has hundreds of resume examples available for you to use as a foundation for your own.
- Emphasize great conflict resolution skills. Ideally, you want to be able to de-escalate conflicts before they arise.
- List that you have a driver’s license, even if the job description states that you need one. The recruiter will request your driver’s license directly, meaning that listing it on your resume will just take up space better used to describe more of your skills and qualifications.
- Apply for the job before you know all the requirements. You typically have to be able to pass a background check to become a security guard, for example.
- Neglect listing education that you think “doesn’t matter” for a security guard position. No matter what your educational background is, including it shows that you care about finishing what you start.
FAQ: Security Guard Resume Examples
Have questions? We’re here to help.
Do I need to include a cover letter for a security guard application?
Yes. A cover letter can help in your job search by allowing you to further explain your strengths and why you’re a good fit for the job. Additionally, a cover letter makes it easier for you to ask for a job interview. You can find templates and more information through the cover letter builder at ResumeHelp.
How can I write a security guard resume without a lot of work experience?
The good news is that a security guard position typically doesn’t need a lot of experience. A professional resume can look just as great with absolutely no experience. To fill out your work history section, include academic experience, internship experience, and experience in other fields, including communication-heavy fields.
How do I change my security guard resume to apply to different jobs?
To discover the perfect resume for each job application, just scan the job description for resume keywords related to required skills and training. These keywords are what the hiring manager is looking for in the individual they eventually hire. If you can match these keywords with your own background and feature them throughout your resume, you can present yourself as the person they want to hire.
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