Security Guard Resume & Examples of Job Descriptions

"Anyone can get a security guard job"? 

Nothing could be further from the truth. You need skills to get that law enforcement position of your dreams. And, your security guard resume needs to show that you know the safety compliance standards, and can manage a variety of undesirable incidents. 

How? Read our tips, and prove to the security hiring manager you’re the next Mr. T.

This guide will show you:

• A security guard resume example better than 9 out of 10 other resumes.
• How to write a security resume that will land you more interviews.
• Tips and examples of how to put skills and achievements on a security guard resume.
• How to describe your experience to get any job you want.

Want to save time and have your resume ready in 5 minutes? Try our resume builder. It’s fast and easy to use. Plus, you’ll get ready-made content to add with one click. See 20+ resume templates and create your resume here.

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Sample resume made with our builder—See more resume samples here.

Considering other public safety jobs? See:

• Correctional Officer Resume
• Security Officer Resume
• Police Officer Resume
• Criminal Justice Resume
• Firefighter Resume
• EMT/Paramedic Resume
• Personal Trainer Resume

Still looking for more examples? Check

• Factory Worker Resume
• Amazon Resume
• Best Resume Examples

1. What’s the Best Format for a Security Guard Resume?

Security guards monitor properties and areas and ensure there is no occurrence of suspicious activity around. Responsibilities of a security guard include inspecting access points, restraining trespassers, and responding to alarms and emergencies. A security guard resume needs to show that you’re familiar with safety compliance standards and that you’re skilled in confronting a variety of undesirable incidents.

Almost nobody writes a good security guard resume.

Why?

They tend to forget their job is not only about monitoring facilities. 

There’s much more to it.

But you need a proven template that will showcase your security skills and experience in a proper way.

So go for a reverse-chronological resume format. It puts your most recent job at the top. And it’s a classic—all hiring managers are familiar with its layout.

Next, use the best font for a resume and create big headings.

Remember to leave enough white space between resume sections. It makes things easier to read.

Finally, send your resume as a PDF file. This way you can be sure that the formatting will not get messed up.

Pro Tip: Grammar errors and typos can ruin even the best security resume. So—always proofread (or use Grammarly).

Still wondering if reverse-chronological is the best security guard resume format? See this guide: 3 Resume Formats: How to Choose the Best One [Examples]

2. Security Guard Resume Summary or Resume Objective?

Hiring managers in the security business are always busy.

How do you catch their eye off the bat?

Write a great profile for your security guard resume. 

It’s a short intro paragraph you put at the top of your resume. And usually—the first thing the recruiter spots.

It can be either a professional resume summary or an objective.

A career summary focuses on your experience and achievements.

A career objective shows your skills and explains why you want this job.

Look at the examples below to get how both work:

Armed Security Guard Resume Summary 

The right example? 

It sums up the candidate’s career history and cuts to the chase. It also mentions an actual achievement backed up with a number.

The wrong one—

No achievements. No facts. No flow.

Now, what if you want to get your first job in the security sector?

Write a security guard resume objective.

Security Guard Resume Objective

Both candidates are freshers.

However, the first one knows how to show off. They had a few security gigs and decided to make the best of it.

The second candidate—this could be any hard-working active learner.

And to land a job interview you can’t be just any candidate, you need to be the one.

Pro Tip: If you’re writing a resume for an entry-level position, keep it one-page long. Hiring managers look for relevant info. There’s no need to elaborate on unrelated jobs you had in the past.

Want more tips and actionable examples on how to write a perfect security guard resume summary or objective? See our guides: Resume Summary Examples (30+ Professional Summary Statements) and 50+ Resume Objective Examples: Career Objectives for All Jobs (+Tips)

3. How to Write a Security Guard Job Description for a Resume

Whether you want to work as a security guard in a local retail store or monitor an important national event—

You need to prove you’re competent for the position.

Do it with a job-winning resume experience section that reflects all your best accomplishments in the security industry. 

Don’t know where to start?

Look at the sample work experience sections below:

Security Guard Job Description for a Resume

All clear. No errors to report.

This example clearly shows the candidate’s duties and accomplishments.

It also provides numbers that illustrate the achievements.

The above example?

It’s just a list of general duties. No resume rules infractions… but also—nothing prominent.

Security Guard Resume Sample No Experience—Job Description

Writing a resume for a security guard with no experience?

Follow the first example. This is how to make the best of what you’ve done so far and show your transferable skills.

The second one?

Well—

That’s an inexperienced candidate with… no experience.

Don’t go this way.

Pro Tip: If you choose a security officer job as your first job, remember that in most states security guards need to be at least 18. Criminal background checks are also standard.

Want some more tips? Read our dedicated guide: How to Put Your Experience on Your Resume [+Examples]

4. Is Your Education Section Underperforming? It Might Be

Most security jobs don’t require formal education.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “security guards generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, although some jobs may not have any education requirements.”

But—

That is mostly true about the entry-level positions. To become an armed or military security guard, you need some more extensive training.

So whether you’re targeting an entry-level or senior security guard position, put your high school education on a resume like this:

Security Resume Examples—Education

See the difference? Even if you’re not a degree holder, you can still highlight your assets by listing coursework relevant to security guard jobs.

Want your resume education section stand out? See our guide: How to Put Your Education on a Resume [Tips & Examples]

5. How to List Certifications and License on a Resume

If you’re a certified security guard, you have to make your certifications prominent on your security guard resume. 

Why?

Whether or not you’re a license holder can actually determine the recruiter’s decision.

Wondering where to put your credits on a resume?

There are a few options:

• Next to your name at the top of your security officer resume. 
• At the beginning of your professional security guard resume summary.
• In a special certifications section right under the summary.

See the examples of the most common certifications for security guards:

• Security Guard Card
• Class D Security License
• Class G Security License
• First Aid
• CPR
• Crowd Control
• Access Control
• Crime Scene Conduct
• Ethics Training

Pro Tip: Some states require security guards to renew their license and certifications. To check the current status of your license and renewal requirements, register to Bureau of Security and Investigative Services.

If you’re looking for more tips on how to put certifications on a resume, see our dedicated guide: How to List Certifications on a Resume: Guide and Examples 

When making a resume in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check. Start building a professional resume template here for free.

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When you’re done, Zety’s resume builder will score your resume and tell you exactly how to make it better.

6. How to Put Skills on a Resume for Security Guard

Let’s face the facts.

Resumes for security guards tend to repeat the same things. 

Patrolling, safety compliance, attention to detail—

The skills above?

These are necessary. But everyone lists them.

To land the security guard position you’re after—you need to show more than the necessary.

Security guard jobs require a combination of communication skills and technical abilities, and oftentimes physical fitness.

Here’s a list just for reference:

Security Guard Resume Skills

• Judgment
• Critical Thinking
• Surveillance Cameras Monitoring
• Surveillance Equipment
• Criminal Justice Knowledge
• Communication
• Coordination
• Patrolling
• Detail Oriented
• Active Learning
• First Aid and CPR
• Interpersonal Skills
• Perceptiveness
• Firearms
• Self Motivated
• Decision Making
• Conflict Resolution
• Honesty
• Persuasion
• Safety Compliance
• Adaptability
• Customer Service
• Writing Reports
• Physically Fit
• Psychology
• Negotiation
• Listening
• Dependability
• Problem-Solving
• Compassion
• Driver's Licence

Try to choose relevant skills from our list. Do it by tailoring your resume to the job ad.

Here’s how:

1. Create a master list of skills that you think you have.
2. Read the job ad again.
3. Look at your list of skills and pick only those that relate to the job offer. Include them in the skills section of your resume.

Then add it to your resume like this:

Pro Tip: Include both soft and hard skills on your security guard resume. Focus on the latter more, though. They prove your law enforcement experience.

Need more tips on how to include skills in your security guard resume? Check our guide: +30 Best Examples Of What Skills To Put On A Resume (Proven Tips)

7. How to Add Other Sections for an Effective Security Resume

Contact information, summary, work history, skills, and education—all check.

These sections are more than necessary.

But you can still kick your resume up a notch with some extra resume sections.

They will show the recruiter more than just your experience.

Resumes for Security Guards—Extra Sections

• Courses
• Awards
• Additional training
• Additional activities
• Conferences
• Hobbies and interests
• Languages

Pro Tip: If you don’t have much experience in the security sector, add your volunteer gigs to a resume. 

Not sure if adding hobbies to your security resume is a good idea? Just pick those that are professional. Here’s a little help: "+20 Best Examples of Hobbies & Interests To Put on a Resume (5 Tips)"

8. How About a Cover Letter for a Security Guard?

How to secure that security guard job?

Complement your resume with a cover letter for a security guard.

It’s a common myth that nobody reads cover letters these days.

The truth: they’re still expected by around 50% of hiring managers.

So it’s worth to give it a shot.

But what should your security guard cover letter say?

For starters, address the recruiter by their name (forget the To Whom It May Concern phrase). This adds a more personal tone to your formal application.

Then, explain what you like about their company. They will learn what your motivation behind the job search is.

And describe one or two accomplishments that resonate with the job offer. Show how exactly you can help them.

Finally, end your cover letter for a security job with an offer and propose a meeting or call.

Pro Tip: After you sent your application documents, wait a bit, then follow up. Sending a thank-you note a few days after may be a real game-changer.

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:

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See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Key Takeaway

Here’s a recap of the most important things to remember when writing a security guard resume:

• Monitor the job ad closely. Then tailor your resume job description to the offer description.
• List skills for a security guard in bullet points. Mention only the relevant ones.
• Make your security guard certifications and licenses prominent. Consider putting them in an extra section of your resume.
• Back up your resume with a cover letter. It’s still expected by half of the hiring managers.

Do you have any other questions on how to write a great security resume? How did you like our security guard resume sample? Give us a shout in the comments.