
Military to Civilian Resume Examples & Template for Veterans
This complete guide will show how to translate your military experience into civilian, and write a perfect resume. Use our samples and tips.
How to secure a security guard position that fits you like a uniform? Write a job-winning security guard resume. Read on, see some security guard resume examples and ace it!
"Anyone can get a security guard job"?
Nothing could be further from the truth. You need the right security guard resume skills to get that law enforcement position of your dreams. And, your security guard resume itself needs to show that you know the safety compliance standards, and can manage a variety of undesirable incidents.
How? Read our tips, see our secuiruty guard examples and prove to the security hiring manager you’re the next Mr. T.
This guide will show you:
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Sample resume made with our builder—See more resume samples here.
Considering other public safety jobs? See:
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]
Hiring managers in the security business are always busy. How do you catch their eye off the bat? Write a great resume profile for your security guard job application.
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:
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Certified and WV-registered armed security guard with 5+ years of experience in property patrol service and safety compliance during public events. In my previous position with the MSA Security at Grand Tower Offices, I cut safety incidents by 50% and ensured no material loss. Seeking to leverage my problem-solving skills and provide crime prevention practices thanks to excellent knowledge of security systems. |
Wrong |
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Armed security guard registered in WV. Knows how to resolve tense situations and conflicts. Skilled in security camera monitoring. Seeking to develop my experience at XYZ. |
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.
RIght |
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Unarmed security guard seeking to leverage customer service and patrolling skills at XYZ. Provided security service during two open-air concerts where defused a number of tense interactions of the audience members. Gained security training at a temp position at a 24-hour pharmacy store. |
Wrong |
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Hard-working candidate ready to provide security services for XYZ. Active learner eager to undergo security training at your company. Solved a number of emergency situations. |
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)
Whether you want to work as a security guard in a local store or monitor an important national event—
You need to prove you’re competent for the position. Do it with a job-winning security guard 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:
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Armed Security Guard HCL Security Services 2016-2018
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All clear. No errors to report.
This example clearly shows the candidate’s duties and accomplishments.
It also provides numbers that illustrate the achievements.
Wrong |
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Armed Security Guard HCL Security Services 2016-2018
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The above example?
It’s just a list of general duties. No resume rules infractions… but also—nothing prominent.
Right |
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Security Guard Experience 2016-2018
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Wrong |
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Experience: (no experience in security, eager to join an on-the-job training)
Bartender, May 2010-June 2011 Shop assistant, January 2009-April 2010 |
Writing a security guard resume 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 follow his lead.
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]
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 your security guard resume like this:
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Victoria High School, Chicago, IL 2009-2012
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Wrong |
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Victoria High School, Chicago, IL 2009-2012 |
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]
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:
See the examples of the most common certifications for security guards:
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.
When you’re done, our easy resume builder will score your resume and our resume checker will tell you exactly how to make it better.
Let’s face the facts. Resumes for security guards tend to repeat the same skills. 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 skills.
Security jobs require a combination of communication skills and technical abilities, and oftentimes physical fitness.
Here’s a list just for reference:
Try to choose relevant security guard skills from our list. Do it by tailoring your resume to the job ad.
Here’s how:
Then add it to your resume like this:
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Skills
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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)
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.
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)"
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:
See more cover letter templates and start writing.
Here’s a recap of the most important things to remember when writing a security guard resume:
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.
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This complete guide will show how to translate your military experience into civilian, and write a perfect resume. Use our samples and tips.
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