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1
Choose the Best Format for a Security Officer Resume
Whether it’s a patrol job or a chief security position, in the law enforcement sector you have to follow certain procedures.
Same rule applies to your security officer resume.
You need to follow proven procedures to write a job-winning one.
For starters, stick to the best resume formatting rules.
This way you will promote your recent accomplishments and show your work history in a clear way.
So firstly, use the reverse-chronological resume layout . It presents your last job first and is Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) friendly.
Plus—
Hiring managers are familiar with this layout. So you’ll make their research task easier.
The next step?
Choose the best security officer resume template.
Use legible resume fonts , big headings, and right margins.
Finally, send your security officer resume as a PDF. It will keep the layout of the document intact.
Pro Tip: Typos and grammatical errors in your resume can be an immediate run code. So remember to proofread your resume before you send it out.
Want to make sure you write the best resume for a security officer? See our resume checklist: 46 Things You Need To Do Before You Send Your Resume
If you’re not sure the rev-chron layout is the right one for you, see this guide: 3 Resume Formats: How to Choose the Best One [Examples]
2
Add a Security Officer Resume Summary or Resume Objective
In case of emergency, you need to act in a flash. You have only a few seconds to make the right call.
And though recruiters don’t face danger when they scan resumes, they also take as much as 6 seconds to make their decision—interview or not.
But don’t worry. There are some proven ways to catch the recruiter’s eye immediately.
One of them is writing a professional profile —a short recap of your career accomplishments that goes to the top of your resume.
It can be either a resume summary or objective.
A career summary is the best choice for experienced security officers who have been on duty for 2+ years. It encapsulates all their best achievements from the previous roles.
A resume objective is better for those who only begin their career in the security sector. It focuses on skills and shows the candidate’s motivation behind the job search.
Security Officer Resume Summary Sample
right Registered security officer with 10+ years of experience in surveillance and loss and crime prevention. At XYZ Security Services, cut safety incidents by 60% thanks to best monitoring practices and excellent observation skills. Trained junior security personnel and supervised a group of five security guards.
wrong Armed security officer with 10+ years of professional experience. At XYZ Security Services, monitored properties and supervised a group of security guards. My daily duties included detecting potential danger and training new employees.
What’s the difference between the two?
In the right example, the candidate presents a quantifiable achievement. This summary is short and to the point.
The wrong example?
It only lists generic duties—nothing compelling.
Now, let’s take a look at the examples of career objectives for security officers new to the business.
Security Officer Resume Objective
right Vigilant security professional seeking to leverage the knowledge of safety protocols and analytical skills as a security officer at XYZ company. In my previous position, patrolled a property on foot and effectively handled five stressful safety disturbance cases. Trained in CCTV surveillance and a First Aid Certification holder.
wrong Observant individual highly focused on detail. Was in charge of safety compliance during open-air concerts and held temporary security guard position in a retail store. Seeking to develop my patrolling skills at XYZ position.
The key to a successful career objective? Show experience even if you’re not experienced.
The candidate from the first example has done that.
The second one? Well—that could be anyone.
Pro Tip: Use the name of the company and the position you’re targeting in your resume objective. This way, it’ll become more personalized.
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, Zety’s resume builder exactly how to make it better.
Want more tips on how to write the best resume summary and objective? See our dedicated guides: How To Write A Resume Summary: 21 Best Examples You Will See +20 Resume Objective Examples—Use Them on Your Resume (Tips)
3
Write a Security Officer Job Description for a Resume
Your security officer job description is where the action’s at.
To win the job hunt game, you can’t just list your responsibilities one by one.
You need to do it right.
So pack your resume experience section with achievements relevant to the job opening. Be specific—use numbers where possible.
Show your last or current job first. Then go back in time.
Under each position, list 4–6 bullet points describing your security officer duties and accomplishments.
See the examples below:
Security Officer Job Description for a Resume
right Security Officer
ProTect Services
May 2016–Jun 2018
Ensured safety of clients’ properties by monitoring security cameras and examining the area on day and night shift patrols. Investigated all cases of safety disturbance and answered 100% of security alarms on time. Reduced breaches by 60% as compared to the last two-year reports. Managed a group of three security guards and provided them with regular security compliance training. Defused around 20 tense interactions and never used a weapon. Provided company managers with regular safety reports.
wrong Patrolled various properties using security cameras. Prevented property breaches. Solved conflict situations. Trained other guards and supervised their work. Provided regular reports.
The difference between the two examples?
It’s all clear.
The first description—Mission Accomplished!
That’s a vivid picture of career history: includes facts, numbers, necessities.
Now, what’s not okay with the “wrong” example?
No facts. No numbers. Nothing to convince the recruiter to call the candidate.
Pro Tip: Here’s a thing to record in your logbook: always tailor your resume experience section to the job offer. Custom-make your resume, and you’ll land that job.
Writing a security officer resume with little or no experience? This article will be of help:Entry-Level Resume: Sample and Complete Guide [+20 Examples]
4
Is Your Education Section Underperforming? It Might Be
But wait a moment.
Isn’t on-the-job training enough?
It is true to some extent. Many patrol positions don’t require post-secondary education.
However, a degree in criminal justice or a chosen military field may be an excellent asset for more advanced security jobs or security supervisor vacancies.
How to show your education on a resume when you’re not a degree holder?
Include the basics:
School name and location Years in school
Then, describe them. Like, in the example below:
Security Officer Education on a Resume
right XYZ Senior High
2010–2013
Pursued an interest in law studies. Active member of the cross country triathlon team. Excelled at maths classes.
And here’s how to show your degree on a resume:
right 2013 BA in Criminology and Emergency Response Management
Colorado Technical University
4.0 GPA
It’s that simple.
Still not sure how to present your education on a resume? Check out our dedicated guide: How to Put Your Education on a Resume [Tips & Examples]
Now let’s take a closer look on how to list your certifications on a resume.
5
How to List Certifications and License on a Resume
To work as an armed security officer, you often need to get licensed . But you can’t just hide your certifications or licenses inside the block of text.
They need prominence.
So mention your licenses:
Next to your name at the top of the document In the very first line of your career summary Or, in a separate certifications section of your career history.
When listing certifications in a separate section, follow this pattern: the name of the certification, name of certifying agency, dates obtained, location.
Here’s a sample certifications section for a security officer job:
Licences and Certifications on a Security Officer Resume
right Certified Protection Officer (CPO), ASIS International, 2015, Tampa, FL The Certified Domestic Terrorism Analyst, The Florida Department of Veterans Affairs State Approving Agency, 2016, Tampa, FL CPR and First Aid Certificate, renewed in 2019
Want to become a commissioned security officer?
This will take more effort.
Beside a basic security training, you also need to complete a commissioned security officer training. It covers firearms use as well as state law regulations. Only then you can apply for a necessary license.
Pro Tip: If you want to get certified, but you don’t know where to start, take a look at this guide on professional security officer education programs .
Not happy about your security officer resume certifications section? Find out more here: How to List Certifications on a Resume: Guide (+20 Examples)
6
How to Put Skills on a Security Officer Resume
Your skills is what will convince the recruiter you can intervene in case of criminal conduct.
How to list your security officer abilities so that they reflect all aspects of your professional self?
Combine both technical abilities and soft skills .
But don’t just randomly list every skill you can think of. Tailor them to the job ad.
Here’s how:
First , create a master list of all the skills you think you have.
Then , read the job offer carefully and highlight the skills they’re looking for.
Next , choose only these skills that are relevant to the position and include them on your resume.
Need some inspiration? Take a look at the list below:
Top 30 Security Officer Resume Skills
Investigation skills Critical thinking Analytical skills Attention to detail Safety compliance Surveillance equipment knowledge Security technology Criminal justice knowledge Patrolling Communication Sense of integrity Surroundings awareness Interpersonal skills Active learning Perceptiveness Self-motivation Decision making Conflict resolution Persuasion Adaptability Customer service Reports writing Physically fit Psychology Negotiation Active listening Dependability Problem-solving Compassion Valid driver's license Firearms Restraining devices Physical strength Martial arts/Physical combat training First Aid & CPR
Pro Tip: Want to become a security officer but never worked in the industry before? Think of the skills that you can transfer from other jobs . These may be leadership or analytical thinking skills, etc.
Security officer jobs are about interacting with people so they require great communication skills. See: 20+ Effective Communication Skills for Resumes & Workplace Success
Need more tips on how to include skills in your security officer 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 Resume
Overall employment of surveillance officers is projected to grow by 6% between 2016 and 2026 , according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
But a growing demand also means a growing competition.
That’s why you need an extra line of defense to win this job hunt game.
That’s where additional resume sections come into play.
Here are other ideas for extra resume sections:
Pro Tip: 82% of hiring managers find volunteering on a resume beneficial for the candidate. So if you need backup, add voluntary gigs to your security officer resume.
Feels like you added too many extras to your security officer resume? Check out our guide and learn what’s the best resume length: Should a Resume Be One Page? How to Make It a Single Page [+Tips]
8
How About a Cover Letter for a Security Officer?
You’ve just written a topnotch security officer resume.
Is there anything else that will help you secure that law enforcement dream job?
Positive. There’s one proven way to do this—
Write a compelling security officer cover letter .
The one that will complement your resume like the best quality uniform.
Here’s how to write a job-winning security officer cover letter:
Address the hiring manager by their name. It sets a friendly tone (a To Whom It May Concern Recognize the company’s pending needs and offer your help. Elaborate on one or two best achievements and explain your motivation to work for them. Finally, propose a meeting or call to discuss how you can contribute to the company’s needs with your security officer expertise.
Pro Tip: At the end of your cover letter, add a postscript note about another relevant accomplishment. This way you will intrigue the recruiter even more.
Feeling insecure about writing a cover letter? Use our expert tips: How to Write a Cover Letter for a Resume (12+ Job-Winning Examples)
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.
See more cover letter templates and start writing.
Key Takeaway
Here’s how to write the perfect security officer resume:
Use an easy-to-follow layout for your resume. Catch the recruiter’s attention with a compelling resume objective or summary. Tailor your security officer resume to the job description. Create a list of relevant resume skills and prove them in your resume experience section. Add a separate certification section to your resume. License and certifications need to stand out as they’re crucial in the security business. Back up your resume with a compelling cover letter.
There you go! A reported success.
Do you have any questions on how to write the best resume for a security officer? Writing an entry-level security officer resume or trying to create a security supervisor job description? Let us know in the comments!
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