A perfect resume with proper keywords, structure, and right resume format can help you crack the code of the Application Tracking System and get selected for a job interview.
According to the BLS,
- Annually, about 151,700 openings are projected for security guards and surveillance officers over the decade, mainly due to workforce turnover and retirements.
- The median annual wage for security guards was $ 40,440 in May 2023.
As a security guard, projecting your skills, experience, and qualifications to hiring managers is extremely important. This detailed guide is compiled by our team of professional resume writers based on security industry standards.
If you are looking for some help crafting an ATS-friendly Security Guard Resume, you can use our Resume Builder a write a standout security guard resume.
Let’s understand what, when, and where of resumes and create a standout Security Guard Resume for you.
This security guard resume sample has been crafted by hiring experts after studying hundreds of resumes to help you secure a job as a security guard.
How to make a Security Guard Resume
A security guard maintains safety and protect assets. To secure a job, you must create a strong resume that highlights your relevant skills and abilities for the same.
You must follow these general guidelines while writing your Security Guard Resume:
- Tailor the resume to specific job description.
- Take the time to read the job description thoroughly and include keywords that match your experience.
- Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in security, including specific skills such as surveillance, patrol, incident reporting, and emergency response.
- Include certifications or training in the security field like CPR, first aid, or safety training.
- The resume should be concise and easy to read and use bullet points.
- Display a clear and professional summary at the top of your resume.
Tips to create an ATS-friendly Security Guard Resume:
- Include information about your experience in safeguarding individuals and assets.
- Showcase your duties and responsibilities in the field of security.
- Make sure to highlight your capability in managing and resolving tense situations.
- Emphasize your strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Mention hands-on experience with security technology like surveillance cameras or access control systems, if any.
- Pinpoint your adaptability to work various shifts and availability to be on-call in an emergency.
- Strengthen your resume by including specific incidents where you have demonstrated good judgment and appropriate action in the past.
Which Layout, Format, and Structure Is Best For Security Guard Resume?
For the security guard resume, an effective resume should feature a neat, legible format that showcases relevant experience and skills. To optimize the layout:
- Organize information using clear headings and bullet points.
- Select a readable font, such as Arial or Calibri, in size 10-12 points.
- Keep the resume concise by limiting it to one or two pages.
- Emphasize recent experience and relevant skills, prioritizing them at the top of the resume.
Security Guard Resumes: Chronological Format is Your Best Friend
When crafting your security guard resume, structure is key. Here's why the chronological format is your best bet:
- Work Experience Takes Center Stage: A chronological resume prioritizes your work history, showcasing your career progression in security.
- Reverse Order for Impact: List your jobs starting with the most recent. This gives a clear picture of your experience and growth.
Fresh Graduates: Exceptions Apply
New to the security field? A functional resume might be a better fit. It highlights your skills and accomplishments, not work history.
But be cautious! Security guard roles heavily rely on experience and a proven track record.
Mixing it Up: The Mixed Resume
The mixed format blends elements of both chronological and functional styles. It allows you to showcase both work history and relevant skills.
This can be useful for:
- Security guards with limited experience.
- Those transitioning from other fields with transferable skills.
However, for most security guards, the chronological format remains the champion!
Title and Contact Information | First Part of Your Resume
In this section write your full name, the job title as "Security Guard”, telephone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile.
Good Example of Header SectionIwan George
Security Guard
+1 315 215 3150
iwangeorge@example.comwww.linkedin.com/iwangeorge
Bad example of Header SectionJ.D.
555-555-5555
The header in the above good example showcases the candidate's full name and job title clearly and professionally, and their contact information is presented professionally.
On the other hand, in the header in the bad example, the candidate's full name is abbreviated, has no job title, and has an improperly formatted phone number. Contact details are also missing. No email address or LinkedIn profile is given.
Including a photo on a security guard’s resume is not a common practice and is generally discouraged.
The focus should be on your qualifications, experience, and skills, rather than appearance, as this can lead to potential issues of discrimination and bias, which many organizations and companies have policies against.
Therefore, it's advisable to avoid including a photo on a resume for a security guard position and instead emphasize the candidate's relevant abilities and qualifications.
How to Write an Effective Professional Summary?
The professional summary is a vital component of a resume as it summarizes the candidate's background, skills, and qualifications. By seeing this section, the hiring manager can have quick overview of the your capabilities and also the suitability for the position.
You must follow these guidelines to write a professional summary as a security guard:
- Begin with a statement highlighting your current job title and years of experience in the security field.
- Include important skills, such as physical fitness, attention to detail, and effective communication.
- Mention any relevant certifications or licenses you possess.
- Highlight specific achievements, such as the successful prevention of theft or efficient response to emergencies.
- Conclude with a brief expression of your professional goals and interest in joining the organization.
Correct Sample of Professional SummaryExperienced Security Guard with Security Guard License and CPR certification. 5 years of experience in delivering exceptional security services. Adept in attention to detail, clear communication, and critical thinking. Proven track record of successfully preventing theft and effectively responding to emergencies. Seeking a dynamic security guard role where I can leverage my skills and experience to drive the success of the organization.
Incorrect Sample of Professional SummaryI am a security guard with a thorough background. I am physically fit and eager to bring my experience to your company as a member of your security team.
The above correct example is a well-written professional summary that effectively showcases the candidate's background, abilities, certifications, and achievements briefly and professionally.
The incorrect is too vague and lacks concrete information about the candidate's skills and accomplishments.
The Ideal Way To Describe Your Professional Experience as a Security Guard
The Professional Experience section displays your work history and expertise in the field. Follow these guidelines to effectively present your professional experience:
- Begin with your most recent or current job, including the job title, employer name, and employment dates.
- Use bullet points to describe your job responsibilities and highlight specific achievements.
- Inculcate strong action verbs, such as "patrolled," "investigated," and "responded," to describe your work.
- Include metrics and statistics to illustrate your accomplishments, for example, "reduced incidents of theft by 50%."
Security Guard Resume Summary Examples
Example 1
Security Guard
Beverly Hills, CA, USA
March 2019 - Present
Job Responsibilities
- Conduct regular patrols of designated areas.
- Identified and reported suspicious activities.
- Quickly respond to emergencies like COVID-19 and administer first aid as needed.
- Oversee security cameras, expertly operating equipment such as metal detectors and screening machines to ensure public safety.
- Compile thorough incident reports and meticulously maintain records.
- Efficiently address visitor inquiries at the desk and deliver exceptional customer service.
- Report any illegal activity to local law enforcement authorities.
Achievements
- Efficiently handled rush hours on weekends and holidays following security protocols.
- Remain calm in stressful situations and manage large groups during COVID19 Pandemic
Example 2
Supreme Security Services
Security Guard
San Diego, CA, USA
May 2017 - February 2019
- Evaluate security to guarantee the safety of employees and patrons.
- Rapidly respond to fire hazards alarming, participating in evacuation procedures.
- Monitored access to restricted areas, managing the flow of entry and exit points.
- Guide customers to designated areas and safeguard the entry of unauthorized visitors.
- Handle access points during large events organized by the Mall authorities.
- Train junior security professionals in crime prevention practices.
- Protect property damage from vandalism during civic unrest and ensure safety.
- Monitor suspicious activities through surveillance systems.
- Investigated incidents and presented results to management in detailed reports.
