Security Guard Resume Examples in 2023

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Jobs for security guards are expected to grow by 3% from 2019 to 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This equates to around 32,800 new jobs in the industry. Advances in video surveillance technology will likely change some aspects of the job. Still, concerns about crime and vandalism mean that companies and individuals will continue to hire security guards to protect people and property.

Although the number of positions for security guards is expected to grow, there will still be competition for available jobs. A well-written resume can help you attract the attention of hiring managers. Below are downloadable resume samples for experienced security guards and those just entering the industry, as well as tips on writing an exceptional resume and catering your resume for the job description.

Downloadable Resume Examples

Entry-level
Security-Guard_Entry-level.pdf

Example #1 Entry-level

Mid-career
Security-Guard_Mid-career.pdf

Example #2 Mid-career

Senior-level
Security-Guard_Senior-level.pdf

Example #3 Senior-level

Security Guard Resume Examples

Years of Experience
  • Entry-level Entry-level
  • Mid-career Mid-career
  • Senior-level Senior-level

Michaela Freeman

(228) 000-1234 | [email protected] | Biloxi, MS 39530 | LinkedIn

Profile

Disciplined Security Officer with more than a year of experience. Tactfully and firmly enforce safety guidelines and confront any suspicious behavior. Bilingual: Fluent in English and Spanish.

Key Skills

  • Building Safety & Security
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Customer Relations & Service
  • Policy Enforcement
  • Team Collaboration

Professional Experience

Campus Police Security Officer, Singing River Health System, Gulfport, MS | January 2022 to Present

  • Patrol hospital buildings and premises to deter theft, trespassing, and vandalism
  • Respond to visitor inquiries and provide directions
  • Monitor visitors to ensure adherence to facility policies
  • Help restrain psychiatric patients and uncooperative guests
  • Respond to emergency codes as needed

Highlight:

  • Awarded certificate for exemplary teamwork and service mindset

Language

Fluency in Spanish

Education

Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Biloxi, MS | 2021

Graduate, Booker T. Washington High School, Pensacola, FL | 2019

Credential

Mississippi Security Guard Permit

Jarvis Culverton

(605) 123-4567 | [email protected] | Rapid City, SD 57709 | LinkedIn

Profile

Alert, level-headed Security Officer with 5+ years of experience at a large retail facility. Skilled communicator who fosters positive relationships with diverse colleagues and customers.

Key Skills

  • Conflict Management & Resolution
  • Crisis Intervention
  • First Aid
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Reporting & Documentation
  • Surveillance Monitoring
  • Team Collaboration

Professional Experience

Overnight Security Officer, Villa Ranchero Shopping Center, Box Elder, SD | February 2018 to Present

  • Patrol property on foot to deter intruders and address any improper conduct or suspicious behavior
  • Regularly inspect access points and locks
  • Monitor surveillance equipment, and write detailed incident reports
  • Communicate with building owner and law enforcement as needed

Highlight:

  • Praised for using effective de-escalation methods to quickly diffuse conflict situations

Education

Candidate: Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice, Western Dakota Tech | expected 2023

Graduate, Douglas High School, Box Elder, SD | 2017

Certification

CPR and First Aid, American Safety & Health Institute

Alex Dudley

(321) 345-6789 | [email protected] | Chicago, IL 60106 | LinkedIn

Profile

Security Guard with 12+ years of experience protecting individuals and property. Demonstrated success leading a security team and responding to urgent situations, including those that called for armed security. Effectively engaged with dozens of clients, assessing their needs and offering viable security solutions.

Key Skills

  • Armed & Unarmed Security
  • Client Needs Assessment
  • Customer Relations & Service
  • Firearm Use & Safety
  • First Aid
  • Personnel Management
  • Security Assessment

Professional Experience

Lead Security Officer, ACE Security Contractors, Chicago, IL | November 2017 to Present

  • Coordinate and manage security officers assigned to clients, both remotely and on-site
  • Train new officers on company protocols, reporting duties, and security best practices
  • Recommend subordinate officers for promotion or disciplinary action as appropriate
  • Assess client sites, vehicles, and facilities to gauge their security needs
  • Carry out additional patrol, escort, and other security duties

Security Guard, Phoenix Security Solutions, Portland, OR | January 2011 to October 2017

  • Patrolled clients’ sites for suspicious people or activities
  • Addressed and de-escalated conflict situations
  • Monitored security camera systems

Education

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology, University of Portland, OR | 2011

Credentials

Illinois Concealed Carry License

Illinois Firearm Owner’s Identification Card

20-Hour Armed & Unarmed Illinois State Security Certifications

Common Key Skills and Action Verbs for Security Guard Resumes

Hiring managers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to analyze large numbers of resumes and identify the most promising candidates. These systems scan resumes and evaluate them based on the number of keywords and action verbs they include. This means adding appropriate key skills can help your resume get noticed and increase the chances of a hiring manager seeing it and inviting you for an interview.

Key Skills & Proficiencies
Active listening skills Armed security
Attention to detail Conflict resolution
Dependability Emergency management
Integrity Interpersonal skills
Judgment Level-headed
Objectivity Patrolling
Reporting skills Safety management
Security monitoring Security operations and procedures
Security techniques Site security
Surveillance skills Written and verbal communication
Action Verbs
Analyze Communicate
Conduct Consult
Guard Implement
Initiate Institute
Investigate Manage
Monitor Observe
Patrol Prevent
Report Resolve
Secure

Tips for Writing a Better Security Guard Resume

Highlight your security guard certifications

In most states, security guards need to have some form of license. The requirements are different between states, and in some places, the type of work you do will change the credentials you need. Make sure you research what is needed in your state and include your credentials in the certifications section of your resume. Adding professional certifications to this section can demonstrate your expertise to a hiring manager and ensure you have the training required for the job. Include the type of certification, who provided it, and the year it was completed.

Example #1

Good


  • California Security Guard License, 2019
  • California Baton Permit, 2019

Bad


  • Security guard credentials

Example #2

Good


  • Licensed Security Office, Class “D”, Florida, 2018
  • Certified Protection Professional, American Society for Industrial Security, 2019

Bad


  • Security licenses and certifications

Emphasize your security guard soft skills

Many of the qualities that make a good security guard are hard to quantify, but these soft skills are high on hiring managers’ wish lists. Some of the most important soft skills for security guards include communication, the ability to work independently and as part of a team and the ability to remain calm in an emergency situation. Companies that require security guards interact with the public, such as shopping centers, also prefer people that can de-escalate situations, so conflict resolution is a highly sought after skill. Make sure to emphasize the soft skills you have that are required for the role.

Example #1

Good


Used conflict resolution skills when interacting with agitated patients to calm emotions and ensure the safety of healthcare workers and members of the public.

Bad


Interacted with agitated patients and ensured they couldn’t hurt employees or members of the public.

Example #2

Good


Worked as part of a team with other security guards and local law enforcement and communicated politely with members of the public to ensure safety and security at major events.

Bad


Worked security at major events with other security guards and local law enforcement.

How to Align Your Resume with the Job Description

To find the right person for the job, hiring managers need to look through a lot of resumes. Job descriptions define what the hiring manager is looking for, and hiring managers compare resumes to this document to identify the most promising candidates. Including skills and experience that match the priorities detailed in the job description can help you stand out from the competition.

When you’re deciding what skills and experience to feature, start by looking at the attributes that are mentioned first. These are generally the most important. Another good indicator of a key priority is if the requirement is mentioned more than once. Compare your resume to the job description and make sure it details how you meet these requirements. A generic resume may be overlooked, so emphasize your notable contributions and avoid copy and pasting.

Example Security Guard Job Description


C&C Companies are seeking a reliable security officer to ensure the security of our premises and the safety of staff and visitors. As part of an established team, you will work with other security professionals to patrol the premises, monitor video surveillance, control access to property, investigate suspicious behavior and enforce company policies. The successful candidate will maintain a visible presence on the property and inspire respect in order to deter illegal and inappropriate actions. The ability to communicate with the public and resolve conflicts is essential to the role.

Responsibilities:

  • Protect the company’s staff, customers and property by maintaining a safe and secure environment
  • Maintain a visible presence on the premises by regularly patrolling the building and perimeter
  • Work with team to monitor alarm systems, video surveillance and emergency detection equipment
  • Communicate directions to staff and members of the public to ensure safety
  • Observe for signs of suspicious behavior and investigate disturbances
  • Take accurate notes and provide reports of any incidents

Qualifications:

  • Licensed to work as a security guard in the state
  • Proven work experience in security
  • Ability to operate video surveillance and alarm systems
  • High level of communication and conflict resolution skills
  • Knowledge of public safety and security procedures
  • Ability to work as part of a team

The job description shows that the successful job candidate will have the following skills and knowledge: 

  • Knowledge of safety and security procedures
  • Communication skills
  • Conflict resolution skills
  • Video surveillance and alarm systems
  • Teamwork
  • Visible presence
  • Patrolling

Use this list of required attributes to build your resume. Make sure you include skills and experience that match these requirements. Below is an example of how to best incorporate this information into your resume:

Security Guard Work Experience Example


Security Guard

Acme Security, November 2015 – Present

  • Work as part of a security team to ensure the safety and security of the public, staff and property for a wide range of clients
  • Monitor video surveillance and alarm systems to ensure premises remain secure
  • Regularly patrol premises, maintaining a visible presence for clients at events and communicate with the public to ensure security procedures are followed
  • Utilize conflict resolution skills to de-escalate potentially volatile situations and ensure the safety of the public and staff