How To Write a Security Officer Resume
Your resume lets you present your strengths as a security worker, such as assessing and mitigating threats and working well under pressure. It’s also your first chance to impress hiring managers and show industry-specific knowledge. The following tips and examples can help you create an effective security officer resume.
1. Write a dynamic profile summarizing your qualifications
Your profile section should highlight skills and experiences related to your past security work or training. Promote your suitability for the job and advise the personnel manager why hiring you would benefit the company. You can also mention significant achievements, such as reducing losses due to shoplifting and your number of years worked.
Senior-Level Profile Example
Vigilant security officer with over 10 years of experience overseeing safe and secure spaces in corporate and retail environments. Use the latest and most advanced security equipment to ensure a high quality of service is maintained throughout large buildings and spaces. Collaborate on a team to meet organizational guidelines and minimize theft, offensive behavior, and vandalism. Committed to improving security measures and thoroughly documenting all incidents.
Entry-Level Profile Example
Professional security guard with experience testifying in court and assisting officers of the law in their investigations. Physically fit and able to work for the duration of an extended shift.
2. Add a detailed professional experience section
Whether you have years of security experience or just completed training, you can make the most of your work history by stressing duties related to your target job, such as experience with video surveillance or legal documentation.
When listing your accomplishments, use bullet points to keep the reader engaged while providing more opportunities for action verbs.
Senior-Level Professional Experience Example
Senior Security Officer
Sunshine Shopping Mall, San Francisco, CA | December 2012 to present
- Act as the main point of contact in emergencies
- Monitor closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage for suspicious behavior
- Authorize the arrival and departure of vehicles and cargo
- Ensure all paperwork is up-to-date and thorough
- Work as part of a collaborative, high-performing team
Entry-Level Professional Experience Example
Professional Security Officer
Hi-Tech Security Services, Dayton, OH | July 2019 to present
- Promptly handle security issues
- Assigned to multiple sites, adapting quickly to new systems
- Gathered evidence for management and law enforcement after prosecutable incidents
- Enforce company rules and policies for staff and guests
- Execute protocols for over 15 corporate sites
- Carry out CCTV surveillance and patrols
- Quickly learn and focus on weak spots at corporate, commercial, retail, and industrial sites
- Report safety concerns verbally and in writing
3. Include relevant education and certifications
Security officers may need more or less training and education, depending on the organization and role. Supervisors may require a bachelor’s degree in a related field like criminal justice or a certain number of years worked with an associate degree. Entry-level security workers may only need a high school diploma and background check. Certifications for security officers range from general, such as Basic Life Support and Certified Protection Professional, to industry-specific, such as Certified Lodging Security Officer.
Education
Template:
[Degree Name]
[School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Year]
Example:
Associate of Applied Science
Sinclair Community College, Dayton, OH | July 2018
Certifications
Template:
[Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
Example:
CPR Certification, American Heart Association, 2018
4. List pertinent key skills
When scanning security officer resumes, the hiring manager will seek a specific skill set. Make your resume stand out by choosing phrases corresponding to the position and industry, such as firearms training or past military or police experience.
Consider providing a mix of technical, physical, and soft skills to show you can perform many aspects of the job. Include related keywords if your desired position is in a particular industry, such as education or health care.
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| Conflict management | De-escalation techniques |
| Firearm operation and safety | Personnel training |
| Radio and handheld communication devices | Reporting and documentation |
| Team collaboration | Video surveillance |
How To Pick the Best Security Officer Resume Template
Select a security officer resume template that is neat, easy to read, and concise. Use a template that lets you adapt sections based on your strengths, whether a lengthy work history or a broad range of technical skills. Bullet points, bold headers, and consistent formatting make it easy for the hiring manager to see your top strengths.
Security Officer Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
Years of Experience
- Entry-level
- Mid-career
- Senior-level
David Forbes
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
23 Rutherford Lane, Dayton, OH 12345
Profile
Professional security guard with good communication skills who is detail-oriented. Experience testifying in court and assisting officers of the law in their investigations. Physically fit and able to be active for the duration of an extended shift.
Key Skills
- Physically fit
- Excellent communication skills
- Friendly disposition
- Team player
- Quick to adapt to new environments
Education
Associate of Applied Science
Sinclair Community College, Dayton, OH, September 2016 – July 2018
Professional Experience
Professional Security Officer, Hi-Tech Security Services, Dayton, OH
July 2019 – Present
- Handle security issues in a timely manner
- Assigned to multiple sites, with good adaptation to new systems
- Compiled evidence for management and law enforcement after prosecutable incidents
- Enforce company rules and policies for staff and guests
- Execute site-specific protocols for over 15 corporate sites
- Follow company protocol at all times
- Carry out CCTV surveillance and patrols
- Quick to learn weak spots on specific sites and pay them extra attention
- Work on corporate, commercial, retail, and industrial sites
- Report safety concerns both in writing and verbally
Certification
- Licensed Security Guard State of Ohio 2018 to present
- CPR Certification, American Heart Association 2018 to present
Cameron Newby
(333) 098-0980
[email protected]
8010 NE Bayshore Dr., Unit #213, Miami, FL 33133
Profile
Observant, safety-focused Security Officer with seven years of experience in surveillance and crime and loss prevention. Highly knowledgeable in best monitoring practices, criminal law, and law enforcement procedures.
Professional Experience
Security Officer, Dadeland Mall, South Miami, FL
February 2017 – Present
- Manage employee exits and scans for over 700 full- and part-time employees
- Utilize scanning machines and tools to check for stolen merchandise
- View CCTV footage of sorting areas to catch theft incidents as they occur
- Approach incidents calmly and professionally to uncover and deter thefts
- Detain employees found with stolen merchandise and work with law enforcement accordingly
- Request law enforcement or medical as needed
Loss Prevention Officer, Bed Bath & Beyond, Miami Gardens, FL
January 2015 – January 2017
- Continually monitored customer, staff, and parking lot areas with CCTV
- Approached shoplifters, recovered stolen merchandise, and assisted law enforcement with investigations
- Implemented and enforced store loss prevention guidelines and policies
- Performed background checks on new hires
- Trained new security staff on company regulations and proper search protocols
- Responded to on-site medical incidents and worked with emergency personnel as needed
Security Guard, KJT Jewelry Manufacturing, Miami Beach, FL
January 2013 – December 2014
- Patrolled and viewed CCTV footage of manufacturing and packaging areas to detect and deter theft
- Inspected employees and searched bags upon their leaving premises
- Recommended and helped implement standardization of procedures across all shifts
- Provided Loss Prevention Manager with regular safety reports
Education
Private Security Officer Certificate Course
Miami Dade College, Hialeah, FL, August 2011 – December 2012
Key Skills
- Stationary surveillance
- Theft prevention training
- Conflict resolution techniques
- Investigation documentation
- Crisis intervention training
Certification
- Florida Class D Security License, 2012
Sylvia Smith
(123) 456-7895
[email protected]
63 Side Street, San Francisco, CA 12345
Profile
Vigilant security officer with over 10 years of experience organizing and overseeing safe and secure spaces within corporate and retail environments. Able to utilize the latest and most advanced security equipment to ensure a high quality of service is maintained throughout large buildings and spaces. Able to work within a team to meet organizational guidelines and minimize theft, offensive behavior, and vandalism. Committed to actively improving current security measures and thoroughly documenting all incidents.
Professional Experience
Senior Security Officer, Sunshine Shopping Mall, San Francisco, CA
December 2012 – Present
- Act as the main point of contact in emergency situations
- Monitor CCTV footage for signs of suspicious behavior
- Monitor and authorize the arrival and departure of vehicles and cargo
- Ensure all paperwork is up-to-date and thorough
- Work as part of a collaborative team
Security Officer, The Tradealot Corporation, San Francisco, CA
October 2007 – November 2012
- Respond to incidents in accordance with company protocols
- Issue security badges and screens visitors
- Enforce company rules and policies
- Patrol sites on foot and monitor areas remotely
Education
Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Florida State University, The College of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Tallahassee, FL, September 2003 – June 2006
Key Skills
- Risk assessments
- Lift release training
- Corrections
- Non-violent confrontation techniques
- Conflict resolution
- Security-conscious
- Work well in a team
- Excellent organizational and observational skills
Certifications
- Licensed Security Guard in the State of California, 2006, last renewed August 2020
- First Aid Certification, The American Heart Association, August 2020
- CPR Certification, The American Heart Association, August 2020
Frequently Asked Questions: Security Officer Resume Examples and Advice
What are common action verbs for security officer resumes?+
Plenty of action verbs will populate your work history bullet points. These verbs instantly engage readers in the sentence, saving space and time by eliminating unnecessary words. If you need more ideas, see the following action verbs that apply to security work:
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Assessed | Enforced |
| Guarded | Inspected |
| Investigated | Led |
| Maintained | Monitored |
| Observed | Operated |
| Organized | Oversaw |
| Patrolled | Prioritized |
| Protected | Reported |
| Responded | Secured |
| Strengthened | Surveyed |
| Watched | |
How do you align your resume with a job posting?+
To help your resume get past applicant tracking systems (ATS), identify words and phrases in the job posting that represent required duties or skills and work them into your resume. Security officers are needed in various industries, so align your resume to specific work environments or duties.
For instance, while the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports only modest (3%) growth in security officer jobs, it does forecast an increased need (8%) for gambling surveillance officers. Therefore, if you can show you have the skills to work in this industry, you may have a better chance of an interview.
What is the best security officer resume format?+
Most security officers should use the combination (or hybrid) format. This format combines two important features of other resume formats: the chronological format’s experience section, and the functional format’s profile section. (The resume examples on this page all use combination format, as do most other resumes on ResumeBuilder.)
By fusing these two features, a combination resume offers the best of both worlds. The experience section lets you give an overview of your recent work history – essential information for most employers. At the same time, the profile section lets you display your career highlights at the top, regardless if they’re from that work history or another part of your background. The resulting resume is straightforward, yet strategic. It gives hiring managers the clearest possible view of your experience and relevant strengths, so they can decide to call you for an interview.
Expert advice: include a cover letter with your resume
A good cover letter lets you show your knowledge of the company and elaborate on your most relevant accomplishments or skills. Review our security officer cover letter examples for tips on writing an effective letter.
