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Security Guard Resume Examples: 5 Best Samples & Why They Work

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When applying for a security guard job, you need to bring several core skills to the table.

While experience is a crucial component of the field, it will not secure you a position unless you know how to properly present yourself.

Unfortunately, it can be quite challenging to write a successful resume. But we’re here to help!

If you have prior experience as a security officer, you’re already at an advantage. For those struggling to get an interview despite their experience, we provide a template for various security guard positions—so you can learn what makes them more effective.

Security Guard Resume Examples

Writing a resume is a unique skill that takes time to learn—especially for jobs requiring high authority. The greater the importance of the position, the more difficult it can be to write an effective resume that stands apart from other applicants.

We want to look at security guard resume examples of all types across all prospective employers.

Take a look at the following security guard resume templates below to refine the appearance of your resume based on your level of experience within the field.

Entry-Level Security Guard Resume Example

The first type of security guard position we want to look at is strictly entry-level. Entry-level applicants have less experience than those who have been in the industry for several years.

As a result of a lack of experience, you must get more creative when it comes to demonstrating your skills on your resume.

Entry-Level Security Guard Resume Example

Why We Suggest This Resume

When applying for an entry-level position, you are not expected to have much relevant job experience. In this resume, working as a hostess and nanny both require the ability to resolve conflicts, particularly in stressful environments.

  • Type of Resume: Entry-Level Security Guard Resume Example
  • Best For: Those with little or no experience as a security guard
An image of Entry-Level Security Guard Resume Example

Objective

Respected and personable professional, experienced in conflict resolution and team collaboration, seeking a security guard position to utilize my unique skill set. Eager to apply strong observational skills to create a secure and inviting environment for your company’s clients, staff, and guests.

Work History 1: Hostess

  • Established friendly rapport with customers, increasing customer satisfaction by 14% and overall revenue by 22%.
  • Presented daily specials and recommendations to guests upon seating, increasing bar sales by nearly 15%.
  • Organized and scheduled reservations for numerous customers every day.
  • Collaborated with eight hostesses to manage reservations and seating charts, increasing effectiveness and table turnover.
  • Named Hostess of the Year by the restaurant in 2018 and 2019.

Work History 2: Nanny

  • Supervised after-school schedules for twin girls, both aged 13.
  • Planned and cooked meals and snacks to ensure the children were cared for.
  • Coordinated driving schedules with parents, increasing efficiency and reducing familial complaints.
  • Tutored the children in English and algebra, improving average English essay scores by 36% and average algebra test scores by 27%.
  • De-escalated conflicts between the twins, particularly when there were fights over food, toys, and school.

Project Experience

  • Developed a plan for the twin girls to improve their grades through work, study, and dedication. Assisted them in following through with their goals.
  • Established a new protocol to deal with upset customers during my time with a hostess. This new protocol helped reduce workplace incidents.
  • Watched over children while they were out and about, ensuring no strangers got close to them.

Skills

  • Courageous
  • Analytical
  • Adaptable
  • Compassionate
  • Conflict resolution

Education

  • High School Diploma, Boston Latin High School, Boston, MA (2014-2018)

Licenses & Accreditations

  • Certified Protection Officer (CPO)

Why This Resume Works

When looking at this resume, you might not initially understand why it works.

After all, the experience does not immediately seem relevant as it is not security-related.

However, when you apply for an entry-level position, you are not expected to have much relevant job experience.

The positions listed in the work history do not directly concern security but notably display many of the necessary soft skills.

Working as a hostess and nanny both require the ability to resolve conflicts, particularly in stressful environments. Additionally, they require a high degree of vigilance. In particular, caring for kids and de-escalating fights between them is a difficult job.

The inclusion of CPO accreditation also shows you have a vested interest in moving forward as a security guard or security officer.

Unarmed Security Guard Resume Examples

You will not get hired as an armed security guard when you get started. People do not want to arm their security guards until they have proven to be effective without a weapon.

There’s also a large degree of risk involved with hiring an unqualified armed security guard.

Many security positions for residential buildings or businesses will be unarmed. In such cases, the template below would be useful for helping to create your resume.

Unarmed Security Guard Resume Examples

Why We Suggest This Resume

This resume works because of the work history. It targets keywords and information relevant to any unarmed security guard position while displaying enough experience to qualify for more advanced positions.

  • Type of Resume: Unarmed Security Guard Resume Examples
  • Best For: Those applying for unarmed security guard jobs
An image of Unarmed Security Guard Resume Examples

Objective

Professional security guard with several years of experience within the industry seeks a position that can utilize advanced conflict resolution skills. Very few incidents have occurred under my watch throughout my many years as a security guard for commercial establishments. Looking to advance my career and ensure the safety of your business.

Work History 1: Unarmed Security Guard

  • Performed routine patrols of the grounds.
  • Coordinated with law enforcement during emergencies, reporting incidents within 40 seconds in almost all scenarios.
  • Identified and removed suspicious characters from premises, reducing burglaries and attempted robberies.
  • Monitored eight CCTV feeds concurrently to identify potential threats and supervise employees and visitors.
  • Followed protocols and rules established by management and superiors to ensure the company could not be held liable for an incident.

Work History 2: Security Guard

  • Observed entry and exit of 400+ visitors on company premises daily.
  • Coordinated three security guard schedules for random patrols, reducing vandalism.
  • Trained five new guards in employee safety, company policies, and security procedures, increasing trainee efficiency by 36%.
  • Earned Security Personnel of the Month 5 times in 2011.
  • Resolved every conflict without needing to use force or physical training.

Project Experience

  • Worked with new security guards to teach them new safety protocols to reduce workplace injuries and incidents.
  • Pitched the addition of new security cameras at my place of work to management, which helped to catch several burglars before they left the premises.
  • Established a new protocol for dealing with conflict, eliminating violent incidents.

Skills

  • Time management
  • Verbal communication
  • Law enforcement
  • Rational assessment
  • Enforcement

Education

  • High School Diploma, Ransom Everglades School, Miami, FL (2002-2006)

Licenses & Accreditations

  • Certified Protection Officer (CPO)
  • Certified Emergency Manager (CEM)
  • Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

Why This Resume Works

This resume works because of the work history.

It targets keywords and information relevant to any unarmed security guard position while displaying enough experience to qualify for more advanced positions. It proves you’re capable.

Certified Protection Officer (CPO) accreditation displays a high degree of knowledge concerning safety protocols and security procedures in vandalism, theft, and violence cases.

While retail security doesn’t require several years of previous experience in the field, previous employment working in a retail environment puts you ahead of most other applicants.  

Armed Security Guard Resume Example

We have looked at an unarmed security guard resume sample previously.

We want to cover all types of security guards, so we think it is crucial to look at how to write a resume for a security position where you may need to draw a weapon.

Armed Security Guard Resume Example

Why We Suggest This Resume

This resume works because it shows the applicant’s ability to deal with situations when they are required to carry a weapon. The applicant understands the responsibility of having a weapon and does not take it lightly.

  • Type of Resume: Armed Security Guard Resume Example
  • Best For: Those applying for armed security guard jobs
An image of Armed Security Guard Resume Example

Objective

Focused safety expert with 12 years of experience handling a variety of weapons, monitoring suspicious activity, and diffusing tense situations. Motivated to demonstrate my tactical training and diligence to work with a team of skilled guards to protect high-profile clients and property.

Work History 1: Armed Security Guard

  • Screened over 4000 clients and 180 employees across more than nine facilities for weapons and contraband.
  • Contained emergencies before police arrival.
  • Protected equipment worth over $200 million with no vandalism, theft, or burglary cases.
  • Devised and implemented security strategies for gate entrances, reducing trespassing.
  • Responded to distress calls within 20 seconds, safely performing CPR.

Work History 2:

  • Performed security checks on over 200 vehicles to identify unauthorized items and prevent vandalism and theft.
  • Reviewed 26 CCTV cameras.
  • Monitored and protected cash vaults worth over $300,000.
  • Provided on-site weapon handling and security equipment training to nearly 30 security guards and 14 junior guards.
  • Collaborated with other security guards to increase security at the company headquarters, reducing the risk of violent situations.

Project Experience

  • Worked with management to equip the security team with the best protective equipment.
  • Established new security protocols, ensuring security team members were always escorting high-level management and clientele.
  • Established a new program to teach junior security guards to use weapons only when warranted.

Skills

  • Clear communication
  • Weapons knowledge
  • Time management
  • Leadership
  • Surveillance skills
  • Risk assessment

Education

  • High School Diploma, Denver East High School, Denver, CO (2010-2014)

Licenses & Accreditations

  • Security Guard License
  • Certified in Homeland Security
  • NRA Certified Weapons Coach
  • Certified Fraud Examiner
  • Certified Protection Officer (CPO)

Why This Resume Works

This resume works because it shows the applicant’s ability to deal with situations when they are required to carry a weapon. The applicant understands the responsibility of having a weapon and does not take it lightly.

They do not rush to use their weapon, instead trying to handle all situations without using a weapon or force. Adequate training and relevant licensing are required before considering applying to these positions. This resume sample reflects that.

Advanced licensing and accreditation show they are willing to take on leadership roles and further their careers.

Retail Security Guard Resume Example

If you want to apply for a job as a retail security guard and already have security guard experience, you don’t need to worry about making too many adjustments to your pre-existing resume.

Most of the key skills and relevant verbs you would include on the resumes listed above would also work well on this type of resume. Still, there are minor differences to note.

Retail Security Guard Resume Example

Why We Suggest This Resume

This resume works because it highlights all the information you would need from a retail security guard’s resume, particularly a knowledge of legal proceedings. It also shows the applicant’s ability to work with other security guards to establish new protocols and prevent targeted losses.

  • Type of Resume: Retail Security Guard Resume Example
  • Best For: Those applying for retail security guard jobs
An image of Retail Security Guard Resume Example

Objective

Vigilant and experienced security guard with over a decade in security services. Pleased to offer a cautionary presence while compassionately interacting with customers, visitors, and employees.

Quick thinking, knowledge of security systems, and bilingual abilities ensure the safety and security of people and property at your store.

Work History 1: Security Guard

  • Patrolled entire premises on foot throughout the shift, reducing cases of weekly theft by 19-42%.
  • Conducted routine checks of security equipment and systems, troubleshooting and completing maintenance whenever technical issues arose.
  • Trained four security guards and held weekly briefings to discuss potential security issues.
  • Directed over 200 customers, employees, and visitors to locations within the premises while on shift, escorting elderly patrons when needed.
  • Wrote daily shift reports.

Work History 2: Security Guard

  • Patrolled the store, acknowledged customers, and reviewed CCTV footage of a 1000-square-foot building to deter shoplifters and enforce federal, state, and store safety guidelines.
  • Identified and responded to suspicious activities within 30 seconds, decreasing shoplifting by 45%.
  • Reported alarms, incidents, and crimes to three other mall security guards and the city police department.
  • Decluttered back alley and fire escape, reducing accidents.
  • Assisted customers in finding products within the store when there was no other assistance.

Project Experience

  • Established new security patrol patterns to prevent someone from stealing merchandise.
  • Worked with security guards at other local stores to establish similar protocols to prevent theft within the area.
  • Led an initiative to replace old security cameras at the store and install modern devices in high-traffic areas.

Skills

  • Bilingual
  • Critical thinking
  • Adaptability
  • Conflict resolution
  • Legal knowledge

Education

  • High School Diploma, Quaker Valley High School, Leetsdale, PA (2006-2010)

Licenses & Accreditations

  • Security Guard Licence
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional
  • Physical Security Professional Certification
  • International Foundation for Protection Officers Certification

Why This Resume Works

This resume works because it highlights all the information you would need from a retail security guard’s resume—particularly a knowledge of legal proceedings.

It shows the applicant’s ability to work with other security guards to establish new protocols and prevent targeted loss. The ability to reduce customer theft in the workplace is an important aspect of this application compared to other security guard jobs.

Additionally, the applicant can de-escalate conflict and handle shoplifters without resorting to physicality.

Hospital Security Guard Resume Example

Hospital security guards have an essential job.

Few people are as vulnerable as the sick or elderly people in a hospital. Hospitals are also high-intensity work environments. Due to the nature of some patients, violent conflict always has the potential to arise.

As a result, security guards are vetted much more thoroughly in these settings than for other positions.

Here is how you should structure your resume when applying for a job as a hospital security guard:

Hospital Security Guard Resume Example

Why We Suggest This Resume

This resume works because it demonstrates the empathetic and compassionate nature of the applicant. It also highlights an ability to easily handle complicated situations and shows a passion to work in a hospital.

  • Type of Resume: Hospital Security Guard Resume Example
  • Best For: Those applying for hospital security guard jobs
An image of Hospital Security Guard Resume Example

Objective

Quick thinking and compassionate security guard looking to assist people who cannot protect themselves. Excited to take on a new opportunity to work in a local hospice and genuinely make a difference.

Looking to advance my career and de-escalate conflict without using weapons or forceful restraint when possible.

Work History 1: Hospital Security Guard

  • Patrolled four hospital wings at random, reducing threats like vandalism, car break-ins, and disturbances by 24%.
  • Alerted hospital staff as per protocol during emergencies and coordinated with 911 operators, including police and firefighters.
  • Checked southern parking lots every two hours to identify and report unauthorized vehicles and suspicious loiterers.
  • Implemented an automated security system, reducing paperwork by 29% and increasing efficiency.
  • Led security briefings with colleagues every week.

Work History 2: Hospital Security Guard

  • Drafted future security plans, improving efficiency and productivity by reducing blind spots and extending surveillance.
  • Provided guard detail for at-risk patients, de-escalating over 11 potentially violent situations per week.
  • Patrolled the north parking lot in the evenings, reducing car break-ins and vandalism cases.
  • Coordinated and communicated remotely with four other security guards in three separate building wings.
  • Reported security issues to the supervisor and manager on duty without disrupting hospital nurses.

Project Experience

  • Established a new protocol to brief colleagues on the previous week’s incidents before the start of the new workweek.
  • Worked with management to implement a new automated security system. This system allowed us to protect patients, doctors, and nurses from potentially violent situations by rapidly identifying perpetrators.
  • Established a new protocol for dealing with violent patients so they do not hurt hospital staff, visitors, patients, or themselves.

Skills

  • Critical thinking
  • Physicality
  • De-escalation
  • Empathetic
  • Vigilant

Education

  • High School Diploma, Center High School, Seattle, WA (2004-2008)

Licenses & Accreditations

  • National Crime Prevention Specialist Certification (NCPSC)
  • Certified Protection Officer (CPO)
  • Security Guard Licence

Why This Resume Works

This resume works because it demonstrates the empathetic and compassionate nature of the applicant.

When working at a hospital, you will deal with people who are not always in control of their actions. Many are mentally or physically unwell and prone to lash out.

Patients may enter the hospital due to a psychotic break and require de-escalation in an intense situation. The inside of a hospital is very different compared to any other place of business.

Your resume needs to reflect that, like this sample.

This hospital security guard template shows an ability to easily handle complicated situations. It clearly shows an established history of dedication and success, working as a security guard within the healthcare system.

Common Skills & Action Verbs to Include On a Security Guard Resume

Individuals or automated systems often scan resumes for related keywords and action verbs.

This means many applicants who may be more than qualified for the position do not get a call back because they’ve omitted important keywords related to their field.

Let’s look at some common skills and action verbs that typically perform well on security guard resumes:

Common Skills for Security Guard Resumes

  • Surveillance skills
  • Emergency response
  • Conflict resolution
  • Communication
  • Patrolling
  • Ethics
  • Incident reporting
  • Crowd management
  • First aid and CPR
  • Alarm system operation
  • Risk assessment
  • Physicality
  • Knowledge of legal procedures
  • Teamwork
  • Customer service
  • De-escalation
  • Technology proficiency
  • Crisis management
  • Time management
  • Weapons knowledge

Common Action Verbs for Security Guard Resumes

  • Patrol
  • Monitor
  • Enforce
  • Respond
  • Secure
  • Detect
  • Investigate
  • Coordinate
  • Report
  • Resolve
  • Control
  • Restrict
  • Communicate
  • Maintain
  • Assess Adapt

Tips for Writing a Better Security Guard Resume

When writing a security guard resume, formatting and structure are equally important to the success rate of your application. Hiring managers look for prior experience and relevant soft skills and want to see if you can communicate information.

Consider following leading tips from those within the industry, as listed below.  

1. Start With a Clear Objective Statement

An objective statement can function similarly to a cover letter but in a more concise format. It effectively tells the hiring manager why they should hire you. It should only be three or four sentences long and discuss why the applicant is interested in working at that specific company.

Additionally, the objective statement should be reworked every time you apply for a new job to align with the specific position and company you’re targeting.

A well-crafted objective statement should highlight your relevant skills, experience, and enthusiasm for the security guard role. It should clearly convey your career goals and their alignment with the company’s objectives.

2. Tailor Your Resume to the Specific Job

While relevant to the objective statement, this recommendation also pertains to the entirety of your resume.

A common strategy for job applicants is to send their standardized resumes out to as many places as possible. If this sounds like you, you’ll need to change your approach.

Hoping that you’ll generate one or two leads from a resume too broad in scope will only result in disappointment. This sort of tactic will often work against you, reducing your chances of hearing back from a specific job you might be interested in.

The employer might review hundreds of resumes regularly, and they can easily identify low-effort applicants.

Rewriting the objective statement, changing some skills, and rephrasing your work history to suit the position are all great ways to increase your chance of landing an interview.

3. Proofread and Edit Your Resume

Writing a resume is not fun. That’s why you’re here.

It is very common for people to send off their resume as soon as they finish writing it.

However, doing so is a grave mistake. Although they might not seem significant, small errors on your resume show a lack of attention to detail. It also shows a low degree of effort.

A hiring manager will not want to interview a security guard who seems apathetic and unmotivated.

Always take the time to proofread your resume before submitting it. List accomplishments or responsibilities in other roles with high-impact words.

Emphasize relevant experience in past job positions. Highlight your potential value to the organization.

4. Show a Willingness to Adapt and Learn

Specifically relevant to security guard applicants, you should always try to show a willingness to adapt and learn within the context of the position.

You can include a few concise sentences in your work history to show how easily you adapt to changes or procedures. For example:

“Adapted seamlessly to new security protocols and procedures, demonstrating the ability to quickly understand and implement changes within a fast-paced environment.”

Every day is a variable as a security guard, and you won’t know what to expect until it happens.

Flexibility and adaptability to highly stressful situations are core tenets of what makes a security guard essential to a business or operation, and showcasing this on your resume can help to elevate it. For instance:

“Recognizing that every day presents unique challenges, I have developed the ability to stay calm under pressure and adapt quickly to any situation, ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals and property.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Consider the following commonly asked questions about security guard resumes before you begin crafting your own.

What Are Some Common Mistakes on Security Guard Resumes?

When writing a security guard resume, you should avoid any simple spelling or grammatical errors.

It might not be viewed as an academic job, but attention to detail is an irreplaceable skill for security guards to have.

What Is a Good Example of a Security Guard’s Resume Objective?

A security guard’s resume objective should be concise and outline why the candidate would be an asset to the company. As an example:

“Qualified, credentialed hospital security guard seeking a full-time position in a local hospice where I can ensure the community’s and staff’s safety. Trained in nonviolent de-escalation, with many years of experience in high-stress settings.”

Similar Resume Types to Reference

Here are some similar resume types that are worth referencing when writing your resume:

  • Military Resume: Military resumes will highlight relevant action verbs that should be incorporated into your security guard resume.
  • Police Officer Resume: Police officer resumes are highly relevant, as their job position also involves maintaining public order and property protection, often with a higher degree of risk.
  • Federal Resume: Federal resumes, particularly those for federal law enforcement officers, can help you determine what soft skills to include.

Wrapping Up

Writing a security guard resume might be perceived as daunting, given that you’ll be in a role that requires a high degree of responsibility. You have nothing to worry about as long as you adequately demonstrate relevant skills on your resume.

If you follow one of the templates listed above, you should not have trouble putting together a cohesive security guard resume.

If you found this resume to be particularly useful, feel free to share it. And please share your thoughts in the comment section below!

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