Resume Examples for Security Guards

Resumes and CVs for security guards should reflect the unique experiences and skills relevant to each career stage, from entry-level positions to more advanced roles. Discover the appropriate templates for your level to craft your application.

Entry-Level Security Guard Resume

Ideal for recent graduates and those transitioning into security roles, this template helps create a resume with no experience while showcasing your skills and dedication to maintaining safety and security.

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Why this resume works:

The thoughtful font selection on this resume highlights professionalism and improves readability. According to best fonts for a resume, options like Calibri, Tahoma, and Times New Roman are often preferred by hiring managers for their clean and polished appearance.

Mid-Career Security Guard Resume

An excellent choice for security professionals seeking advancement, this template effectively showcases experience and achievements while targeting roles that require specialized skills and leadership capabilities.

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Why this resume works:

Strong action verbs like “monitored,” “handled,” and “ensured” highlight critical skills in maintaining safety and compliance. Metrics such as “reduced incidents by 30%” and “protected assets, reducing losses by 15%” are presented in concise bullet points for easy scanning.

Experienced Security Guard Resume

An ideal choice for seasoned security professionals with over 10 years of experience, this template is designed for those targeting senior roles in security management or specialized surveillance positions.

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Why this resume works:

This resume reflects significant career advancement, showcasing skills in surveillance and conflict resolution that have led to a 25% reduction in security incidents. Leadership as a certified security supervisor and ongoing training initiatives highlight the applicant’s readiness for senior roles in security management.

Security Guard Resume Template (Text)

Use this customizable text template for a security guard position to copy, paste, and tailor it directly in your document.

Tao Lee

Tampa, FL 33601

Professional Summary

Highly skilled Security Guard with 7 years’ experience. Adept at risk assessment and emergency response. Proven track record of reducing safety incidents by 25%.

Work Experience

April 2025 – April 2026

SecureGuard Solutions – Tampa, FL

Security Guard

  • Monitored premises to prevent theft.
  • Reduced incidents by 25% monthly.
  • Conducted daily safety checks.

January 2022 – March 2025

Retail Defense Group – Tampa, FL

Loss Prevention Officer

  • Recovered $20K in lost merchandise.
  • Trained new hires on safety protocols.
  • Reduced shrinkage rate by 12%.

January 2019 – December 2021

Crystal Secure Inc. – Riverview, FL

Security Officer

  • Patrolled premises hourly.
  • Generated 30+ incident reports.
  • Supervised entry points daily.

Education

June 2018
Springfield University Windermere, FL
Bachelor’s Degree Criminal Justice

June 2015
Springfield High School Windermere, FL
High School Diploma

Certifications

  • Certified Security Guard – National Security Association
  • Loss Prevention Certified – Retail Security Institute

Skills

  • Surveillance Techniques
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Risk Assessment
  • Emergency Response
  • Access Control
  • Report Writing
  • Security Systems
  • Crowd Management

How to Write a Security Guard Resume

As a security guard, knowing how to write a resume means showcasing your relevant skills and experience, and using a clear format that highlights your qualifications. Use the guidance below to emphasize your strengths and tailor your resume for the specific positions you’re aiming for.

1. Contact Info

Your contact information should be straightforward, professional, and prominently displayed at the top of your resume.

Be sure to include:

  • Full name
  • Phone number
  • Professional email address
  • City and state (ZIP code is optional)
  • LinkedIn profile or relevant portfolio (if applicable)
TipPRO TIP

Avoid including sensitive information like social security numbers, religious affiliations, or personal photographs unless specifically requested by the employer.

2. Resume Profile

A resume profile is a brief section, usually 2-4 sentences long, designed to summarize your qualifications and career highlights. This introductory paragraph acts as a compelling pitch to hiring managers, capturing their interest and motivating them to delve deeper into your resume.

Typically located at the top of your resume, this profile can be structured as either a summary or an objective, each serving distinct purposes. A summary provides an overview of your experience while an objective outlines your career goals:

  • A resume summary showcases essential qualifications, skills, and achievements relevant to maintaining safety and security. This format is particularly beneficial for job seekers with prior experience or transferable skills who aim to illustrate their effectiveness as vigilant security guards.
  • A resume objective highlights your future aspirations and outlines your career goals. It’s particularly helpful for entry-level job seekers, those transitioning careers, or individuals with limited experience in the security field, such as recent graduates from law enforcement programs.

Let’s examine examples of a resume summary and a resume objective to understand their distinct purposes:

Security guard resume summary example:

Dedicated security guard with over 6 years of experience in high-traffic environments, including shopping centers and corporate offices. Proficient in surveillance operations, emergency response, and conflict resolution. Acknowledged for maintaining a secure atmosphere while delivering exceptional customer service and ensuring safety protocols are upheld.

Security guard resume objective example:

Recent graduate with a focus on security management, eager to start a career in a dynamic security environment. Committed to maintaining safety and order while bringing exceptional observational skills and a proactive attitude to corporate or public sector facilities.

3. Work Experience

The work experience on your resume is an important element that showcases your professional journey. Employers assess not only where you’ve worked but also the significant contributions you’ve made during your tenure.

This experience highlights how your background, particularly in security protocols and risk management, positions you as a strong job seeker for the security guard role.

The work experience section should contain:

  • Job title
  • Employer name and location
  • Dates of employment (month/year)
  • 3–5 bullet points detailing your security duties and incident response accomplishments

To create strong work experience bullet points, tailor your content to the security field by using relevant terminology. Begin each statement with strong action verbs like “Patrolled,” “Secured,” or “Responded” to improve your descriptions.

Incorporate quantifiable metrics wherever possible to highlight your contributions. Specific figures and achievements can showcase your value and set you apart from other job seekers in the job market.

[action verb] + [responsibility] = [result/achievement]

For example:

Monitor and secure premises for a corporate building with over 200 employees, ensuring safety compliance and reducing incident reports by 30%.

Note that you can also flip the result/achievement with the responsibility:

Achieved a 25% decrease in unauthorized access incidents through proactive surveillance and employee training.

Explore more work experience examples for security guards further down the page.

4. Skills

The skills section provides a concise overview of your professional abilities as a security guard. This ensures an ATS-friendly resume, enabling hiring managers to quickly assess your qualifications. You can categorize skills into three key areas:

  • Soft skills are personal qualities that influence how security guards interact with their colleagues and the public. Important soft skills for this role include communication, observation, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. These traits are vital for ensuring safety, building trust with team members, and effectively managing challenging situations.
  • Hard skills are specific, measurable abilities gained through education, training, or experience. For security guards, examples include monitoring surveillance systems, conducting safety inspections, and performing emergency response procedures.
  • Technical skills encompass the specific abilities required to operate tools and systems effectively within a job. In security, this includes expertise in surveillance camera systems, alarm monitoring software, and access control technologies.

In general, aim for a well-rounded selection of skills that directly correspond to the job requirements to showcase your qualifications. For additional examples of relevant skills tailored for security guard positions, refer to the section below.

TipPRO TIP

If you’re an entry-level security guard, consider placing your skills section higher on your resume right after your summary. If you have more experience, integrate your skills into your work history and position the section lower on the page to showcase real-world applications.

5. Education

Understanding how to list education on your resume is essential for showcasing your qualifications clearly. Start with your most relevant job role, detailing the position title and the company name. If you have recently worked in security roles, consider including employment dates, special training, certifications, or notable achievements that highlight your skills in maintaining safety and security.

Security guard resume education section example:

High School Diploma
Lincoln High School, Chicago, IL
Graduated: 2020 | National Honor Society Member

TipPRO TIP

When listing multiple degrees on your resume, always arrange them in reverse-chronological order, starting with the highest qualification first, such as Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) followed by Associate Degree in Security Management (ADSM).

6. Certifications

Certifications highlight your qualifications and ensure you’re informed about the latest trends and standards in security. Although not always included on a traditional resume, this section is important for many professionals in the field. Employers often look for specific credentials when hiring for specialized roles, such as loss prevention or surveillance monitoring.

Be sure to showcase relevant certifications that improve your application and demonstrate your commitment to the profession. Keeping these credentials current and clearly formatted is essential to make a strong impression on potential employers.

Security guard certification examples:

  • Security Guard License, New York | New York State | Expires: 01/2028
  • CPR and First Aid Certification | American Red Cross | Expires: 04/2028
  • Firearm License for Security Personnel | State of New Jersey | Expires: 10/2027
  • Basic Security Training Certificate | National Security Agency | Expires: 09/2027

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Tailor Your Work History to Beat the ATS

Your work experience is a vital element of your application, extending beyond mere job titles. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate the tangible contributions you’ve made within your role, showcasing specific achievements relevant to security. This not only highlights your expertise but also helps create a resume that applicant tracking systems (ATS) can efficiently scan.

When crafting your work history, it’s essential to tailor it to align with the position you’re pursuing. Begin by reviewing the job description in detail and pinpointing key skills or qualifications mentioned multiple times. Incorporating these elements into your descriptions will improve their relevance and strengthen your candidacy.

These examples are pulled from our most-used entries in the resume builder — based on what hiring managers respond to most.

  • Monitored security systems and conducted patrols across a 50-acre facility, reducing incidents by 20% over six months.
  • Collaborated with local law enforcement to improve emergency response protocols, increasing response efficiency by 15%.
  • Trained new security personnel in safety procedures and communication protocols, improving team cohesion and performance.
  • Documented daily activities and incidents using incident reporting software to maintain accurate records.
  • Implemented a visitor management system that streamlined entry processes for over 300 visitors weekly.

Example of Skills for Security Guards

Including the right skills for your resume demonstrates to employers and ATS that you possess the essential abilities needed to thrive as a security guard. Since resumes are often scanned quickly, ensure your skills are focused, relevant, and tailored to the job description.

The skills highlighted in this section reflect what is currently valued in the security field. These capabilities frequently appear in successful security guard resumes and resonate with hiring managers looking for qualified job seekers.

5 Soft Skills for Your Resume or CV

  • Attention to detail
  • Conflict resolution skills
  • Effective communication
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Situational awareness

5 Hard Skills for Your Resume or CV

  • Surveillance monitoring
  • Access control systems (CCTV, RFID)
  • Incident reporting procedures
  • Emergency response planning
  • Patrol techniques and documentation

What’s a Fair Security Guard Salary?

Researching salary information is essential for assessing job offers, negotiating pay, and making informed career decisions. The data presented comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and outlines the most recent nationwide averages for security guards.

Many factors can affect actual salaries, such as location, years of experience, certifications, and specific job roles. For example, security guards working in corporate environments or specialized sectors like cybersecurity often earn more than those in retail or residential settings.

Alabama$34,640
Alaska$54,720
Arizona$41,260
Arkansas$38,670
California$45,970
Connecticut$43,150
Delaware$44,940
District of Columbia$60,420
Florida$39,000
Georgia$39,720
Hawaii$43,310
Idaho$48,350
Illinois$43,850
Indiana$42,650
Iowa$40,310
Kansas$41,440
Kentucky$36,760
Louisiana$35,530
Maine$42,310
Maryland$44,850
Massachusetts$45,680
Michigan$40,100
Minnesota$50,110
Mississippi$32,750
Missouri$45,880
Montana$39,130
Nebraska$43,260
Nevada$39,880
New Hampshire$47,720
New Jersey$43,270
New Mexico$45,330
New York$45,920
North Carolina$40,600
North Dakota$42,080
Ohio$40,500
Oklahoma$40,500
Oregon$46,110
Pennsylvania$40,770
Rhode Island$39,540
South Carolina$36,030
South Dakota$39,340
Tennessee$39,630
Texas$37,500
Utah$43,130
Vermont$43,830
Virginia$47,650
Washington$52,940
West Virginia$39,430
Wisconsin$43,000
Wyoming$38,560
Guam$25,710
Puerto Rico$21,190
Virgin Islands$32,630

Key Takeaways

  • Tailor your resume to the job description. Use terms and phrases from the posting to resonate with both ATS and hiring managers.
  • Highlight quantifiable achievements for credibility. Include specific metrics (e.g., incident response times, successful deterrence rates) to improve your profile.
  • Select a resume format that reflects your experience level. Entry-level guards might prefer a functional layout, while seasoned professionals may opt for a reverse-chronological format.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Last Update:

What resume format should I use for my security guard resume?

There are three main resume formats to consider when applying for a security guard position. Your choice should reflect your experience level and the specific skills you want to highlight:

  • Chronological: The chronological resume is the most widely used format, emphasizing your work history by outlining responsibilities and achievements. This approach is especially beneficial for job seekers with a consistent job background that reinforces their qualifications, making it an effective tool to showcase relevant experience without focusing on skills.
  • Functional: The functional resume, commonly known as a skills-based resume, highlights your qualifications and skills while minimizing the emphasis on work history. This format is particularly beneficial for individuals who lack relevant experience or have gaps in their employment, as it allows them to showcase their capabilities more prominently.
  • Combination: The combination resume format merges the chronological and functional styles, showcasing both relevant skills and work history. This approach allows professionals to highlight their abilities while illustrating career growth, making it ideal for those transitioning into new roles or advancing in their current field.
Should I include a cover letter with my resume?

Yes, you should include a cover letter with your security guard job application. A well-crafted cover letter allows you to convey your commitment to maintaining safety and security while highlighting relevant experiences that may not be detailed in your resume. It shows potential employers that you’ve taken the time to personalize your application, which can set you apart from job seekers who submit a generic resume.

If you’re unsure about how to write an effective cover letter, don’t let that deter you from including one. There are many resources available, including guides on how to write a cover letter, examples tailored specifically for security roles, and different formats you can use to present your information clearly and concisely.

To make the writing process easier, consider using a cover letter generator that can assist in creating a professional document by offering templates and suggestions based on the specifics of your job application.

How long should a security guard resume be?

For security guards with less than 10 years of experience, a one-page resume is typically sufficient to highlight skills, training, and relevant certifications. Focus on key responsibilities in previous roles, demonstrating your ability to maintain safety and security effectively.

Conversely, those in senior or specialized positions may use a two-page resume if it conveys relevant information clearly. Ensure that all content remains relevant and emphasizes leadership experience, advanced training, and unique skills without unnecessary elaboration or filler language.

What keywords should I include to pass applicant tracking systems (ATS)?

To improve your chances of getting noticed by ATS, focus on incorporating keywords and phrases directly from the job posting. Look for terms related to security protocols, surveillance systems, and emergency response procedures. For example, you might include phrases like “access control,” “incident report writing,” or “surveillance monitoring.”

Don’t forget to highlight relevant certifications such as CPR, First Aid, and any licenses required for security roles. Additionally, mention technical tools you’re familiar with, like CCTV systems or alarm management software. This will demonstrate that you have the skills necessary for the position and help your resume stand out in ATS screenings.

Is it beneficial to include volunteer work or internships on my resume?

Yes, especially for those new to the security field. Highlighting volunteer roles or internships demonstrates your commitment and practical skills in real environments, which can help you stand out when applying for full-time positions.

Elizabeth Muenzen profile image
Elizabeth Muenzen Career Advice Writer

Elizabeth Muenzen is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches who empowers job seekers to take control of their career paths using Monster’s comprehensive job search and resume tools.

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