To build an eye-catching security guard resume, you need an accomplishment-driven document that demonstrates your commitment to preserving the safety of others during emergency situations. Craft engaging bullet points to paint a picture of your experience collaborating with law enforcement and identifying peaceful resolutions to conflicts. In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step of the resume writing process to help you secure your next big job interview.
Key takeaways:
- Emphasize conflict resolution skills: Feature communication and conflict resolution skills prominently throughout your resume to show potential employers that you have the emotional intelligence needed to peacefully de-escalate dangerous situations.
- Detail quantifiable achievements: Highlight numbers and metrics to establish a sense of scope for your contributions. For instance, you could demonstrate how you successfully improved incident response times and security operations.
- Use keywords for applicant tracking systems (ATS): Include specific skills and key terms to match the job description. For instance, if a company is seeking a security guard with a strong knowledge of access control, include this term directly in your summary.
Most Popular Security Guard Resumes
Security Guard Resume Example

Why this security guard resume example is strong:
This security guard resume excels in presenting the candidate’s interpersonal skills in both the summary and professional experience sections. It also leverages eye-catching numbers to show how the applicant can help improve the efficiency of security operations for future employers.
Armed Security Guard Resume Example

Why this security guard resume example is strong:
The following resume example emphasizes the candidate’s comprehensive knowledge of firearm safety, which is particularly important for armed security guard roles.
Security Guard Supervisor Resume Example

Why this security guard resume example is strong:
This security guard resume excels in highlighting the candidate’s team management background. The bullet points illustrate how the applicant led large teams effectively in high-traffic environments with thousands of daily visitors.
Concierge Security Guard Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Taylor’s resume balances hospitality-focused guest interaction with robust security duties, illustrating versatility in a concierge role. The use of specific metrics, such as “200+ daily guests” and “15% drop in trespassing,” makes achievements concrete.
Key Tip
Adding data-driven results helps hiring managers see the real-world impact of your work. For tips on showcasing your skills effectively, see How to List Skills on a Resume.
Cruise Ship Security Guard Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Alex’s resume emphasizes maritime-specific duties, like “weekly safety briefings” and “20% reduction in unauthorized access,” which demonstrate both leadership and operational expertise. The clear chronology shows steady career progression.
Key Tip
Highlighting specialized protocols and compliance results underscores your domain expertise. For guidance on crafting effective objectives, see Resume Objective Examples.
Hospital Security Guard Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Jordan’s resume ties healthcare-specific security actions, like “100% incident-free record” and “18% reduction in unauthorized entries,” to patient and staff safety, showing attention to detail and reliability.
Key Tip
Linking security measures to compliance and safety outcomes highlights your professionalism. For advice on listing your education clearly, see How to List Education on a Resume.
Bank Security Guard Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Morgan’s resume connects security duties to financial asset protection,such as “$2M+ in daily cash transactions,” which showcases responsibility and trustworthiness. The bullet points are concise and impactful.
Key Tip
Detailing the value of assets you protect demonstrates your level of accountability. For tips on crafting a concise, professional summary, see How to Write a Resume Summary.
Beginner Security Guard Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Casey’s resume demonstrates a clear progression from volunteer to intern roles, emphasizing willingness to learn and hands-on exposure to patrol and surveillance tasks. The concise entries highlight relevant experience despite limited tenure.
Key Tip
Detailing internship and volunteer responsibilities shows initiative and transferable skills. For guidance on crafting a resume with limited experience, see How to Write a Resume With No Experience.
Casino Security Guard Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Jamie’s resume highlights both surveillance expertise and concrete security outcomes, such as “22% reduction in unauthorized access” and “100% peaceful resolution rate,” demonstrating a strong track record in high-stakes environments.
Key Tip
Including specific percentages and dollar amounts makes your impact clear. For more on presenting volunteer and extracurricular security experience, see How to List Volunteer Work Experience on a Resume.
Retail Security Officer Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Cameron’s resume combines loss-prevention metrics, like “30% drop in shoplifting” and “18% reduction in shrinkage,” with customer service duties, showcasing a well-rounded security professional.
Key Tip
Quantifying reductions in incidents underscores your effectiveness. For guidance on highlighting work experience, see Work Experience on a Resume.
Industrial Security Guard Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Drew’s resume ties patrol and audit duties to measurable safety improvements, like “12 protocol breaches rectified” and “25% faster evacuation,” demonstrating proactive security management.
Key Tip
Linking security activities to compliance and efficiency metrics highlights your operational impact. For tips on extending your career history, see How Far Should a Resume Go.
Campus Security Guard Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Riley’s resume highlights campus-specific security achievements, such as “35% reduction in tailgating” and “100% peaceful resolutions,” showing both preventive and interpersonal strengths.
Key Tip
Connecting security measures to community outcomes emphasizes your holistic approach. For guidance on listing degrees, see How to List Degrees on a Resume.
Transportation Security Officer Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Pat’s resume combines high-volume screening metrics with training responsibilities, highlighting both operational skill and leadership.
Key Tip
Detailing throughput and accuracy rates underscores your technical proficiency. For advice on tailoring your resume to a specific role, see How to Tailor Your Resume to a Job Description.
K9 Security Handler Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Taylor’s resume highlights specialized canine-handling achievements, like “20% improved detection accuracy,” which immediately demonstrate tangible impact. The clear, concise bullet points make it easy for employers to assess both handler expertise and operational results.
Key Tip
Using specific improvement metrics reinforces your effectiveness; for guidance on structuring your resume, see How to Make a Resume.
VIP Personal Security Officer Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Alex’s resume underscores reliability and thoroughness highlighting a flawless track record. The bullet points are succinct and emphasize both strategic planning and hands-on protection skills.
Key Tip
Quantifying your flawless record establishes credibility; for clarity on resume length, see How Long Should a Resume Be.
Unarmed Security Guard Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Jordan’s resume pairs security metrics with strong customer service outcomes, illustrating versatility. The concise structure ensures quick readability.
Key Tip
Linking security outcomes to both safety and service shows well-rounded expertise. For advice on crafting a professional summary, see CV vs. Resume: What Is the Difference?.
Security Patrol Officer Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Morgan’s resume emphasizes rapid alarm response and proactive issue identification, demonstrating operational efficiency. The focused bullets illustrate core patrol competencies.
Key Tip
Detailing response times and reduction rates highlights your reliability. For tips on selecting keywords, see Resume Keywords.
Fire Watch Security Guard Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Casey’s resume quantifies hazard inspections and emphasizes zero-incident performance, illustrating both vigilance and safety acumen. The concise structure allows quick assessment of fire watch expertise.
Key Tip
Including hazard and incident metrics underscores your attention to safety; for guidance on building a resume for free, see How to Build a Resume for Free.
Correctional Facility Security Guard Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Jamie’s resume pairs high-volume conflict resolutions with rigorous inspection metrics to demonstrate both control and prevention capabilities.
Key Tip
Highlighting both resolution rates and contraband statistics shows comprehensive facility management; for ideas on resume action words, see Resume Action Words.
Mall Security Guard Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Cameron’s resume quantifies both prevention and recovery, demonstrating thorough loss-prevention expertise.
Key Tip
Combining prevention and recovery metrics clarifies your value. For tips on using bullet points effectively, see How to Use Bullet Points on a Resume Effectively.
Security Guard Text-Only Resume Examples and Templates
How To Write a Security Guard Resume Example
To write a great security resume, you need to organize your content effectively. This allows the hiring manager to easily scan your document for important information. Your resume template should include each of the following sections:
- Contact information
- Profile
- Key skills
- Professional experience
- Education and certifications
1. Share your contact information
Provide your full name, phone number, email address, location, and a URL for your LinkedIn profile or digital portfolio. Be sure to review the accuracy of your contact information to ensure potential employers can easily reach out to schedule an interview.
2. Write a compelling profile summarizing your security guard qualifications
Draw the reader in with an engaging professional profile that captures the broad strokes of your experience as a security guard. Lead with a sentence that includes your title, years of experience, and key skills that employers are looking for. Feature unique details that illustrate your advanced expertise as a security professional.
For example, you might emphasize your ability to peacefully resolve dangerous situations using de-escalation techniques. You could highlight your background in analyzing and improving security protocols to reduce safety risks. By making a strong first impression on the hiring manager, you’ll greatly increase your chances of landing the interview.
Security Guard Profile Example
A security guard with five years of professional experience specializing in incident response, access control, and conflict resolution. A proven track record of de-escalating tense situations with calmness, poise, and professionalism.
Armed Security Guard Profile Example
A dedicated security guard with seven years of experience specializing in firearm safety, incident response, access control, and de-escalation techniques. A strong history of delivering armed security services and ensuring the safety of client properties and employees.
3. Add an accomplishment-driven professional experience section
To stand out from the competition during your job search, you need a professional experience section that encapsulates your most compelling career achievements as a security guard. Your bullet points should be concise yet engaging, displaying the genuine impact of your contributions. Avoid detailing generic job responsibilities and focus on how creating a narrative that tells your unique story within the security field.
Armed Security Guard Professional Experience Example
Armed Security Guard, Boeing, Philadelphia, PA | May 2020 – present
- Monitored security and performed daily patrols for a large facility with over 250 employees, conducted verification to ensure authorized access, and identified potential security breaches and suspicious activity
- Created comprehensive incident reports, evaluated trends, and provided recommendations to enhance security protocols
- Responded to over 100 security situations and utilized de-escalation techniques to reduce potential harm and achieve peaceful resolutions
Security Guard Supervisor Professional Experience Example
Security Guard Supervisor, Penn Station, New York, NY | March 2018 – present
- Manage a team of 40 security guards and coordinate all aspects of daily security operations for a major train station with over 3,000 daily visitors
- Deliver training to over 100 security personnel and identify opportunities to mitigate risks and improve average incident response time by 18%
- Coordinate with police officers and EMTs during response to life-threatening situations, criminal activities, and medical emergencies
Resume writer’s tip: Quantify your experience
Quantify your career achievements to amplify the strength of your content. Highlight the number of visitors for the site you patrolled to establish a sense of scope for the reader. Emphasize how you’ve successfully improved response times or reduced incidents by improving security protocols. Incorporating these numbers will naturally draw the reader’s eye and help make your bullet points more distinct.
Do
- “Deliver training to over 100 security personnel and identify opportunities to mitigate risks and improve average incident response time by 18%”
Don’t
- “Properly train security guards on daily responsibilities, assign tasks, and successfully find ways to help improve response times”
Resume writer’s tip: Tailor your resume for each application
Review the job description before crafting your professional experience section. Identify key qualifications that the company is looking for and tactically incorporate them into your resume. For instance, if the organization is targeting a security guard who can coordinate effectively with law enforcement, detail this aspect of your experience in a bullet point.
What if you don’t have experience?
Even if you lack hands-on experience, it’s still possible to create an impactful resume that grabs the attention of potential employers. One approach is to focus on emphasizing relevant skills that could help you succeed in a security guard position, such as communication and conflict resolution skills. Pursuing a security guard license or BLS certification can also help bolster your chances of landing an entry-level position.
4. Include relevant education and certifications
Depending on the state, you may be required to obtain a security guard license through an accredited organization or agency. A BLS certification is also commonly listed as a requirement for these types of roles. While a college degree is not typically needed for a security guard opening, obtaining an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can give you an edge over the competition.
Education
Template:
[Degree Name and Major] | [Graduation Date]
[School Name] | [City, ST]
Example:
Associate of Science (A.S.) Criminal Justice | June 2019
University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Certifications
Template:
[Certification Name] | [Awarding Organization] | [Completion Date]
Example:
- Security Guard License | State of Pennsylvania | June 2019
- Basic Life Support | American Red Cross | June 2019
5. List pertinent key skills
To achieve compliance with ATS, pack your resume with relevant security guard skills that match the job description. Look for specific keywords, especially terms repeated more than once throughout the posting. As you review potential opportunities, you should start to identify certain trends. For instance, you’ll notice that skills such as conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques are likely to appear in almost any security guard job listing.
Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
---|---|
Access control | Behavioral analysis |
Communication | Conflict resolution |
CPR certified | Customer service |
De-escalation | Diversity and inclusion |
Emergency response | Firearm safety |
Law enforcement | Patrols |
Physical security | Risk assessment |
Safety protocols | Security |
Security management | Security operations |
Security training | Surveillance |
Team leadership |
Resume writer’s tip: Use common action verbs
Action verbs are a great way to enhance your bullet points with proactive language. However, if you use the same verbs repeatedly, they quickly lose their effectiveness. When building your professional experience section, be intentional in your word choice and diversify your verbiage. We’ve put together a list of verbs you can use during the resume-writing process:
Action Verbs | |
---|---|
Analyzed | Assessed |
Communicated | Conducted |
Coordinated | De-escalated |
Delivered | Identified |
Implemented | Improved |
Led | Managed |
Monitored | Oversaw |
Patrolled | Performed |
Provided | Resolved |
Responded | Trained |
How To Pick the Best Security Guard Resume Template
Resume templates come in a variety of formats and styles, and finding the right fit for your personal brand can be challenging. When selecting a template, the first step to evaluate is how it’s organized. Are the sections simple to navigate? Is the font elegant and readable? Do the colors and visual elements draw attention away from your career experience? If your layout meets these criteria, it’s a viable option for your security guard resume.
Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Resume Examples and Advice
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that over 151,700 new security guard jobs are expected each year from 2022 to 2032. Although there's no shortage of opportunities, still tailor your resume to each job description.
For example, if a company is looking for an experienced security guard who can train new personnel, heavily emphasize your previous leadership experience in your summary and bullet points. If an organization is seeking a candidate who can coordinate security operations in high-traffic areas, be sure to highlight this aspect of your background using clear examples.
Reverse chronological is the recommended option for security guard resumes. While your certifications, education, and skills are important, always prioritize your work history first. A combination format is an alternative choice that is only warranted if you don't have hands-on experience in a security-related role.
A well-rounded Security Guard CV should include the following sections: a profile summary that highlights your experience and strengths, a skills section that aligns with the job description, a professional experience section that outlines key roles and responsibilities, and education and certifications. Adding a section for key achievements or quantifiable results can also give your CV a competitive edge.
Include a cover letter with your resume
Most security guard job applications won’t require a cover letter, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t write one. Potential employers take note of candidates who take the extra steps. The cover letter allows you to provide unique insights into your personal values that wouldn’t normally fit on a resume.
Check Out Related Examples
Resume Templates offers free, HR approved resume templates to help you create a professional resume in minutes. Choose from several template options and even pre-populate a resume from your profile.