Best security guard CV examples & tips

Contrary to what some may think, the most important element of being a security guard is not your physical ability, but your skills in observing potential suspicious behavior. The ability to notate when it happens, and assisting others as well as law enforcement in dealing with problems is critical to the job. You need to highlight your ability to prevent as much damage as possible when problems occur.

Your CV format will have an impact on your security guard CV structure. It’s important that you determine your CV format first: reverse-chronological format or skills-based (functional format). Because there isn’t typically much work experience required, most security guards will choose the functional format, which emphasises skills and training. Here’s how your CV sections should look.

The first element of your CV will be the header that includes your contact information. This is the top design element of the CV, and it typically includes your full name, your phone number, email address, and any professional links, such as your LinkedIn profile. Recruiters use the information in this section to connect with potential employees, so it is important to make sure your information here is accurate.

Next is your personal statement, also known as professional statement or CV summary. This is a detailed paragraph that highlights the most impressive elements of your CV. This statement stresses top skills and work experience, along with your abilities and career goals.

Here are a few bullet points you could use to prove that you’d be a good addition to a security team:

• Handling security cameras and CCTV
• Noticing suspicious activity
• Preventing property damage
• Detaining or identifying violators
• Writing reports
• Loss prevention
• Conflict resolution
• Quick decision-making
• Problem-solving
• First Aid

The specific skills you list in your skills section will be related to what type of security guard position you’re applying for. A security guard who does loss prevention will need different skills than one who manages security cameras at a school, for example.

Work history

List all of your security-related experience in the work experience section of your CV. Because this is a field that’s fairly easy to break into, you don’t have to worry about having years of experience. However, make sure you feature job experiences that include transferable skills, such as experience in jobs that depend on stamina, fast thinking and organisational abilities (e.g., working or volunteering in a public fire and rescue department).

Education

Your education section should include your highest educational credential, along with any other related training. Most security guard companies only require a GCSE for you to be able to work as a security guard. Entry-level organiszations may even provide training as a security guard when you sign on, but you will need a front line Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence. If you have any additional certifications, you should add them to this section of your CV.

Do:

• Understand the differences in security guard positions. All security guard positions are not the same, and may require different training and certifications, so read the job posting carefully before you apply.
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• Look over a security guard CV example before you write your own. CVHelp has hundreds of CV samples available for you to use as a foundation for your own.
• Emphasize great conflict resolution skills. Ideally, you want to be able to de-escalate conflicts before they arise.

Don’t:

• Apply for the job before you know all the requirements. You typically have to be able to pass a background check to become a security guard, for example.
• Neglect listing education that you think “doesn’t matter” for a security guard position. No matter what your educational background is, including it shows that you care about finishing what you start.