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Creating a standout CV is crucial to making an impression in the security industry. Your CV should highlight your practical skills, relevant qualifications, and hands-on experience in maintaining safety, conducting patrols, and managing security protocols.
This guide provides essential advice, templates, and CV examples to help you create a security guard CV that enhances your chances of landing your next position. We will walk you through the key elements of writing an effective CV, including:
- Security guard CV sample
- Security guard CV templates
- The best CV format for a security guard
- A step-by-step guide to writing a CV
- Dos and don’ts for your security guard CV
- Frequently asked questions for security guards
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Security guard CV sample
Dylan Cooke
London
07912 345 678
dyaln.cooke@example.co.uk
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Experienced security professional with expertise in surveillance monitoring, emergency response, and patrolling. Skilled in conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques, as well as ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. Proficient in operating security equipment such as CCTV and alarm systems, complemented by strong customer service and communication abilities. Adept at report writing and incident logging to maintain accurate records.
WORK HISTORY
March 2021 – February 2025
G4S Security Solutions – London
Security Officer
- Monitored CCTV systems across a 15,000 square foot commercial complex, identifying and reporting 50+ suspicious activities annually, reducing security incidents by 22%.
- Conducted 5+ patrols per day of the premises, ensuring the safety and security of over 200 employees and visitors.
- Responded to emergency incidents monthly, providing first aid and ensuring a quick handover to emergency services when necessary.
- Managed access control for 5+ entrances, ensuring that only authorised personnel entered the premises, reducing unauthorised access incidents.
July 2017 – February 2021
Securitas – London
Security Guard
- Ensured the safety of a busy shopping centre with 100+ shops by performing routine patrols and monitoring CCTV systems, reducing theft by 21%.
- Assisted in evacuating 500+ staff and customers during quarterly fire drills, ensuring all safety protocols were followed with no incidents.
- Resolved conflicts and diffused tense situations through effective communication and conflict-resolution skills.
- Conducted bag searches and security checks for 100+ visitors daily, ensuring compliance with security protocols.
SKILLS
- Surveillance monitoring
- Emergency response & first aid
- Patrolling & access control
- Conflict resolution & de-escalation
- Health and safety regulations
- Use of security equipment (CCTV, alarm systems, etc.)
- Customer service & communication
- Report writing & incident logging
EDUCATION
Security Industry Authority | London | 2017
Licensed Security Guard
Red Cross | London | 2017
First Aid
London International School | UK | 2014
GCSEs
The ideal security guard CV format
For most security professionals, the chronological CV format works best. This structure allows you to highlight your most recent roles at the top, showcasing your career development, key skills, and areas of expertise. By listing your latest positions first, you demonstrate your up-to-date knowledge and practical experience, which is essential for employers looking for competent and reliable security personnel.
However, a skills-based CV format might be more suitable if you’re new to the security industry or have limited professional experience. This format focuses on your core capabilities, such as surveillance, emergency response, conflict resolution, and any relevant training you’ve undertaken, rather than an extensive work history. It allows you to highlight transferable skills gained through voluntary roles, internships, or academic qualifications, showcasing your potential to excel as a security guard.
Here are a few general CV tips for security guards:
- Keep it concise: Aim for one to two pages, focusing on the most relevant experience and qualifications.
- Use a professional font: Stick to clean, easy-to-read fonts such as Arial, Helvetica, or Calibri.
- Organise your CV into clear sections: Include a contact section, personal summary, work experience, skills, and education.
- Use bullet points for clarity: Bullet points help employers quickly identify key skills and achievements.
How to write a security guard CV step by step
Creating a security guard CV is more than simply listing your past roles; it’s an opportunity to highlight your key skills, qualifications, and experience while demonstrating your ability to maintain safety, manage emergencies, and ensure the smooth running of security operations.
In this section, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to create a CV that effectively showcases your experience and expertise as a security guard.
Here are the key steps we’ll cover:
- Present your contact details clearly
- How to write a professional summary for your security guard CV
- How to structure your work experience as a security guard
- Skills to include on a security guard CV
- How to display your qualifications on a security guard CV
Present your contact details clearly
The contact details section of your CV should be placed at the top, as this is the first thing recruiters will see. Ensure your contact information is accurate, clear, and easy to find.
Here’s how to format it effectively:
- Full Name: Include both your first and last name.
- Location: Mention your city or country, and specify if you’re open to relocation.
- Phone Number: Provide a reliable number where you can be easily reached.
- Email Address: Use a professional and simple email address.
Example
Dylan Cooke
London
07912 345 678
dyaln.cooke@example.co.uk
How to write a professional summary for your security guard CV
Your personal statement (or professional summary) is one of the first sections recruiters will read on your CV, making it a key opportunity to make a strong first impression. It’s your chance to briefly highlight your experience, key skills, and what makes you stand out as a security guard.
Here’s how to structure your statement:
Brief introduction: Start with a short overview of your experience as a security guard, including any specialisations (e.g., event security, crowd management, premises surveillance) and the types of environments you have worked in.
Key achievements: Highlight any relevant certifications, training, or successful projects that demonstrate your abilities, such as experience with security systems or handling emergency situations.
Match the job requirements: Adapt your personal statement to the specific role you’re applying for. If the position requires certain experience, such as working in high-risk settings or operating specific security equipment, make sure to mention your relevant skills (if you have them).
Example of a security guard personal statement
A dedicated and reliable security guard with 5+ years of experience ensuring the safety of staff, visitors, and property in a variety of settings, including corporate offices and public events. Highly skilled in surveillance, emergency response, and access control. I hold an SIA licence and am confident in managing security systems, diffusing tense situations, and maintaining a secure environment under pressure.
How to structure your work experience as a security guard
The work experience section of your security guard CV is essential for showcasing your practical skills, knowledge of security protocols, and how you contribute to maintaining safety and order. This section allows potential employers to assess your hands-on experience and your suitability for the position.
Here’s how to effectively structure your work experience:
Use a chronological format: List your most recent roles first and work backwards. This helps employers track your career progression. For each role, include the name of the company, your job title, and the dates of employment.
Highlight key responsibilities and achievements: Focus on specific duties that demonstrate your expertise, such as patrolling, emergency response, or operating security equipment. You can also mention any achievements, like reducing incidents or improving security processes.
Tailor your experience to the role: Adjust your work experience to match the specific security guard position you are applying for. If the role requires specialised experience, highlight the most relevant tasks.
Be specific and concise: Use bullet points to list key tasks and responsibilities. Focus on the impact of your work, and avoid irrelevant information. Emphasise activities that directly contribute to safety, security, or team coordination.
Example of a security guard work experience section
Security Guard
G4S Security Solutions, London
January 2022 – Present
- Monitor CCTV systems and conduct regular patrols of a 10,000-square-foot office complex to ensure the safety of employees and visitors.
- Respond to security breaches and emergency situations, providing first aid when necessary and liaising with emergency services.
- Manage access control for the building, ensuring only authorised personnel enter restricted areas.
- Write detailed security reports documenting incidents and safety concerns, contributing to improved security protocols.
Security Officer
Securitas, London
June 2019 – December 2021
- Conducted routine patrols of a shopping centre with over 100 stores, monitoring potential threats and preventing theft.
- Assisted in crowd control at events, ensuring the safety of up to 2,000 attendees.
- Responded to alarms and security breaches, investigating and reporting incidents while maintaining a calm and professional demeanour.
- Monitored the operation of security systems, ensuring all alarms and access points function properly.
Skills to include on a security guard CV
When applying for a security guard position, employers are looking for candidates who possess solid technical skills and demonstrate the ability to provide excellent customer service. Your CV should highlight the skills that make you an efficient, trustworthy, and competent security professional, focusing on both your practical security knowledge and interpersonal abilities. Aim to include six to ten key CV skills in total.
Here are some skills to consider including on your CV:
Security-specific skills
- Conducting regular patrols and identifying security risks.
- Operating CCTV systems, alarms, and access control.
- Responding to emergencies and resolving conflicts.
- Maintaining accurate security logs and reports.
General skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent observational skills for identifying threats.
- Ability to perform well under pressure.
- Attention to detail and adherence to protocols.
How to display your qualifications on a security guard CV
Formal education is not typically required for security guard roles, but relevant qualifications and licences are essential. Employers look for candidates with the necessary certifications, such as an SIA licence, and any other security-related qualifications.
Begin by listing your SIA licence, as this is the standard requirement for security work in the UK. After that, additional certifications such as first aid training, conflict management, or CCTV operation should be included. Be sure to mention the qualification title, the awarding body, and the dates you completed the training. This helps employers see that you’re well-prepared and committed to the role.
Example of a security guard qualifications section
SIA Door Supervisor Licence
Security Industry Authority (SIA) | 2022 – Present
Emergency First Aid at Work
Red Cross | 2021
Dos and don’ts for a security guard CV
DO
DO tailor your CV for each job application
Each security guard role may require slightly different skills, so make sure your CV reflects the qualifications and experience most relevant to the job you’re applying for. Customising your CV increases your chances of standing out to recruiters.
DO include your availability
Security jobs may require flexible hours, including nights and weekends. Make sure to mention your availability on your CV, particularly if you’re open to shift work or irregular hours. This gives employers a clearer picture of your flexibility and commitment to the role.
DON’T
DON’T overlook soft skills
As a security guard, most of your day will involve interacting with customers, employees, and visitors. Employers want someone who is not only skilled in safety and security but also personable and approachable. Highlight your communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills, as these will show that you can handle situations professionally while being friendly and helpful when engaging with the public.
DON’T exaggerate your experience
While it’s important to highlight your accomplishments, it’s equally important to be honest. Don’t overstate your level of experience with certain tasks or responsibilities. Being caught in a lie during the interview or reference check could cost you the job.
Your security guard CV questions answered
Can I use a CV template for my security guard CV?
Yes, using a CV template can be a helpful way to organise your information clearly and professionally. Choose a template that highlights your key skills, qualifications, and relevant experience. Customise it to reflect your unique career history and ensure it’s tailored to the job you’re applying for.
How long should my security guard CV be?
Aim to keep your CV concise, ideally one page. Recruiters often have limited time to review each CV, so it’s important to present your information in a clear, organised way. Focus on your most relevant experience and certifications to make an immediate impact.
What if I don’t have previous security experience?
If you’re new to the security industry and don’t have direct experience, focus on any relevant training or transferable skills you may have. For instance, if you’ve worked in customer service, highlight your communication skills and ability to remain calm under pressure. A skills-based CV format is also a good option if you lack direct security experience but possess other relevant skills.
Should I include a cover letter with my security guard CV?
Yes, including a cover letter with your CV is highly recommended. A well-written cover letter allows you to express your enthusiasm for the role and explain why you’re a great fit. It will enable you to go into more detail about how your skills and experience align with the job description and give a personal touch that sets you apart from other candidates.
Create your security guard CV today
Ready to create a CV that highlights your security skills and experience? We’re here to help you build a strong CV that showcases your qualifications, training, and dedication to safety. With our tips, templates, and examples, you’ll be well on your way to securing your next security role. When you’re ready, use our simple CV builder to customise and download your CV instantly.
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