How to Write a Resume for a Security Guard Job

A security guard works in a variety of settings and has a wide variety of responsibilities, ranging from simply directing visitors to not touch art in a museum to protecting from theft and guarding property and money. Depending on what kind of job you are aiming for, your resume will vary considerably.

Instructions

Write a Great Resume for a Security Job

1. Highlight any past experience with law enforcement, private security or volunteer programs (such as firefighting). Whether you worked as a security officer or had a job in surveillance, past experience in the field is a big selling point with new employers.

2. Write a resume that stresses your knowledge of electronics, such as closed-circuit TV cameras, radio communications, data processing equipment and other related equipment. Since this would be something you would see as part of your everyday work, it's important that you show familiarity with it as it would save the employer training time and effort.

3. Let the employer know if you have worked in a variety of settings. This job is one of the few in existence where working at many places (rather than keeping the same job for years) is an advantage. This is because working in diverse environments, from museum galleries and government buildings to retail stores and banks, can prepare you to deal with different situations and teach you how to respond appropriately and efficiently.

4. Include a list of your licenses. At a minimum, you need a basic certification in your resume, given by local authorities, which shows that you don't have a criminal background. If you are licensed to carry guns, say so. More and more jobs are making this a requirement and looking for workers who already possess these certifications.

5. Consider taking additional classes in legal issues, such as crisis prevention and report writing. While not a requirement for the job, a security guard is usually trained on the job for these issues. If you already have knowledge of them before you apply for the job, write about it in detail.

Tips & Warnings

• A driver's license with a clean record is a common requirement for those applying for security guard job. Even if your job doesn't involve driving, you may still need this to allow the employer to conduct a background check. If your license record is not in the best of conditions, consider taking classes or passing an exam to erase points from the record.