Working as a security guard gives you the opportunity to keep people and property safe, but how do you secure the job in the first place? An important initial step is to write a compelling security guard CV.
A great starting point after reading this guide is Resume.io — a powerful resource for job seekers, complete with CV guides and CV examples for over 65 UK professions, plus an easy-to-use CV builder. We can help you express your accomplishments confidently and concisely with a CV that delivers results.
This CV guide and example will help you get started and set yourself up for success. We’ll cover the following topics:
- What does a security guard do?
- Tips and tricks to write the best security guard CV
- The ideal format for a security guard CV
- Suggestions for each section of your CV: summary, work history, education, skills
- A well-written CV sample for inspiration
- Professional CV formatting and design hints.
Let’s jump in.
What does a security guard do?
The main goal of a security guard is to protect businesses, offices, and residential communities. They may spend their shifts patrolling the property to remain vigilant of any unexpected activity, ensuring gates and doors are locked securely, monitoring surveillance footage, and screening or registering visitors to the location.
As a security guard, you need to be skilled in customer service and dealing with diverse populations. It’s imperative to keep calm in challenging or heightened situations. A knowledge of public safety and security is required as well as the ability to notice details and remain aware of your surroundings. It’s also important to pass an advanced background check.
How much do security guards earn?
Security guards generally earn an annual salary or wage, plus possible incentive compensation in the form of bonuses.
Per the UK’s National Careers Service, a security guard averages £18,000 (entry-level) to £32,000 (experienced) per year in compensation, typically working 37 to 48 hours per week.
According to Glassdoor salary data, the average security guard salary is £28,256, with additional cash compensation averaging £4,642.
As noted above, pay can be based on seniority, but also on the complexity of the job itself.
Security guard job market and outlook
According to the UK’s Security Industry Authority (SIA), many organisations are experiencing higher demand for security guards than they did the past few years. In fact, applications for security guard licences were lower from 2021-2022 than in the previous ten years. This has meant that organisations have struggled to recruit the amount of security guards they need.
Because security will always be necessary, you’re well-positioned to find open opportunities in the current climate — especially with a well-crafted security CV.
How to write a security guard CV
The very first step in writing your security guard CV is understanding the sections to include. Your CV should contain the following elements:
- A CV header
- A CV summary (aka profile or personal statement)
- A work history section
- A CV skills section
- An education section
Because a security guard must be vigilant and aware of details, your CV should reflect detail orientation and a keen sense of accuracy. You want to prove to future employers that you have what it takes to keep people and property as safe as can be.
Before writing your security CV, spend time learning about the role. Imagine the questions you could be asked in an interview and make sure your CV answers them.
Choosing the best CV format for a security guard
For the majority of security guard job seekers, the best CV format is reverse chronological. That means you’ll list your most recent work experience first, then your next-recent, and so on. This ensures your most up-to-date information is reflected first.
There are other formats, however. The functional CV format may be used by those looking to make a career change, as this format emphasises skills and competencies over specific work history. You can also consider a combination CV format, which draws from both reverse chronological and functional formats.
Overall, the best bet as a security guard is to use a reverse chronological CV format.
Security CV header
The header may seem like a fairly innocuous part of your CV, but it’s also one of the most important — after all, it’s the way you clarify who the CV belongs to and give your contact information to the hiring manager.
Regardless of which format you choose, you’ll need to include a header that states your name, location, and contact information like your phone number and email address. Avoid adding extraneous information like a photograph or other personal information.
CV summary example
The summary, or profile, of your CV follows the header and provides immediate visibility into your qualifications and skills. It answers the question of who you are and why you’re a fit for a security guard position.
This introduction should be concise and simple, just two or three statements that convey your value. You want to encourage the hiring manager to continue reading the rest of your CV. Save space by avoiding personal pronouns like “I” or “my,” since the reader is already aware you’re referring to yourself.
Use this space to state your unique value proposition. Don’t just reiterate what’s elsewhere on your CV. Instead, share high-level accomplishments, achievements, or abilities. Strike a balance of confidence and humility.
If you’re having trouble finding inspiration for your summary, we’re here to help with our other CV samples. You may be interested in:
You can find a security guard CV example summary below.
Skilled security guard with over 8 years of experience in providing top-notch security services. Experienced across various settings, including retail stores, corporate buildings, and event venues.
Employment history sample
Building your security guard CV means paying special attention to your work experience. If you’re using a reverse chronological format, you’ll start with your current or most recent job and end with your earliest relevant job. If you have extensive work history, you may leave off some older and less relevant experience to save space.
Under each employer heading, explain your contributions and impacts in concise bullet point statements. Again, avoid using “I” statements on your CV. Do, however, try to start each bullet with a compelling verb that describes what you accomplished.
As much as possible, demonstrate tangible achievements and outcomes rather than just day-to-day job duties. Did you reach a certain metric, like thwarting 100% of security breaches? Quantify anything you can.
You can find a security CV sample of employment history below.
Security Officer at G4S, Birmingham, UK
January 2015 - Present
- Monitored security for high-rise commercial building by patrolling premises, monitoring CCTV, and managing access control.
- Communicated regularly with building management and other security personnel to address potential risks.
- Selected based on seniority to facilitate periodic security training for new staff members.
Security Guard at Securitas UK, London, UK
June 2012 - December 2014
- Provided security services for various retail locations, deterring theft and managing crowd control during peak times.
- Reported and documented all security-related incidents.
- Played key role in implementation of loss prevention measures.
CV skills example
The skills section is a powerful part of your CV. Your CV skills list should incorporate both hard and soft skills that show how you’re an excellent candidate for the job. You can think of hard skills as specific security-related skills or licences, while soft skills are those that involve working with people.
If you speak more than one language, be sure to add that to your security officer CV, as it can be a big advantage for a security position. Don’t forget to add any first aid or safety training.
Below, you can check out a CV sample for the skills section.
- Physical Fitness
- Surveillance / CCTV Systems
- Foot & Vehicle Patrols
- Corporate Security
- Vulnerability Assessments
- Security Reviews
- Staff Training
- Alarm Systems
Security guard CV education example
While the education section of your security CV may be straightforward, it’s a good idea to understand best practices before getting started.
How much does it cost to become a security guard?
Becoming a security guard requires licensure, which, per the SIA, was reduced in price in 2020. As of 2022, the cost for a licence application fee is £190, while the associated training course runs between £180-£200.
Additionally, in 2021 the SIA added a first aid training requirement, which costs £40.
The process to earn your licence takes four weeks and requires that you are eligible to work in the U.K. and are over 18 years old.
First, include any education you’ve completed, whether secondary, college, or university. Then, add any relevant licences or certifications like your security guard licence or door supervisor licence. If you’re currently undergoing the licensing process, be sure to add it and note your expected completion.
Feel free to add any related security training or memberships in security related organisations. This can show your initiative and passion for the field.
Below you can see an education section from a security guard CV sample.
Security Guard Training Certification, Security Training UK, Liverpool, UK
BA (Hons) in Criminology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
CV layout and design
The goal of a CV is to increase the likelihood of an interview, so a CV for security guard jobs must be visually appealing and easy to read. Use a simple, user-friendly layout that calls attention to your experience and accomplishments.
Don’t worry about flashy or colourful designs; instead, focus on a sleek, uncomplicated design that makes it easy to find the important information.
As noted earlier, there are no shortcuts to a proper CV. However, using one of our CV templates takes some of the more tedious formatting tasks off your hands.
Remember that a cover letter can be the perfect complement to your CV. Cover letters add more context and give you a chance to show more of your communication skills.
Our cover letter examples and guides can get you started.
Key takeaways for a security guard CV
- Working as a security guard is a rewarding and challenging career for those who want to ensure safety and security of people and property.
- The role requires skills like detail orientation, vigilance, and effective communication — which are the exact skills you can use to create a CV for security officer work.
- Make sure you target your CV to the role or company, using relevant keywords to get your experience across.
- Our online CV maker and numerous guides can make the process simpler and quicker.
