How to Write a Security Guard Resume

Tips and Examples

Updated December 31, 2024

Creating a compelling security guard resume is essential for landing your next job. Your resume showcases your educational background, skills, and work experience, helping potential employers assess your suitability for the role. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this guide will provide helpful tips and examples tailored for the security industry in Quebec to increase your job opportunities.

1. Choose the Right Resume Format

Depending on your background, you can choose between these resume formats

  • Chronological Resume
  • Functional Resume
  • Combination Resume
Security Course

Chronological Resume

Focuses on your work experience, listing the most recent positions first. This is ideal if you have consistent security guard experience.

A Chronological Resume: This is a resume-styling format in which work history is emphasized in reverse chronological order, with the most recent employment at the top of the list. Individuals with a steady and unremitting work history, particularly in their field of expertise, are best suited for such a type of resume that applies to security guard job applications.

This format highlights your progression along your career path and demonstrates that you have held security positions throughout your career, so potential employers will have a clear picture of your growth and reliability within the security industry. It is especially helpful if you want to show your skills, responsibilities, and achievements in every security guard job you have held, which can be very convincing if you have a consistent work history with no major gaps in employment.

You can find the 1000 of free template here Canva

 

 

Functional Resume

Highlights your skills rather than your job history. Perfect for those new to the security field or re-entering the workforce.

A Functional Resume concentrates on highlighting skills and qualifications, in preference to the chronological employment history. This format emphasizes capabilities by listing relevant skills first, followed by a brief summary of prior work experience. It is especially useful for those entering the security field for the first time or for those re-entering the job market after a period of unemployment.

In the place of your work history, which may be meager or have gaps, a functional resume focuses on skills most applicable to the position of a security guard. This style allows for easier presentation of transferable skills like observation, conflict resolution, or fitness gained in unrelated work environments or through educational experience, which turns out to be an ideal choice for those entering this field for the first time or starting a career in security.

You can find the 1000 of free template here Canva

Combination Resume

A Combination Resume blends elements of both chronological and functional resume formats. It allows you to highlight both your skills and work experience. In this format, you typically start by listing your skills and qualifications, followed by a chronological work history. This format is especially helpful if you have some gaps in your employment but still want to showcase your expertise and achievements.

The combination resume helps balance the focus on your abilities and experience, allowing you to draw attention to your strengths (skills and qualifications) while still demonstrating your work background. It's ideal for security guard professionals who may have gaps in employment but want to emphasize proficiency in security tasks like surveillance, conflict de-escalation, or report writing, along with relevant job experience.

You can find the 1000 of free template here Canva

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2. Contact Information

Your full name and contact details should always appear at the top of your resume. This includes your phone number, email, and address. If you have any professional online profiles-for example, LinkedIn-you can include those as well. Make sure this section is clean and professional.

3. Create a High-Impact Resume Summary

A resume summary or objective is a short, impactful statement summarizing your skills and experience. It should be tailored to the security job you’re applying for and include keywords from the job description to catch the employer’s attention.

Example:

"Dedicated and observant security guard with over 5 years of experience while protecting corporate clients. Proficient in CCTV monitoring, patrolling, and de-escalation techniques. Will apply field-proven security strategies to maintain a safe and secure environment at [Company Name]."

4. Bring Out Your Skills

The position of security guard demands the blending of hard and soft skills. Some key skills you may want to list in the application are:

Knowledge of security protocols and safety standards
Physical fitness and stamina
CCTV and surveillance systems use
De-escalation of conflict
Teamwork-communication
Attention to detail
Basic computer literacy-for reporting
Where possible, quantify your skills with numbers, such as the number of cameras monitored or reduction in security breaches.

5. Outline Your Work Experience

Clearly mention your work experience, starting with the most recent. Mention the name of the company, your designation, and dates of employment. Describe your responsibilities and achievements using bullet points for each post. Here's an example:

Example: ABC Security Firm — Security Guard
July 2019 – Present

Patrolled the premises of clients, including 10-Storey buildings and construction sites.
Reduced security breaches by 50% through constant vigilance and quick response.
Managed events with crowds of more than 5,000 attendees.
Observed a 20-camera CCTV system and called the police about any suspicious activities.

6. Mention Your Educational Background

It is important to list your most recent qualifications first. For many security guards, this would include a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as any specialized training relative to the job.

Example:

Security Guard Diploma, [Name of Institution], [Year Finished]
High School Diploma, [School Name], [Year Finished]

7. Certifications and Licenses

Security positions abound in Quebec, many of which require a particular certification. Also, include pertinent licenses to further enhance your qualification for the post being applied to, such as:

  • BSP license Quebec Security Guard Permit
  • First Aid/CPR CNESST
  • Handcuff and Baton training
  • Customer Service pp12

The extra worth will make one more attractive for a higher or specialized security position.

8. Additional Information

Last but not least, you can add all the other relevant information that may include volunteer work, security hobbies, and languages spoken. If you worked with community watch programs or other aid to law enforcement agencies, be sure to note this here.

Sample Security Guard Resume

John Doe
(555)-123-4567 | john.doe@email.com
Montreal, QC

Summary
Vigilant and physically fit security guard with 3 years of experience monitoring CCTV systems and patrolling high-traffic areas. Proven track record of maintaining security protocols and de-escalating conflicts in high-pressure environments.

Skills

Surveillance and monitoring

Crowd control

Conflict resolution

Report writing

Physical security and safety

Experience
XYZ Security ServicesPatrol Security Guard
June 2021 – Present

Reduced theft incidents by 30% by monitoring cameras and patrolling commercial sites.

Collaborated with law enforcement to handle security incidents and de-escalated tense situations.

Secured premises for VIP events, managing guest flow and ensuring compliance with security protocols.

Education

Security Guard Certification, [Institution Name], [Year]

High School Diploma, [School Name], [Year]

Certifications

BSP license Quebec Security Guard Permit

First Aid/CPR Certification

Baton and Handcuff Training