Security guard positions are competitive, so you need career docs that standoout. To do that, you need to know the best cover letter generator to use, plus how to write your resume, including understanding how to format it and whether you should include optional sections, like a summary or a hobbies/interests section.
We’ve gone through hundreds of security guard resume samples and identified common pitfalls to compile resume examples proven to work in 2026.
Whether you’re seeking a security guard position at a large or small firm, these resume examples have helped many individuals secure employment in various industries nationwide.
This guide includes:
- ↪ 9 sample security guard resumes to help you create your own
- ↪ The main skills recruiters want to see
- ↪ Tips for adjusting your resume for different security jobs
- ↪ Certifications, licenses, and training that make you stand out
Why this resume works
- A resume summary lets potential employers view your qualifications right off the bat, saving them time and making you look more desirable. Don’t forget to include metrics in your security guard resume, as they provide potential employers with a solid idea of what you can accomplish once you’re hired.
Why this resume works
- Let your beginner security guard resume highlight relevant achievements to further impress recruiters. Amplifying your role in managing electronic key car access systems, which reduced cases of insecurities would give your application an upper hand. Also, include a career objective to present your potential and passion for the job.
Why this resume works
- If you don’t have industry-specific experience, including awards or hobbies on your unarmed security guard resume can add to your qualifications and character if it relates to the job description.
See more unarmed security guard resumes >
Why this resume works
- When constructing your armed security guard resume, be sure to include any additional information you have about your experience with security equipment and weapons. This can be certifications, additional training, leadership experience, or other licenses.
View more armed security guard resumes >
Why this resume works
- Mentioning specific work-related software in your resume skills section gives you an added advantage on your hospital security guard resume. Include industry-related applications, tools, or equipment specifically mentioned in the job description to really catch the employer’s eye.
View more hospital security guard resumes >
Why this resume works
- When you’re the go-to person for keeping buildings safe, your expertise becomes your calling card, so make sure it shines on your security guard supervisor resume. Steady growth in the field shows you’ve mastered every security protocol, emergency drill, and CCTV tech in your career.
Why this resume works
- Maintaining safety on a cruise ship is not as easy as spending time on the beach—it requires some serious know-how. In this case, a Maritime Security Awareness Training certificate makes your cruise ship security guard resume far more credible.
Why this resume works
- Tailor your security guard no experience resume by highlighting your willingness to learn even without prior experience. Furthermore, showing familiarity with security equipment in your security guard cover letter such as walkie-talkies and RFID technology will present you as someone with a strong desire to start a career in the security niche.
Why this resume works
- Even if you lack experience, your entry-level security guard resume can still demonstrate you’re a stellar candidate. A resume objective can help demonstrate what abilities you already have that an employer would value.
View more entry-level security guard resumes >
Related resume guides
How to Write a Security Guard Resume

To build a strong security guard resume, focus on what employers are looking for and make sure your information is clear and professional. No matter your experience level, using the right approach can help you get more interviews and better job offers.
If you’re new to writing resumes, try our free tool to get started. You can also look at sample resumes for ideas or use our resume checker to make sure you haven’t missed anything important.
In this section, you’ll find:
- How to organize your resume so it’s clear and makes a strong impression
- What to put in your summary or objective statement
- The key skills and certifications you need for security jobs
- Tips on how to adjust your resume for different security guard jobs
- Common mistakes to watch out for when you apply

How to craft a profile of your qualifications: Objective vs summary
The profile section of your security guard resume is your chance to make a strong first impression. Usually, this is a short paragraph at the top that explains why you are a good fit for the job. You can write either an objective statement or a summary statement here.
- Choose an objective if you are new to security work or switching careers. Focus on your goals and your eagerness to help.
- Pick a summary if you already have experience. Use it to quickly show your main strengths, qualifications, and past successes.
Whether a career objective or a summary, a professional profile makes it easy for potential employers to see your value from the start. Summarize your accomplishments, potential, skills, and aspirations for the new role, and you’ll make a befitting first impression.
One thing you must show is your dedication to safety and the skills you’ve gained over time. Be brief but impactful when showing your capabilities, and recruiters will pay attention to you. Also, closely study the job posting and use some keywords from it.
What is a good objective for a security guard resume?
A good resume objective shows your motivation, especially if you are just starting out or moving into security from another field.
Here is an example:
A career objective for an entry-level security guard
Dedicated and observant security professional seeking an entry-level security guard position at Allied Universal to apply strong surveillance skills, law enforcement support experience, and a commitment to public safety in protecting people, property, and organizational integrity.
This objective shows:
- Your career goal
- Transferable traits (soft skills)
- Willingness to help the team succeed
What is a good summary for a security guard resume?
A good security guard resume summary is short and focuses on your reliability, experience, and important certifications.
Here is a sample:
A career summary for an experienced security guard
Vigilant and experienced guard with over 10 years of experience in security services. Pleased to offer a cautionary presence while compassionately interacting with customers, visitors, and employees. Quick thinking, knowledge of security systems, and bilingual abilities will ensure the safety and security of people and premises at ACTS Aviation Security.
This summary is effective because it tells the employer:
- Level of experience
- Key skills
- A specific achievement (just one is fine)

What should be included in a security guard resume?
A good security guard resume should show that you are qualified, reliable, and prepared to protect people and property. To stand out, include these important sections:
- Contact Information: Include your full name, phone number, professional email, and city and state.
- Resume Summary or Objective: Write a brief introduction that highlights your experience or career goals.
- Work Experience: Give clear descriptions of your previous jobs, using bullet points.
- Skills Section: List both technical and soft skills that are important for security work.
- Certifications and Licenses: Include things like a Guard Card, CPR or First Aid certification, and firearms permits.
- Education: List your high school diploma or any formal training in security or law enforcement.

How to demonstrate measurable accomplishments
Generate bullet points that include security-specific skills, keywords from the
job posting, metrics, and action verbs. This way, you demonstrate your impact and give the assurance that you will use your experience to excel if hired for the new position.
Show how many conflicts you de-escalated, security threats you thwarted, and how you deployed your skills to keep everyone safe. Using numbers highlights your achievements, and you can be sure hiring managers will pay attention.
How to present your past work experience
When listing your work experience on a security guard resume, lean more on what’s most relevant and highlight your results, not just your duties. Usually, include your three most recent and related jobs, and use bullet points for each. For every job, add:
- Job title, employer name, location, and dates of employment
- 3–4 bullets showing action and outcomes
- Action verbs that make you a doer, such as “Monitored,” “Patrolled,” or “Responded.”
How to use metrics to stand out
Using numbers in your resume shows you are focused on results. Whenever it makes sense, add specific figures to show the impact of your work.
For example:
- Reduced unauthorized entry incidents by 34% through routine checks and access control
- Monitored 20+ CCTV cameras using Avigilon Control Center to detect and report incidents, reducing unauthorized access by 37% over 6 months

What is the best security guard resume format?
The best resume format for a security guard is the reverse-chronological format. This layout starts with your most recent job and flows backward to earlier roles, making it easy for hiring managers and applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan and find the most essential information first.
Why this format works:
- It highlights recent and relevant roles first
- It creates a clear career timeline and progression
- It works well with applicant tracking systems (ATS)
- Preferred by most recruiters

How to add education and certifications
Your educational background and industry-recognized certificates are great additions to your security guard resume. They prove you have the expertise, experience, and professional ability to perform your duties diligently.
List the most recent/highest education level, with details about the institution, specific study area, location, and graduation date.
Education section for a security guard resume
High School Diploma
Palo Alto High School
2016 – 2020
Palo Alto, CA
Certifications for security guards
For certifications, name the issuing body, certificate title, and date.
- Security Guard License
- Guard Card
- Certified Protection Officer (CPO)
- Certified in Security Supervision and Management (CSSM)
- Certified Security Supervisor

What skills should be on a security guard resume?
What skills does the job require? You can find them in the job advert. Use them, and other emphasized phrases. Also, ensure that you showcase your use of such skills to achieve set goals and drive efficiency at the workplace. Most importantly, use both hard and soft skills to demonstrate your all-around qualifications for the job.
What skills are employers looking for when hiring security guards?
- First Aid / CPR certified
- Alarm systems operation
- Access control management
- Patrol and perimeter inspection
- Dependability and reliability
- Excellent situational awareness
How do you list security guard skills on a resume?
There are three effective ways to list security guard skills on your resume:
- A section dedicated to “Skills”: Here, list all of your competencies, including software and tools
- Put them in the objective or summary: If you use any of these, mention a few of the skills mentioned in the job posting
- Integrate into work experience: when you describe your achievements and results, include the tool/skill you used
Security Guard Resume FAQs

You must showcase achievements specific to the security guard role, your knowledge, and use of pertinent skills and tools. For example, demonstrate the number of security threats you defused through CCTV surveillance or the conflicts you safely solved without escalating to the management.
Ten skills on your security guard resume would show your solid foundation in safety and protection of lives and property. Typically, these skills would be about surveillance, patrolling, emergency response, crowd control, vehicle screening, etc.
One page if you don’t have a lot of direct work experience. Use the page to talk about your skills, work experience from similar jobs, accomplishments, and your unique qualifications. For an experienced security guard, you can use two pages at most. However, ensure that you include information that tells recruiters you’re the right pick for the job.













