You might be the best candidate applying for a security job, but your resume is still going to be your first chance at getting in the door. Those chances are much stronger the better you hone that document to properly showcase your skills and experience. There are many sources out there to tell you how to format and write a professional resume, but to set yourself apart, you need guidelines for your specific line of work.
Our security job description for creating a resume demonstrates customized tips and examples for making an impression and focuses on the best skills, duties, and accomplishments for that field. Use the sample resume to better understand how to format your own unique and compelling resume, or even use it as an outline. See how we can help you get started.
Using a Security Job Description for Creating a Resume
No two individuals’ career paths and experience are the exact same. It is important to stand out on your resume, but there are a few key rules that are crucial for landing a position in security.
Security Summary
The top third of your resume is where you want to impress, so use that space wisely. Give a clear and concise description of yourself and your most impressive achievements, using two or three keywords from the job description. Keep in mind the very nature of the position you are applying for is to give the employer peace of mind. Your summary should reflect your ability to understand potential risks, prevent them as much as possible, and deal professionally with any problems.
Security Education and Certification
There are numerous certifications for security personnel required for certain positions, or even for different states or counties. It is important to do your research ahead of time and know of all requirements before applying. If you are lacking in certain certifications, sometimes showing initiative can go a long way. In this case, feel free to list certifications that you are in the process of getting or are willing to get for the job.
Much like the certifications, different companies require different levels of higher education. You need to know what these are. For higher level positions in security, such as security management, a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is typically a requirement.
Security Duties and Responsibilities
Your experience section needs to focus on how you, specifically, can provide security to the company. It is almost like a more detailed explanation of your professional summary. Keep it well formatted and easy to read. Use keywords and phrases from the job description in a way that makes sense.
Your bullet points should not sound like another job description. Begin each one with an active verb and use specifics as much as possible. Prove that you not only have the experience and the qualifications but that you also produce results. Do this by quantifying your achievements when possible.
Security Skills
The skills section of your resume is the most straightforward part. As with the education section, you need to know ahead of time what skills the job requires. For a job in security, it is important to have technical knowledge, such as fluency with computers and the ability to run a surveillance system. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, may also give you an advantage. An ability to assess risks and plan out security measures with little or no supervision is invaluable.
Security Resume
Jim Taylor
Phoenix, AZ 11111
E: james.taylor@anymail.com P: 555-555-3333
Phoenix, AZ 11111
E: james.taylor@anymail.com P: 555-555-3333
Professional Summary
Passionate security and safety manager with proficiency in surveillance and emergency notification systems and 10 years of experience as a security guard. Exceptional leadership and organization with proven track record of success in leading teams to mend breaches in security and minimize risks. Well-adapted and practiced in observation and communication, reducing the need for physical intervention in security matters by nearly 20%.
Skills and Qualifications
• Tactical expertise in both planning and practice
• Experienced in emergency notification systems software
• Adept with surveillance and alarm system software and capable of adapting knowledge to new systems
• Proficient with McAfee security and virus protection software
• Expertise in standard security team policies and procedures compliant with regulations in the Phoenix Metro area
• Well-trained in self-defense and quick take-down tactics, both armed and unarmed
Work Experience
U.S. Security Associates, Phoenix, AZ
Security and Safety Manager, 2013-Present
• Spearhead the new emergency response plan for the Phoenix branch of the company
• Develop informed procedures to improve safety and security for over 20 big-name clients
• Implement updates to policy and procedures, ensuring the proper training of all personnel in the new system
• Oversee and train all security personnel through environmental awareness, safety, and conservation
• Analyze and compile operational data to evaluate effectiveness, sending reports to the proper organizations
U.S. Security Associates, Phoenix, AZ
Security Guard, 2007-2015
• Monitored and secured six different buildings for four different clients
• Maintained detailed records and implemented a new organizational system for reporting and filing important data
• Surveilled on foot and through the company’s CCTV system, preventing theft and breaches in safety with near 100% success rate
• Verified all delivery vehicles were secure upon arrival and before departure in the loading docks
• Ensured only authorized personnel had access to the facility
Education and Certifications
Bachelor of Science in Security Management – 2006
City University of New York, New York, NY
Security Asset Protection Professional Certification (SAPPC) – 2016
Center for Development of Security Excellence, Tempe AZ
Physical Security Certification (PSC) – recertified 2016
Center for Development of Security Excellence, Tempe, AZ
Certified Protection Professional (CPP) – recertified 2015
ASIS, Phoenix, AZ
How To Get Your Security Resume Past an ATS
For jobs with several applicants, employers will often use an ATS, or applicant tracking system, to help them find the best candidates. These automated systems look for specific keywords and phrases and choose the top scorers for further evaluation. After that, a hiring manager will usually read through the resumes that made the cut. Getting your resume noticed by these machines is tricky, but not unmanageable. Here are a few guidelines for using a security job description for a resume.
First, keep your formatting clear and concise. If a human would have difficulty reading your resume, a computerized system is definitely going to struggle with it. Stuffing in a bunch of keywords will mean nothing if the machine cannot follow your document’s format. Make sure to properly space out and designate each of your sections in a way that makes sense. The hiring manager will thank you for it once it gets to him or her as well.
Speaking of keywords, do your research and find out what those are for the job you are applying to. A quick search in your web browser is helpful, but the best place to start your word quest is in the very job description you’re responding to. For job positions in security, you want to use active verbs and terms relevant to procedures and equipment. In our sample resume, you find words and phrases, such as “surveillance,” “alarm,” and even “CCTV system” in our security job description for a resume. All are likely prompts for an ATS. Words of action, such as “implement” or “oversee” are also strong keyword options for a job in security.
Finally, make use of your spellcheck. No matter how many keywords and phrases you use, an incorrectly spelled word will be unrecognizable to an ATS. Nearly every program has a free spellcheck included, so there’s no excuse for letting a spelling error be your downfall.
