Security guards in the UK perform various security duties ranging from patrolling and monitoring to promptly reporting and documentation of suspicious incidents and emergencies. Their primary role is to provide safety and security of assets and lives.
Working in the private security industry as a security guard is a lucrative opportunity but it comes with its own challenges. Even though there is a wide range of jobs available, writing the perfect CV can be quite overwhelming. A well-written CV for this line of work indicates that you have good focus and monitoring abilities, and it guarantees that you attract companies and secure an interview. We have curated a list of all the tips that you can follow for writing a compelling resume with a security guard CV example to help you land your desired job.
Prewriting Tips For Security Officers
Before you start writing your CV ensure you have followed the given steps.
Read the Job Description: Before writing your CV the first thing you should do is read the job description for the role that you are applying for in detail carefully. This will give you an insight into the kind of skills that the employer is looking for and what additional requirements does the job entail. Try to consider the qualifications mentioned in the job description and match them to yours. This will ensure you write a CV that meets the specific demands of the role you want to secure.
Choose the Correct Format and Layout: Deciding the correct format and layout is crucial for a great CV. The format and layout should aid in reading and navigating it with ease by the employer. You should always choose the reverse chronological method to list down your qualifications and experiences. Opt for a font that is readable and professional with a font size between 11pt and 12 pt. Divide the CV into sections by using appropriate headings and subheading where necessary.
Step by Step Guide For Preparing a Security Guard CV
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you craft a professional security guard CV
1) Personal Information
Start off by writing your personal information at the top. You can also choose to place these details in the header. Provide correct and authentic information. Include your full name, contact number, email address and home address.
2) Profile Summary
Next, write a professional summary which is also known as a career profile. This should be done in the form of a brief statement including your most relevant experience and qualifications that are essential for the role. Keep it limited to two to three lines.
3) Key Skills
It is imperative to include a list of relevant skills showing your competency for the role of a security guard. Always list those in bulleted form offering concise and clear information. These skills may include:
- Surveillance and Monitoring
- Risk Assessment and Threat Analysis
- Access Control and Patrol Procedures
- Emergency Response and First Aid
- Conflict Resolution and De-escalation
- CCTV Operation and Reporting
- Excellent Communication Skills
- Attention to Detail
- IT Proficiency
- Physical Strength and Agility
3) Prior Work Experience
For this section you need to follow the reverse chronological order and make a list including the job title, employer name, location and dates of employment for each experience. Include bullet points for each job describing your responsibilities and accomplishments.
If you’ve held many jobs throughout the years, just mention those that are pertinent to the position you’re applying for. On the other hand, if you have minimal experience, include any internships, apprenticeships, or summer jobs you’ve had that have relevance to this specific position.
4) Education
Then, include your educational background, starting with the most recent qualifications. State the qualification name before detailing the institution name, location and dates of attendance. You may also list any awards or accomplishments you might have earned while completing your studies if they’re relevant to the job description.
5) Certification & Licenses
You are required to have a SIA license if you want to work in the private security industry in the UK. It is also mandatory to have first aid certification along with it. Make sure your licenses are valid and renewed before applying.
6) Additional Information
In this section you may include any other relevant information that you may have left out earlier but you think can contribute to your skills as a security officer. For this you may refer to your driving license or your language skills if you speak more than one language fluently.
7) References
Lastly, you can either list your references towards the end or simply state “References available upon request.”
8) Proofread your CV
The final step should always be proofreading your CV to spot any spelling, grammatical or formatting errors. To display your professionalism, ensure that the layout remains constant throughout the CV. If you are unsure about it then you can also request feedback from friends or colleagues.
Security Guard CV Example
Download the following security guard CV example to personalise according to your needs.
5 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Since a lot of people will apply for the same position it is extremely important for your CV to stand out from your competitors. For your CV to gain the attention of the recruiter or the employer you need to avoid the few common mistakes that most people make while making their CV for the role of a security guard.
Over Excessive Jargon: Try to avoid technical jargon as CVs loaded with technical terminology might turn off hiring managers who lack specialized knowledge.
Neglecting Vital Details: Always make sure to include your contact information, education, work history, and pertinent skills and experiences.
Relying on Generic Templates: Tailoring your CV to the exact job demonstrates your dedication to the role and the company.
Errors in Spelling and Grammar: Proofreading is vital for removing typos, spelling errors, and grammatical mistakes.
Sharing Irrelevant Personal Information: Avoid giving personal information such as political or religious affiliations.
Start SIA Security Training With Agile Security Training
Acquiring an SIA license to apply for a job as a security guard is essential as it is illegal to work in the UK private security sector without it. Start off by enrolling in our SIA approved courses to get the license linked certificate that can prove you have completed the training necessary for obtaining the license.
Contact us and train with the best! We are an SIA recognised security training provider offering FREE resits and FREE first aid certification with all our security courses.
Get in touch with us and get one step closer to nailing the job you have always wanted.
