When aiming to secure your next position, you need a security officer resume that shows off your trustworthiness, grace under pressure and ability to serve and protect. This resume guide will give you all the writing assistance you need to get there.
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In a field that’s all about keeping people and property safe, job security may be something you wish could take care of itself. But with no such guarantees, nothing can be taken for granted except the importance of an outstanding security officer resume.
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A reshaped post-pandemic economy has also altered the forms and faces of security personnel everywhere, the industry overall has proven remarkably resilient.
This guide, along with our security officer resume example, will address:
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All of us can be grateful to security officers for the often invisible protection they provide in the places where we live, work, visit, shop or socialize. Their watchful presence or oversight of other security staff is instrumental in preventing crime and risks to personal and public safety, as well as property theft, vandalism and damage.
Patrolling indoor and outdoor premises for potential safety hazards, security breaches or any suspicious activity is a typical responsibility Security guards monitor surveillance camera and alarm systems, as well as face-to-face arrivals and departures of visitors and employees. Providing information and directions to guests and communicating with staff in different departments may be required, as well as maintaining rules and regulations for safety, security or parking.
Expert tipSecurity officer or security guard — what’s the difference?
The sometimes unseen or unfamiliar differences between security officer and security guard roles generally relate to scope and level of responsibility, expectations, training and compensation.
Security Officer:
Often has seniority and management responsibility, assigning duties and tasks for security officers to perform. Generally oversees security operations overall. May be mobile, rather than “stationed” in one place, rotating through various security guard sites to make sure everything is running smoothly.
Security Guard:
Lower ranking, sometimes working under a security officer. Often positioned at one location only. May only require fitness and IQ tests for entry-level jobs. Possibly trained by a security officer they report to.
Our separate security guard resume example and guide may be worth checking out also.
Struggling to write your own security officer resume? Have a look at other resume examples from the same industry:
Almost everything that was unfathomable about COVID-19’s impact on workplaces and public spaces brought intense pressures to bear on the security industry. Virtually overnight came a cascade of sometimes paradoxical phenomena that no one could see coming. Post-pandemic, the market has stabilized, unfortunately in a downward trajectory partly because sice workers have not returned to the office full time.
Statistical insightAccording to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for security guards in May 2020 was $34,750. That rate falls between two other online sources of occupational income data compensation rates for security officers. Glassdoor.com says the average annual salary is $39,547, while Payscale.com puts the average annual wage at $15.29 per hour, which works out to about $31,803 per year.
The overall job outlook for security guards and gambling surveillance officers (sometimes combined in the same BLS data category) is projected employment to drop 1 percent from 2022 to 2032.
There is no right or wrong format for organizing the content of your security officer resume. Consider the type of position you are applying for right now and how best to bridge your past and future from the hiring manager’s perspective.
The most commonly used chronological resume format is suitable for job seekers in almost any occupation, especially if their work history follows a linear pattern of employee positions. Alternative resume formats can work well for someone new to the workforce or changing careers, or those with a more varied occupational background. Self-employed professionals working on a freelance or contract basis might opt for a project-based “functional” resume format.
Each of the following resume sections will be covered later in this guide, alongside resume samples to show exactly what we mean:
But first let’s look at some essential aspects of resume content writing to optimize your chances of securing a short list spot.
The summary (or profile) of your security officer resume is a small space on your resume that has a large part to play in securing interest from the hiring manager. It should be no longer than 3-5 sentences and convey your professional character, qualities and most impressive achievements.
Aim for language that’s clear, descriptive, dynamic and solid. Sound strong and energetic in a tone that’s straightforward, authentic and self-assured.
As a synopsis of information found elsewhere in your resume, the summary should neither duplicate nor downplay those highlights. Strive to seamlessly express “this is who I am and what I’ve done” in the same breath. Below is a resume sample of a security officer summary section.
Adaptable resume example summaryHighly skilled Security Officer committed to ensuring a safe environment, free of criminal activity. Bringing forth extensive training and experience providing optimal surveillance and security to clients. Calm, trustworthy, and dedicated to achieving security, safety, and peace.
Copy to clipboardAlternatives for structuring the employment history section of your security officer resume were highlighted in the preceding chapter of this guide. If you opt for the conventional chronological structure, then your work history will follow directly after your summary and consume the most space in your document.
This is where your progressive job experience and accomplishments are listed by employer / workplace in reverse order from most recent to earliest. At the end of this chapter is a resume sample of a security officer employment history as a reference point.
Start with your current/most recent job and trace backwards from there, no more than four or five positions. If there are work history lapses or stints in unrelated occupations, relevant positions should take precedence.
Each job entry starts with the employer name and dates. Below that, describe your contributions in four or five terse bullet point statements. Be specific and direct, using descriptive, active-form verbs: deterred, averted, controlled, protected, patrolled, secured, restrained, safeguarded, prevented, thwarted, directed, oversaw, observed, etc.
Especially to demonstrate higher-level abilities, focus on outcomes to your credit, solo or shared. How did sound judgment, analytical thinking or calmness under pressure factor into your performance, alone or on a team? What about attention to detail in reporting and documentation? Being an effective leader or role model?
Have there been measurable impacts on safety, security and crime reduction? What about morale, communication or collaboration with law enforcement? Any time you can quantify such achievements, your resume is more forceful.
