Security Officer Resume: Job Description, Sample & Tips for 2024

Too many security officer resumes miss their mark—and this is great news for you. Why?

Because having an air-tight security officer resume will let you get a jump on the competition—And land you a rendezvous with a hiring manager or head of security in the company of your dreams.

In this guide:

• A security officer resume sample better than most.
• How to create the perfect security officer job description for resumes.
• How to write a resume for security officer jobs that stands out.
• Expert tips and examples to boost your chances of landing a security officer job.

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Entering the workforce for the first time? Looking to apply for similar roles? Maybe you’re transitioning from a military career or changing careers? These are just some of our guides:

• Career Change Resume Sample
• Construction Resume Sample
• Correctional Officer Resume Sample
• Customer Service Resume Sample
• Delivery Driver Resume Sample
• Firefighter Resume Sample
• Lifeguard Resume Sample
• Military to Civilian Resume Sample
• Police Officer Resume Sample
• Resume with No Experience Sample
• Retail Resume Sample
• Security Guard Resume Sample
• Truck Driver Resume Sample

Security Officer Resume Sample

Now here’s how to write a security officer resume they’ll love:

1. Choose the Right Security Officer Resume Format

Picture this: The head of security at your potential new employer picks up your resume. Scans and skims through it for about seven seconds... And shreds it. It didn’t inspire as much confidence as the 10 good security officer resumes he already had in his other hand.

Make sure your resume format isn’t letting you down. Here’s how:

Security Officer Resume Format

• Use a chronological resume template to show your best stuff first. This means listing your most recent experience first and working your way back through previous jobs. 
• Pick a good resume font like Arial or Calibri in 11–12 pt.
• Set one-inch margins on your resume and don’t crowd the page.
• Include these resume sections at minimum: Resume Header, Profile (Summary or Objective), Experience, Education, and Skills.
• Send in a short resume. How many pages should a resume be? One is ideal—go to a second page only if you’ve got many years and broad range of security experience.

Also, remember to always check the job ad for a preferred file type. For preserving your resume formatting, PDF beats *.docx files, hands down.

But... Some companies use ATSs (Applicant Tracking Systems) that can’t parse PDF files, so do check the job ad for specific instructions. Submitting an ATS-friendly resume is an absolute must. 

2. Start With an Enticing Security Officer Resume Objective or Summary

First impressions go a long way towards building trust—And trust is everything in security. Start out on the right foot with a resume profile that makes a strong case.

Got a year’s or more experience as a security officer? Go with a security officer resume summary.

Use:

1. One adjective (effective, reliable, professional)
2. Job title (Security Officer)
3. Years of experience (4+, 7+)
4. How you’ll help (ensure the security of staff and students)
5. Two or three of your most impressive achievements (completed over 300 pages of paperwork, de-escalated an active shooter situation using non-lethal force)

These security officer resume summary examples show how:

Security Officer Resume Summary—Examples

Dedicated security officer with 5+ years’ experience working in security field. Seeking opportunity to provide proactive protection to PinkPetals’ employees, customers, and property. At the American Heart Association, engaged in four evacuation drills that involved a total of 237 people, achieving 100% of drill objectives, and provided guidance and training to 17 new employees over two years.

Security officer with 5 years’ experience (3 of those years as an unarmed security guard). Seeking opportunity to join an easy-going team with flexible hours. At the American Heart Association, engaged in evacuation drills and provided guidance and training to new employees.

The first security officer resume example puts numbers to duties, turning them into concrete accomplishments.

Don’t have the experience to pull something like this off? Write a security officer resume objective instead, and focus on other security and even non-security work you’ve done. Check out these resume objective examples: 

Security Officer Resume Objective—Examples

Highly motivated security guard with 3+ years’ experience, recently received FCC. Seeking opportunity to provide proactive protection to PinkPetals’ employees, customers, and property. At DBK Martens, saw a 25% reduction in vandalism on high-risk premises by randomizing patrol times and warned 100+ violators of rule infractions with no incidents or escalation required.

No experience working as a security officer, but worked as an unarmed security guard for 3+ years. Looking to join a company with a more relaxed approach. Can’t work Wednesdays.

Again, the first security officer resume example is specific and backed up with numbers—It’s also 100% focused on what the candidate can do for their employer, not the other way around.

Getting bogged down? Write your resume profile last—It’s much easier once you have your security job descriptions for resume and a list of skills right in front of you.

3. Write the Perfect Skills Section and Security Officer Job Description for Resume

Nothing proves you can handle it like evidence that you’ve handled it before. And this is exactly what a good resume work experience section is.

How to write a security officer job description for a resume:

1. Re-read the job ad.
2. Spot the security officer duties and skills.
3. Think of times you’ve used those skills to knock those duties out of the ballpark.
4. Write resume bullet points that describe these situations and put numbers to the above.

These security officer resume examples show how:

Security Officer Job Description for a Resume—Examples

Security Officer

American Heart Association, Chicago, IL

Nov 2019–present

• Provided guidance and training to 17 new employees over two years.
• Operated and monitored closed circuit television systems, picking up on 13 false alarms and three trespass incidents that failed to trigger an alarm.
• Engaged in four evacuation drills that involved a total of 237 people, achieved 100% of drill objectives.
• Completed 200+ reports by recording observations, information, occurrences, and surveillance activities.

Security Officer

American Heart Association, Chicago, IL

2019–present

• Provided guidance and training to new employees.
• Operated and monitored closed circuit television systems.
• Engaged in evacuation drills.
• Completed reports by recording observations, information, occurrences, and surveillance activities.

The first security officer resume example makes a much bigger impact by being concrete and quantifying everything possible.

Writing a security officer resume with no experience? Focus on achievements from other security jobs and non-security work you’ve done.

One more thing: You’ll be needing a resume skills section. But—Don’t spray the page with all skills for a resume you can think of or find online. Less is more: The job ad will tell you which skills are required. Cover those and not much more.

These resume examples will give you some ideas how you can describe your security officer skills:

Security Officer Skills for Resume—Examples

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4. Turn Meh Education Into a Reason to Hire You

Most jobs in security don’t require anything beyond a high-school diploma, if that. This doesn’t mean you can neglect your security officer resume education section.

For college degrees:

• List degrees (with majors), schools, and graduation years.

For high-school diplomas:

• List the school name, school location, and graduation year.

Then: Add bullet points that show key security officer skills in the making. This security officer resume example shows how:

Security Officer Resume Example—Education Section

Harper High School, Chicago, IL

Graduated: 2014

• Pursued passion for metal work coursework.
• Football captain, junior and senior years.

Short on security officer experience? Include projects, classes, and bullet points with accomplishments that show security officer skills like leadership and physical fitness.

5. Load Your Security Officer Resume with Extra Sections

Here’s how to get an edge over your competition: Most resumes for security officer jobs stop with experience, education, and skills. This gives potential employers only a partial picture—Add one or two extra sections to flesh it out:

• Additional Activities
• Foreign Languages
• Classes Taken
• Awards
• Hobbies and Interests
• Volunteering
• Certifications
• Professional References

These two security officer resume examples show yes vs no:

Security Officer Resume Examples—Extra Sections

Certifications

• Firearms – FCC (Firearm Control Card)
• Guard Card – PERC (Permanent Employee Registration Card)
• First Aid, CPR, AED, American Red Cross

Languages

• Spanish – C1 Certified

Certifications

• FCC, PERC, CPR, AED

Hobbies and Interests

• Trying to grow blue roses
• Collecting microfiber cloths
• Blindfolded minigolf

It’s not that you should avoid including hobbies and interests—But every single thing you add to your security officer resume has to be obviously relevant to the job position.

One final obstacle: Unless you’ve been told not to include one, you’ll need to write a professional cover letter to go with your security officer resume. If they haven’t mentioned it, you can bet it’s expected.

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Key Points

For a security officer resume that gets interviews:

• Use the security officer resume template up top. It’s got the whole checklist covered.
• Put security officer duties for a resume in your profile (summary or objective), work experience, and education sections to show you’re a proven quantity.
• Craft a compelling security officer job description for resume. Add measurable statistics to back up your achievements. 
• Choose the right security officer skills to include. The job ad will tell you what they are.
• Write a security officer cover letter. Use it to put your passion on blast and make a strong case based on hard numbers.

Enjoyed reading our security officer resume guide? Still not sure how to make a resume for a security officer job that really hits the bullseye? Leave us a comment down below. We’ll be glad to get back to you.

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