42 Security Guard Skills for Your Resume [2026 Guide]
Surveillance, Access Control & What Hiring Managers Actually Filter For
Security guard positions see 162,300 openings annually, yet most resumes blend together with generic phrases like 'monitored premises.' With advances in AI surveillance changing the industry, hiring managers now filter for specific technical skills alongside the physical and communication abilities that have always mattered. Here's exactly what to include.
What Skills Should a Security Guard Put on a Resume?
This guide breaks down the skills that get security guards hired, from surveillance technology and access control systems to de-escalation techniques and emergency response. Copy-ready resume bullets for armed and unarmed positions, entry-level to supervisor roles.
The Security Job Market
Security Guard Skills by Experience Level
Entry-level to senior: what to include at each career stage
Entry Level (0-1 years)
Get your guard card and basic certifications. Focus on patrol, observation, and report writing fundamentals.
- 1State guard card/license (required)
- 2CPR/First Aid/AED certification
- 3Basic patrol and observation techniques
- 4Incident report writing
- 5Radio communication basics
- 6Customer service and professional presence
- 7Following post orders and procedures
- 8Basic access control and visitor management
Experienced (2-5 years)
Develop specialized skills and technology proficiency. Take on more complex assignments and training responsibilities.
- 1Advanced surveillance and CCTV operation
- 2Access control system administration
- 3De-escalation and crisis intervention
- 4Loss prevention techniques
- 5Investigation and evidence collection
- 6Training and mentoring new guards
- 7Alarm system monitoring and response
- 8Armed security certification (if applicable)
Senior / Supervisor (5+ years)
Lead teams and manage security operations. Focus on planning, compliance, and strategic security.
- 1Security team supervision and scheduling
- 2Security assessment and planning
- 3Incident management and coordination
- 4Compliance and audit preparation
- 5Client relationship management
- 6Budget and resource management
- 7Policy and procedure development
- 8Emergency preparedness planning
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Hard Skills for Security Guard Resumes
Technical skills with resume examples and ATS keywords
💡 Tip:Name specific systems you've used. Mention camera counts and monitoring responsibilities.
💡 Tip:Highlight systems you've managed and volume of access points or visitors processed.
💡 Tip:Quantify patrol coverage and frequency. Show any incidents detected during patrols.
💡 Tip:Show certifications and specific emergency responses. Outcomes matter.
💡 Tip:Show volume and quality. Reports that led to successful investigations stand out.
💡 Tip:Show situations resolved without force. This skill prevents liability and injury.
💡 Tip:Show response times and false alarm reduction if applicable.
💡 Tip:Quantify losses prevented or shrinkage reduction. This directly impacts the bottom line.
💡 Tip:List certifications and qualification scores. Safety record is paramount.
💡 Tip:Security guards often serve as first point of contact. Show you balance security with hospitality.
💡 Tip:Show coordination with teams and emergency services. Clear communication prevents incidents.
Need stronger action verbs? Browse our Action Verbs Library for powerful words that make your achievements stand out.
Soft Skills Every Security Guard Needs
Interpersonal abilities that strengthen your resume
💡 Tip:Show you notice things others miss. Specific incidents detected prove this skill.
💡 Tip:Show you can handle the physical demands: standing, walking, running, potential confrontation.
💡 Tip:Show responsibility with access, keys, sensitive areas, and confidential information.
💡 Tip:Show composure during emergencies, confrontations, and high-stress situations.
💡 Tip:Show clear verbal and written communication with diverse audiences.
💡 Tip:Show good decisions in ambiguous situations. Security guards often work independently.
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ATS Optimization for Security Guard Resumes
- Use exact terms from job postings: 'CCTV monitoring' not just 'cameras', 'access control' not 'door security'
- Include your guard card/license number and state, plus any additional certifications
- Specify security types: 'armed', 'unarmed', 'loss prevention', 'corporate', 'retail', 'hospital'
- Quantify everything: camera counts, patrol areas, incident numbers, response times
- List specific systems and software: 'Genetec', 'Verkada', 'Lenel', brand names ATS recognizes
- Match job posting terminology: if they say 'protective services' use that phrase
Resume Mistakes Security Guards Should Avoid
Common errors that get skills sections rejected
Writing 'Monitored premises' without specifics
Every security guard monitors premises. This generic phrase tells employers nothing about your capabilities or experience level.
Add details: 'Monitored 50-camera CCTV system covering 200,000 sq ft retail facility, identifying 15+ incidents monthly'
Omitting certifications and license information
Guard cards and certifications are legal requirements. Missing them suggests you're not properly licensed.
List clearly: 'California Guard Card #12345', 'CPR/AED Certified (American Red Cross, expires 2026)'
Not quantifying patrol and security coverage
Numbers prove experience level. Guarding a 5-store strip mall differs from a 50-acre campus.
Include metrics: 'Patrolled 15-acre property', '50+ access points', '500+ employees', '100+ daily visitors'
Focusing only on enforcement, not customer service
Modern security balances protection with hospitality. Guards who only intimidate create liability.
Show both: 'Maintained secure environment while providing friendly assistance to 100+ daily visitors'
Missing technology and system experience
Security is increasingly tech-driven. Guards who can't use modern systems have limited opportunities.
List systems: 'CCTV monitoring', 'access control administration', 'alarm system response', specific brand names
Not showing de-escalation and prevention
Physical confrontation is liability. Employers value guards who prevent incidents, not just respond.
Highlight prevention: 'De-escalated 30+ situations without physical intervention', 'Prevented $150K in theft'
Vague descriptions of emergency response
How you handle emergencies reveals competence. Generic claims don't prove capability.
Be specific: 'Responded to cardiac emergency, administered CPR until EMS arrival, individual survived'
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ATS Keywords for Security Guard Resumes
Terms that help your resume pass applicant tracking systems
ATS Keywords
Click to copy • Include these naturally in your resume
| Category | Recommended Keywords |
|---|---|
| Surveillance & Monitoring | |
| Access Control | |
| Patrol & Response | |
| Documentation | |
| Interpersonal Skills | |
| Certifications |
Security Guard Resume Bullets You Can Copy
Achievement statements tailored to your experience
- Monitored 50+ camera CCTV system across 200,000 sq ft facility, identifying security incidents and documenting evidence
- Conducted hourly patrol rounds covering 15-acre property, checking 50+ access points per shift
- Processed 200+ daily visitor check-ins, verifying credentials and issuing temporary access badges
- De-escalated 30+ potentially violent situations through verbal techniques, avoiding physical confrontation
- Completed detailed incident reports for 200+ events annually, supporting investigations and legal proceedings
- Prevented $150,000+ in annual theft through proactive surveillance and deterrent presence
- Responded to 25+ emergency situations including medical events, fire alarms, and security threats
- Managed access control for 500+ employee facility with 20 entry points using RFID badge system
- Maintained armed security certification with 95%+ firearms qualification scores
- Led building evacuation of 300+ occupants during emergency drill, completing in under 5 minutes
- Trained 10 new security officers on patrol procedures, report writing, and emergency protocols
- Coordinated with local law enforcement on 15+ incidents, providing evidence and witness statements
Want personalized bullets? Our AI Bullet Generator creates achievement-focused bullets tailored to your experience.
Best Certifications for Security Guards
Credentials that boost your hiring chances
State Security Guard License/Guard Card
RequiredState licensing agency (varies by state)
Required in most states. Training requirements range from 8-40 hours. Must pass background check. Renewal typically every 1-2 years.
CPR/First Aid/AED Certification
American Red Cross, American Heart Association
Required or strongly preferred by most employers. Valid for 2 years. Often provided during guard card training or by employer.
Armed Security/Firearms Permit
State licensing agency
Required for armed positions. Involves additional training, firearms qualification, and background checks. Higher pay but more responsibility.
Certified Protection Professional (CPP)
ASIS International
Gold standard for security management. Requires 7+ years experience. Opens doors to supervisor and management roles.
Physical Security Professional (PSP)
ASIS International
Focuses on physical security assessment and implementation. Good for career advancement into security planning roles.
OSHA 10/30 Hour Safety
OSHA
Valuable for industrial and construction security. Shows safety awareness and compliance knowledge.
Security Guard Resume Skills FAQ
Focus on transferable skills: customer service, observation, communication, physical fitness. Include your guard card training, CPR/First Aid certification, and any military or law enforcement background. Mention relevant soft skills like reliability, integrity, and ability to work independently.
Most states require a guard card or security license, which involves background checks and basic training (often 8-40 hours). CPR/First Aid/AED certification is commonly required or preferred. Armed positions require additional firearms training and permits. Requirements vary by state.
Unarmed security focuses on observation, patrol, access control, and de-escalation. Armed security requires all those plus firearms certification, weapons handling, tactical training, and knowledge of use-of-force laws. Armed positions typically require more experience and pay 20-40% higher.
Build experience in multiple security environments. Get additional certifications (CPP, PSP from ASIS). Develop leadership skills by training new guards. Learn security technology systems. Document your incident prevention successes. Show initiative in improving procedures.
According to BLS data, median wage for protective service occupations is $50,580 annually. Entry-level unarmed guards earn around $38,000. Armed security, corporate security, and specialized roles pay higher. Government and aerospace security positions offer top wages above $45,000.
CCTV and video surveillance monitoring, access control system operation, alarm panel monitoring, basic computer skills for report writing, radio communication, and increasingly, mobile device and app usage. Familiarity with systems like Genetec, Verkada, or Lenel is valuable.
Very important. You'll stand for long periods, walk miles during patrols, and may need to respond physically to incidents. Most positions require ability to stand 8+ hours, walk several miles per shift, and potentially run or restrain individuals. Some employers require fitness tests.
Retail and loss prevention, hospitals and healthcare facilities, corporate offices, manufacturing and warehouses, educational institutions, event venues, residential communities, and government facilities. Each has different skill requirements and pay scales.
Absolutely. Military and law enforcement backgrounds are highly valued in security. Highlight relevant training: weapons handling, tactical response, surveillance, report writing, working under pressure. Many employers specifically recruit veterans for security positions.
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