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Security guard CV Example

Present your security experience, SIA licence credentials, and ability to protect people, property, and assets in retail environments.

Recommended template: Modern

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Key Skills to Include

SIA LicensedAccess ControlCCTV MonitoringIncident ReportingConflict ResolutionLoss PreventionFirst AidCustomer Service

Quick Tips

  • Include your SIA licence type and expiry date prominently on your CV.
  • Mention the types of venues and environments you have provided security for.
  • Highlight your conflict resolution and de-escalation skills with specific examples.
  • Include any additional qualifications such as first aid, fire marshal, or CCTV operation.

Ready to build your CV?

Start with the Modern template and customise it for your retail role.

How to Write Your Security guard CV

A security guard CV should demonstrate your professionalism, vigilance, and ability to protect people and property. Employers want to see your SIA licence credentials, your experience in relevant security environments, and your approach to conflict resolution. Whether you work in retail, corporate, or event security, your CV should convey reliability, integrity, and a calm, professional demeanour.

CV Structure

Use a reverse-chronological format with your SIA licence details and profile at the top. Each role should describe the environment, your duties, and your achievements. Include responsibilities covering patrols, CCTV, access control, and incident management. Keep to one or two pages.

CV Format

Choose a clean, professional template. Display your SIA licence number and expiry date prominently. Use bullet points and ensure additional certifications are easy to find.

CV Profile Examples

Experienced Retail Security Officer

Vigilant and professional SIA-licensed security officer with six years of experience providing loss prevention and customer safety services in retail environments. Experienced in CCTV monitoring, store detective duties, and coordinating with police on shoplifting incidents. Holds SIA Door Supervisor and CCTV licences plus a Level 3 First Aid at Work certificate.

Corporate Security Guard

Presentable and reliable security guard with four years of experience protecting corporate office buildings, data centres, and commercial premises. Skilled in access control, visitor management, and patrol procedures. Experienced in operating intruder alarm systems and managing security pass issuance for employees and contractors.

Entry-Level Security Guard

Newly SIA-licensed security guard with a background in the Royal Navy, bringing five years of disciplined service including base security, access control, and incident response duties. Completed the SIA Security Guard course covering physical intervention, conflict management, and emergency procedures. Seeking a static or retail security role to apply military skills in a civilian context.

Write a three-sentence profile stating your SIA licence status, experience level, and security specialisms. Mention one headline achievement or quality.

Key Skills for Your Security guard CV

SIA Licensed

Holding a current Security Industry Authority licence authorising work in a security officer role.

Access Control

Managing entry to premises through ID checks, visitor management, and security pass systems.

CCTV Monitoring

Operating and monitoring CCTV surveillance systems to detect security threats and support investigations.

Incident Reporting

Documenting security incidents, detentions, and emergencies accurately for management and legal records.

Conflict Resolution

De-escalating confrontations calmly and professionally using verbal communication and approved techniques.

Loss Prevention

Deterring and detecting theft through visible patrols, CCTV surveillance, and store detective operations.

First Aid

Providing immediate first aid response to injuries, medical emergencies, and accidents on site.

Customer Service

Interacting with members of the public, visitors, and employees in a polite and professional manner.

Work Experience Examples

For each role, describe the site type and daily footfall or occupancy. Focus on patrol duties, CCTV monitoring, incident handling, and any detentions or loss prevention results. Include measurable achievements.

Retail Security Officer

Mitie Security — Debenhams, Birmingham

Provided store security and loss prevention services in a large department store with four floors and approximately 8,000 daily customers.

Responsibilities

  • Patrolled the shop floor and monitored live CCTV feeds to identify suspicious behaviour and potential shoplifting.
  • Detained suspected shoplifters using approved techniques and procedures, processing evidence for police handover.
  • Managed the store entrance, greeting customers and deterring opportunistic theft through visible presence.
  • Completed incident reports documenting detentions, ejections, and any health and safety incidents during each shift.
  • Liaised with store management and local police on repeat offenders, providing witness statements when required.

Achievements

  • Contributed to a 28% reduction in annual stock shrinkage through proactive floor patrols and CCTV monitoring.
  • Detained 45 shoplifters in a twelve-month period with a 100% successful prosecution rate.
  • Received a commendation from the store manager for de-escalating a confrontation with an aggressive individual without physical intervention.

Static Security Guard

G4S — Commercial Business Park, Solihull

Provided 24-hour security cover at a multi-tenant commercial business park with four office buildings and 2,000 daily occupants.

Responsibilities

  • Managed the main reception desk, controlling access through ID verification and visitor management procedures.
  • Conducted regular internal and external patrols, checking fire exits, lighting, and perimeter security.
  • Monitored CCTV and intruder alarm systems, responding to activations and coordinating emergency services when needed.
  • Managed security pass issuance, contractor sign-in processes, and overnight lone-worker check-in procedures.

Achievements

  • Identified and reported a fire safety hazard during a routine patrol that prevented a potential evacuation incident.
  • Maintained a zero-breach record at the perimeter during twelve months of overnight security coverage.

Education & Qualifications

List your SIA licence first with the number and expiry date. Follow with first aid, fire marshal, and CCTV certifications. Include military service or relevant educational qualifications.

SIA Security Guard Licence

Mandatory licence for working as a security guard at retail, corporate, or public premises.

SIA CCTV Licence

Additional SIA licence for operating CCTV surveillance systems in public spaces.

Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work

Comprehensive first aid qualification covering emergency response and injury treatment.

Fire Marshal Training

Training in fire safety, evacuation procedures, and use of fire-fighting equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I put on a security guard CV?
Include your SIA licence details, the types of sites you have secured, and your experience with CCTV, patrols, and incident management. Highlight any loss prevention results, detentions, or prosecution rates. Mention additional certifications and your approach to conflict resolution.
Do I need an SIA licence to work as a security guard?
Yes, an SIA licence is legally required for most security roles in the UK. You need to complete an approved training course and apply for your licence before you can work. The licence is valid for three years. Display your licence number and expiry date on your CV.
Is military experience relevant for security work?
Very relevant. Military experience provides discipline, physical fitness, situational awareness, and conflict management skills that transfer directly to security roles. Highlight your military service, any security-related duties, and your ability to follow procedures and work under pressure.
How do I show loss prevention skills?
Include specific results — number of detentions, prosecution success rates, and shrinkage reduction percentages. Describe your approach to identifying shoplifting, managing CCTV, and coordinating with police. Evidence of reducing stock loss demonstrates your direct commercial value to employers.

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