Safety and Security Resume: Overview
As a safety and security professional, your responsibilities encompass safeguarding people, property, and assets in various settings. Security workers are needed in every industry and can work in places like:
- Corporate Offices
- Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities
- Retail Stores
- Government Buildings
- Event Venues
To excel in the security profession, you need key skills like crisis management, risk assessment, surveillance, emergency response, and interpersonal communication.
Ready to take the next step in your safety and security career and build a high-quality resume?
Explore our impressive resume examples and easy-to-use templates to kickstart your journey!
Safety and Security Resume: Choose a Format
The first step in building a resume for a role in safety and security is to choose a format. Selecting the right resume format is crucial for effectively showcasing your skills and expertise.
There are three popular options for a safety and security resume: chronological, functional or combination.
Chronological Resumes for Safety and Security
Chronological resumes present your work history in chronological order, starting with your most recent job and working backward.
This format is excellent for showcasing your experience within the safety and security field.
If you have a consistent work history in security-related roles, a chronological resume allows employers to see your career growth and accomplishments over time.
It’s also ATS-friendly, meaning it’s easily scanned by applicant tracking systems, which many employers use to streamline the hiring process.
Functional Resumes for Safety and Security
On the other hand, functional resumes focus on your skills and achievements rather than your chronological work history.
This format is perfect if you’re transitioning into the safety and security field from another industry or have diverse experience that may not directly relate to security work.
By highlighting your relevant skills, such as crisis management, risk assessment, and emergency response, you can demonstrate your qualifications for a security position.
However, keep in mind that some ATS systems may struggle to scan the information in a functional resume, which might hurt your chances of passing initial screenings if you apply online.
Combination Resumes for Safety and Security
Combination resumes merge elements of both chronological and functional formats. This format allows you to showcase your skills and accomplishments while also providing a chronological overview of your work history.
Combination resumes are beneficial if you want to highlight specific skills relevant to safety and security while still including a detailed work history. They are versatile and can be tailored to suit different career stages and job applications.
Choosing a Resume Format
When deciding on a resume format for a safety and security position, consider your career stage and the job you’re applying for. While all formats have advantages, a chronological resume is often the safest choice.
A chronological format is the most traditional choice, so it will be familiar to recruiters and compatible with ATS. It provides a clear and straightforward presentation of your work history, which is essential in security.
If you need help deciding which format to choose, chronological resumes are widely recommended by career experts and HR professionals.
A chronological resume can still be effective even if you’re transitioning into safety and security or don’t have previous experience in the field. You can tailor a chronological resume to showcase transferable skills, such as problem-solving, communication, and attention to detail.
You can also highlight any relevant coursework, training, or volunteer experience to demonstrate your commitment to working in safety and security. By customizing your chronological resume to emphasize your strengths and qualifications, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for a security position, even if you’re new to the industry.
How to Write a Safety and Security Resume
Once you have chosen a resume template and format, you can focus on writing your resume content.
A standout safety and security resume is outlined with five essential sections:
- Contact Information
- Summary or Objective
- Work History
- Skills
- Education
You can also provide additional sections, such as volunteer work, as long as they are relevant qualifications found in the job description.
Explore this helpful guide to writing a resume for a security job to find out how to make the most of each section and land the job you are dreaming of!
Contact Information
Your contact information is the gateway for potential employers to reach out to you, so making it easy for them to connect is essential.
Here’s what to include in your contact section:
- Full Name: Make sure to provide your full name, as this is how employers will address you throughout the hiring process.
- City and State: Including your city and state will let employers know you are local. However, it is not necessary to provide a complete address.
- Professional Email Address: Create a professional email address that includes your name or initials, avoiding any unprofessional or quirky handles.
- Phone Number: Provide a reliable phone number where employers can reach you. Double-check that your voicemail greeting is professional.
- LinkedIn Profile: Include a link to your LinkedIn profile to showcase your professional network and additional qualifications.
For example, the contact information section of a safety and security resume might look like this:
Contact Information
John Doe
Chicago, IL
john.doe@fake-email.com
(123) 456-7890
linkedin.com/in/johndoe
Ensuring your contact information is accurate and up-to-date is crucial for making a positive first impression on potential employers, so always proofread this section carefully!
Summary or Objective
Next, you will write a brief introduction to your resume. This statement should be concise, two to three sentences that provide an overview of your qualifications and aspirations to compel the reader to learn more about you.
You can choose either a summary or an objective statement to introduce your safety and security resume.
Let’s explore the differences between the two and when to use each:
A resume summary is a concise paragraph that highlights your key achievements, skills, and experience relevant to the safety and security field. It’s the best choice if you have significant experience in the industry and want to showcase your expertise to potential employers.
Here’s an example of a resume summary for an experienced safety and security professional:
“Experienced safety and security professional with over a decade of hands-on experience in risk management and emergency response. Proven track record of implementing proactive measures to mitigate threats and ensure the safety of personnel and assets. Skilled in surveillance techniques, crisis management, and team leadership.”
An objective statement outlines your career goals and aspirations in the safety and security field. It’s ideal for entry-level candidates or those transitioning into the industry who want to communicate their intentions to prospective employers.
Here’s an example of an objective statement for an aspiring safety and security worker:
“Enthusiastic recent graduate with a degree in Criminal Justice seeking to launch a career in safety and security. Eager to apply knowledge of security protocols and risk assessment to contribute to a dynamic security team. Committed to maintaining a safe environment for clients and patrons through vigilant surveillance and proactive security measures.”
By providing a clear and compelling introduction, you can capture the attention of hiring managers and demonstrate your value as a safety and security professional.
Whether you choose a summary or an objective statement, ensure it reflects your career goals and aligns with the job you’re applying for.
Tailor this introduction to each job application by including keywords from the job description to help it stand out to potential employers and make your resume ATS-friendly.
Work History
Your work history is vital to your safety and security resume, showcasing your relevant experience and accomplishments in the field. Follow these steps to craft a compelling work history section:
First, list your previous roles chronologically, starting with your most recent position and working backward. This allows employers to see your most recent experience first, which is often the most relevant.
Each job entry should include your job title, the name and location of the employer, and the dates you worked there.
Then, under each job entry, write at least three bulleted sentences detailing your responsibilities and achievements in each role. Rather than simply listing your job duties, focus on your accomplishments and quantifiable achievements in each role.
Pro Tip: Use numbers and percentages to validate your accomplishments. For example, include the number of employees supervised or a percentage decrease in security problems due to your work.
Highlight your actions and their impact on improving safety and security measures by using strong action verbs like guarded, inspected, or operated to make your writing more engaging and grab the attention of hiring managers.
Here’s an example of a job entry for a safety and security professional’s resume:
Security Supervisor | XYZ Corporation, Los Angeles, CA | January 2018 – Present
- Implemented comprehensive security protocols, resulting in a 30% decrease in security breaches within the first year of tenure.
- Led a team of 10 security officers, providing training and guidance to ensure adherence to safety procedures and effective incident response.
- Conducted regular security assessments and risk analyses, identifying vulnerabilities and recommending proactive measures to mitigate risks.
Remember to tailor your resume to each job application to align your experience with the job requirements. Use keywords and industry terms to help your resume stand out to applicant tracking systems.
By following these guidelines and highlighting your achievements in each role, you can create a work history section demonstrating your value as a safety and security professional to potential employers.
Skills
Next, you will create a dedicated skills section. Crafting an impressive skills section is essential for showcasing your capabilities as a safety and security professional.
Highlight a mix of hard skills, such as crisis management, risk assessment, surveillance techniques, emergency response, and conflict resolution, along with soft skills, such as communication, adaptability, leadership, and attention to detail.
Hard skills demonstrate your technical proficiency, while soft skills showcase your interpersonal abilities and suitability for the role.
To help your resume stand out from the competition, customize your skills section to align with the specific requirements of the job you’re applying for.
Review the job description carefully to identify the skills and qualifications sought by the employer, then include the skills that match your own experience and expertise.
To help you get started, here are some of the top hard and soft skills for a safety and security resume:
Top 5 Hard Skills for Safety and Security Resumes
- Risk Assessment: Mastering risk assessment is vital in identifying potential hazards and devising proactive strategies to mitigate risks. By honing this skill, you become adept at foreseeing and addressing security vulnerabilities, ensuring the safety of individuals and assets.
- Emergency Response: Proficiency in emergency response protocols enables you to act swiftly and decisively during crises and emergencies. Your ability to implement effective response measures can minimize damage, safeguard lives, and maintain order in high-stress situations.
- Surveillance Techniques: Mastery of surveillance techniques equips you with the tools and knowledge needed to monitor activities effectively. Whether utilizing CCTV systems or conducting physical patrols, your expertise in surveillance ensures thorough oversight and timely detection of security threats.
- Crisis Management: Skilled crisis management is essential for navigating high-stress situations and maintaining safety and security. Your leadership in coordinating responses and guiding teams ensures a swift and effective resolution, minimizing potential harm and preserving peace of mind.
- Security Systems Management: Proficiency in managing security systems is crucial for maintaining the integrity of protective measures. Your ability to maintain and troubleshoot security systems ensures continuous functionality, preventing breaches and unauthorized access.
Top 5 Soft Skills for Safety and Security Resumes
- Communication: Effective communication is paramount for conveying information, coordinating responses, and building rapport with stakeholders. Your ability to communicate clearly and concisely fosters collaboration and ensures seamless coordination during security operations.
- Attention to Detail: Maintaining keen attention to detail is essential for detecting and addressing potential security threats. Your vigilance and attentiveness enable you to identify anomalies and take proactive measures to safeguard against risks.
- Adaptability: Adaptability is key for thriving in dynamic and challenging environments inherent to the safety and security field. Your flexibility in responding to changing circumstances and unforeseen challenges ensures agility and resilience in maintaining safety and order.
- Leadership: Strong leadership skills are indispensable for guiding security teams and maintaining cohesion during critical incidents. Your ability to provide guidance, direction, and support fosters teamwork and instills confidence in achieving collective security objectives.
- Problem-Solving: Effective problem-solving skills are essential for analyzing complex situations and devising strategic solutions to ensure safety and security. Your capacity to assess challenges, formulate actionable plans, and overcome obstacles ensures a proactive and effective approach to security management.
A skills section for a safety and security worker might look like this:
Skills
- Risk Assessment
- Emergency Response
- Surveillance Techniques
- Crisis Management
- Security Systems Management
- Communication
- Attention to Detail
- Adaptability
- Leadership
- Problem-Solving
Crafting a standout safety and security resume requires a combination of relevant experience, key skills, and a clear presentation.
By incorporating these elements effectively, you can create a compelling resume that highlights your qualifications and sets you apart in the competitive job market.
Education
The education section of your safety and security resume is where you highlight your academic background.
For each educational achievement, provide the name and location of the institution the degree or certification obtained.
You can also include the dates you attended. However, some experts say that may introduce age bias into the hiring process.
Here’s an example of an education section of a safety and security resume:
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
XYZ University, New York, NY
Additional Sections
Once you have completed the five most essential sections, you can consider some additional sections to enhance your resume.
If space allows, you might include sections like:
- Professional Affiliations
- Volunteer Experience
- Languages Spoken
- Certifications
- Awards and Honors
If you choose to include additional sections, remember they should be relevant to your abilities to excel in the field of safety and security. Your resume should focus on the most relevant information to potential employers.
Top Certifications For Safety and Security
Including certifications on your resume demonstrates your commitment to professional excellence, and validates your expertise and knowledge.
Here are some of the top certifications for professionals working in safety and security:
- Certified Protection Professional (CPP): Earning this certification confirms your expertise and experience in the security management field.
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): For professionals working in cybersecurity, this certification will let potential employers know that you are ready to tackle the challenges of information security.
- Certified Safety Professional (CSP): This prestigious credential verifies you are skilled at implementing safety management systems, making worksite assessments to determine risks, assessing potential hazards and evaluating risks and hazard control measures.
- Security Officer License: Employers may require specific certification or licensure to work as a security officer. Obtaining a license lets recruiters know you are both committed and qualified.
9 Tips For Writing A Safety and Security Resume
Tailor your resume: Customize your resume for each job application to emphasize skills and experiences directly relevant to safety and security. Highlight your experience in risk assessment, crisis management, and emergency response to show employers you are well-suited for the role.
Quantify your achievements: Use specific metrics to quantify your achievements in safety and security. For example, mention the percentage reduction in security breaches you achieved through implementing new protocols or the number of emergency drills you conducted to improve response times.
Use keywords: Incorporate keywords from the job description into your resume to optimize it for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) screening. Include terms such as “surveillance techniques,” “incident response,” and “security protocols” to ensure your resume gets noticed by potential employers.
Highlight certifications: Showcase your certifications and training prominently on your resume to demonstrate your expertise and qualifications in safety and security. Include certifications such as Certified Protection Professional (CPP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), or Certified Security Management Professional (CSMP) to stand out to employers.
Showcase problem-solving skills: Provide examples of challenging situations you’ve managed in your resume to showcase your problem-solving skills. Describe how you identified security threats, devised strategic solutions, and implemented measures to ensure the safety of individuals and assets.
Prioritize relevant experience: Focus on highlighting expertise and skills that are most relevant to the safety and security job you’re applying for. Tailor your resume to emphasize your experience in security operations, risk assessment, and crisis management to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Proofread carefully: Carefully proofread your resume to eliminate errors and ensure clarity and professionalism. Mistakes can detract from your credibility, so take the time to review your resume multiple times and consider asking a trusted friend or colleague to review it as well.
Incorporate industry-specific terminology: Use industry-specific terminology related to safety and security protocols to demonstrate your familiarity with the field. Include terms such as “physical security,” “access control,” and “threat assessment” to convey your expertise and knowledge to potential employers.
Seek feedback: Don’t hesitate to seek feedback from peers, mentors, or career advisors on your resume. Getting input from others can help you identify areas for improvement and ensure your resume effectively showcases your qualifications and experiences in safety and security.
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Key Takeaways
- Tailor your safety and security resume to each job application.
- Highlight your key skills and achievements to stand out to employers.
- Choose a resume format that best showcases your qualifications and experience.
- Include relevant certifications to demonstrate your expertise in the field.
- Proofread your resume carefully to ensure accuracy and professionalism.
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FAQ
If you’re transitioning into safety and security from another field, focus on highlighting transferable skills and experiences that are relevant to the role. Emphasize any relevant training, certifications, or volunteer work that demonstrates your commitment to safety and security.
Additionally, consider including a brief explanation in your professional summary or cover letter to address the career change and showcase your motivation and qualifications for the role.
While a cover letter is not always required, including one with your safety and security resume can provide an opportunity to personalize your application and express your interest in the position.
Use the cover letter to highlight specific experiences, skills, and achievements that make you a strong candidate for the role. Additionally, the cover letter is an opportunity to address any gaps or unique aspects of your resume and explain how you can contribute to the organization’s safety and security goals.
If you have limited or no direct experience in the safety and security field, focus on highlighting relevant transferable skills and experiences from other roles. Emphasize problem-solving, communication, attention to detail, and leadership skills that apply to safety and security. Additionally, consider gaining relevant experience through internships, volunteer work, or additional training and certifications to strengthen your resume and demonstrate your commitment to the field.
To make your safety and security resume stand out to employers, highlight your key skills, achievements, and experiences in the field. Use specific examples and metrics to quantify your accomplishments and demonstrate your impact.
Additionally, choose a visually appealing resume template to catch the eye of potential employers. Customize your resume for each job application to emphasize relevant qualifications and tailor your messaging to the employer’s specific needs.
Including references on your safety and security resume is generally unnecessary. Instead, create a separate list of professional references you can provide upon request. Focus on using the limited space on your resume to showcase your qualifications, skills, and experiences relevant to the job.
When crafting your work history on your safety and security resume, focus on including relevant experiences from the past 10-15 years. Prioritize recent roles and achievements that demonstrate your current skills and qualifications in the field. If you have older experiences that are highly relevant, you can include them as well, but be selective to keep your resume concise and impactful.