Security Supervisor Resume: Overview
As a security supervisor, your responsibilities include managing security operations, supervising security staff, and ensuring people’s and property’s safety.
Security supervisors work in a variety of industries and settings, such as:
- Corporate offices
- Shopping malls
- Hospitals
- Educational institutions
- Industrial facilities
You need strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills to excel as a security supervisor. Familiarity with security systems and procedures is also crucial.
Ready to create a resume that gets noticed? Check out our helpful resume examples and easy-to-use templates to get started.
Security Supervisor Resume: Choose a Format
The first thing to consider when creating your security supervisor resume is choosing a format.
Choosing a resume format that showcases your strengths as a security supervisor is vital to getting noticed by hiring managers.
There are three main formats to consider: chronological, functional, or combination. Each format has its advantages and disadvantages depending on your skills and experience.
Chronological Resumes for Security Supervisors
A chronological resume format lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. This format is ideal if you have a solid work history in security supervision, as it will highlight your career progression.
A chronological resume makes it easy for hiring managers to follow your career trajectory. It is the most traditional format, and it is compatible with applicant tracking systems (ATS), which will help it get past the initial screening process.
However, because it emphasizes your work history, there may be better choices if you have gaps in employment history or lack professional security experience.
Functional Resumes for Security Supervisors
A functional resume format emphasizes your skills and qualifications rather than your work history. This format works best if you have strong security skills but only limited experience in a supervisory role.
A functional resume showcases your capabilities and how they apply to the security supervisor position. However, be cautious, as some employers may view functional resumes with suspicion due to the lack of a chronological work history.
Because employers often prefer a detailed work history, this format is incompatible with most applicant tracking systems (ATS), which could hurt your chances of getting noticed by hiring managers.
Combination Resumes for Security Supervisors
A combination resume format merges elements of chronological and functional resumes. It lets you highlight your skills and qualifications first, followed by your work history.
This format is beneficial if you have at least some relevant security experience and a robust skill set because it provides a comprehensive view of your abilities and career progression.
However, a combination resume can be tricky to organize and may make your resume longer than ideal. Remember to stay focused on the most relevant information to keep your resume no more than one or two pages long.
Choosing a Resume Format
When it comes to choosing the best resume format, it’s important to consider your experience and career goals. When in doubt, the chronological format is a reliable choice for most job seekers.
Chronological resumes are especially advantageous if you have a consistent work history because they highlight your career progression clearly and concisely. Plus, chronological resumes are ATS-friendly, meaning they are more likely to pass through applicant tracking systems, which many employers use to screen resumes.
But what if you don’t have direct experience as a security supervisor? Don’t worry! You can still create a compelling chronological resume by focusing on your transferable skills and relevant achievements.
Start by listing your most recent positions and think about the responsibilities you had that align with the security supervisor role. For example, if you have experience managing teams, handling emergencies, or ensuring safety procedures, these skills can translate well into a security supervisor position.
You can also highlight your relevant certifications and training. If you’ve taken any courses or received certifications related to security, safety, or management, be sure to include these.
In your skills section, remember to highlight attention to detail, communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure, which are highly transferable to a security supervisor role.
By focusing on these areas, you can customize a chronological resume to effectively showcase your potential as a security supervisor, even if you haven’t held that specific title before.
Remember, the key is to draw connections between your past experiences and the requirements of the security supervisor role, demonstrating that you have the skills and qualities needed to excel.
How to Write a Security Supervisor Resume
Once you have a visually appealing resume template and choose a format, it is time to focus on creating your resume outline and content.
A resume for a security resume should include the following elements:
- Contact Information
- Summary or Objective
- Work History
- Skills
- Education
While the above five elements are essential, you can also include additional optional sections to spotlight your most unique qualifications for the job.
Don’t worry! We’ll show you how to make the most of each section to showcase your experience, skills, and qualifications effectively. To get started, explore this step-by-step guide to writing a standout resume that grabs the attention of hiring managers!
Contact Information
First things first, you will start your resume with your contact information. This section might seem straightforward, but it’s crucial to get it right.
Make sure to include your full name, city and state, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if you have one). Your contact information should be current and error-free, making it easy for potential employers to reach you.
Here’s a simple example to illustrate how your contact information should look:
Sarah Johnson
Los Angeles, CA
(310) 555-1234
sarah.johnson@example.com
linkedin.com/in/sarahjohnson
Having a professional email address is essential. If you’re still using an old one from high school, consider creating a new one with your name for a more polished impression.
Adding your LinkedIn profile can also be beneficial, providing a more comprehensive view of your professional background. Just make sure that your LinkedIn profile is updated and reflects your qualifications for the security supervisor position.
Summary or Objective
Next, you will write a brief introductory paragraph to capture the reader’s attention. This introduction is your chance to give a quick snapshot of who you are and what you bring to the table.
You can choose to write either a resume summary or an objective statement, depending on what best suits your situation.
A resume summary is perfect if you have extensive experience and want to highlight your key achievements and skills right off the bat. It’s a great way to showcase your professional background and immediately show the employer what you’re capable of. Think of it as your professional elevator pitch.
Here’s an example of an excellent resume summary for a security supervisor resume:
“Experienced security supervisor with over 10 years of experience in corporate and industrial security. Proven track record in managing security teams, implementing safety protocols, and ensuring property protection. Adept at crisis management and emergency response.”
On the other hand, an objective statement is ideal if you’re newer to the field or looking to shift into a security supervisor role from a different area.
This statement focuses more on your career goals and what you aim to achieve in the role. It’s about expressing enthusiasm for the work and outlining your aspirations, making it clear to the employer why you’re interested in the position.
Here’s a great example of an objective statement for a security supervisor resume:
“Dedicated security professional seeking a security supervisor position to leverage extensive experience in security management and team leadership. Committed to ensuring safety and security in high-risk environments.”
Whatever type of statement you choose, it’s essential to customize it for each job application. Use keywords from the job description to make your resume stand out to the ATS and get noticed by hiring managers.
Tailoring your introduction this way helps ensure that your resume gets noticed and moves to the top of the pile.
Work History
The work history section is where you get to showcase your career journey and demonstrate how your past experiences make you a perfect fit for the security supervisor role.
To get started, list your previous jobs in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. Include the job title, company name, location, and employment dates in each job entry.
Then, use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and achievements in each job. Don’t just list your duties—focus on your accomplishments and highlight quantifiable results whenever possible.
To make your work history shine, begin each bullet point with a strong action verb to convey your contributions effectively. Words like “managed,” “implemented,” “developed,” and “coordinated” are powerful and convey leadership and initiative.
Pro Tip: Use numbers to make your accomplishments more tangible and impressive. Instead of saying you “managed a team,” say you “managed a team of 15 security personnel.” Instead of “reduced security incidents,” specify by how much, such as “reduced security incidents by 20%.”
Emphasize skills and experiences directly relevant to the security supervisor role. Focus on areas like team management, emergency response, and safety protocol implementation. Highlight instances where you led a team, made critical decisions under pressure or resolved complex issues to show your ability to do the job.
Remember, employers value candidates who contribute to the ongoing improvement of their teams and processes. Mention any initiatives you’ve spearheaded, training programs you’ve developed, or protocols you’ve enhanced.
For example, a job entry on a security supervisor’s resume should look something like this:
Security Supervisor
ABC Corporation, New York, NY
January 2018 – Present
- Managed a team of 15 security personnel, ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures.
- Developed and implemented security protocols, reducing security incidents by 20%.
- Conducted regular training sessions for security staff, enhancing team performance and readiness.
-
Coordinated emergency response drills and improved response times by 15%.
Introduced a new surveillance system, increasing monitoring efficiency by 25%.
By following these guidelines, you can create a compelling work history section that details your responsibilities and showcases your achievements and the impact you’ve made in your previous roles.
This approach will help you stand out from the competition and show potential employers that you are the best candidate for the security supervisor position.
Skills
Including a dedicated skills section in your resume highlights your qualifications and makes a strong impression on potential employers. It’s important to include both hard and soft skills to present a well-rounded profile.
Hard skills demonstrate your technical abilities and specific knowledge related to security supervision, while soft skills showcase your interpersonal and organizational strengths. Together, they provide a comprehensive picture of your capabilities and suitability for the role.
For inspiration, here are the top skills for a security supervisor resume:
Top 5 Hard Skills for Security Supervisor Resumes:
- Surveillance System Management: Expertise in operating and managing surveillance systems is critical for monitoring and securing premises. This skill shows your technical proficiency and ability to use advanced security technologies.
- Risk Assessment: Being skilled in identifying potential security threats and implementing measures to mitigate risks is essential. This demonstrates your proactive approach to maintaining safety and preventing incidents.
- Incident Reporting: Proficiency in documenting security incidents accurately and efficiently is crucial for maintaining records and communicating with law enforcement. This skill highlights your attention to detail and organizational abilities.
- Emergency Response: Training in handling emergency situations and coordinating with law enforcement agencies is vital. This skill shows you can remain calm under pressure and take appropriate actions during crises.
- Team Leadership: Strong leadership abilities to manage and motivate security personnel are necessary for overseeing a security team effectively. This skill reflects your ability to lead, inspire, and ensure your team performs well.
Top 5 Soft Skills for Security Supervisor Resumes:
- Communication: Effective verbal and written communication skills are essential for interacting with staff, reporting incidents, and liaising with clients and law enforcement. This skill ensures clear and precise information exchange.
- Problem-Solving: The ability to quickly assess situations and devise appropriate solutions is crucial in security roles. This skill shows your critical thinking and decision-making capabilities.
- Attention to Detail: A keen eye for detail helps you identify security breaches and ensure thorough inspections. This skill highlights your meticulous nature and dedication to maintaining security standards.
- Customer Service: It is important to provide excellent service to clients and maintain a professional demeanor. This skill demonstrates your ability to handle public interactions and ensure a positive experience for those you protect.
- Adaptability: Flexibility to handle changing situations and environments is vital in a dynamic security environment. This skill shows your resilience and capability to manage unforeseen challenges.
On a security supervisor’s resume, you can format your skills section like this:
Skills
- Surveillance System Management: Proficient in operating and managing advanced surveillance systems to ensure premises are secure.
- Team Leadership: Strong leadership abilities to manage, train, and motivate security personnel, ensuring high performance and adherence to security protocols.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for clear interaction with staff, clients, and law enforcement.
- Problem-Solving: Effective problem-solving skills to quickly assess situations and implement appropriate solutions under pressure.
However, you can also simplify your skills section like this:
Skills
- Surveillance Systems
- Risk Assessment
- Incident Reporting
- Emergency Response
- Team Leadership
- Communication
- Problem-Solving
- Attention to Detail
- Customer Service
- Adaptability
Including a well-crafted skills section will help your resume stand out by clearly demonstrating your qualifications and readiness for the security supervisor role.
Tailor this section to each job you apply for by emphasizing skills mentioned in the job description.
Education
Your education section helps employers understand your foundational knowledge and any specialized training you might have received. When listing your education, be sure to include the degree you obtained, the name of the institution, and its location.
Here’s an example to illustrate how you should format your education section:
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
University of XYZ, New York, NY
You can also include any honors or distinctions you received, such as graduating with honors or being part of a relevant student organization.
If you completed any certifications or training programs related to security during your studies, you can also include that in this section. However, providing those details in a separate, clearly labeled section can be more effective.
Additional Sections
To make your resume really stand out, consider adding optional sections highlighting your unique qualifications and experiences.
These sections can provide a fuller picture of who you are and what you bring to the table beyond your education and work history.
Here are a few optional sections to consider on a resume for a security supervisor:
- Certifications: Listing relevant certifications can show your commitment to the field and specialized training.
- Volunteer Work: If you’ve done volunteer work related to security or showcasing your leadership skills, include it here.
- Professional Affiliations: Membership in professional organizations can demonstrate your engagement with the industry.
-
Languages: Being multilingual can be a significant asset, especially in diverse environments.
Awards: Any awards or recognitions can help illustrate your achievements and dedication.
Top Certifications For Security Supervisors
Adding certifications to your resume can significantly enhance your credibility and demonstrate your dedication to professional development.
Certifications show that you’ve taken the initiative to further your knowledge and skills in security supervision.
Here are some of the top certifications for a security supervisor resume:
- Certified Protection Professional (CPP): This certification validates your expertise in security management and leadership. It’s widely recognized and respected in the industry, proving you have a deep understanding of best practices in security.
- Physical Security Professional (PSP): This certification focuses on physical security assessment and implementation. It shows you have the skills to design, install, and manage physical security systems effectively.
- Security Supervision and Management Certification (CSSM): Earning this certification demonstrates your proficiency in supervising security operations. It’s specifically tailored to those in supervisory roles, making it highly relevant.
- OSHA Safety Certificate: This certification shows your knowledge of occupational safety and health standards and indicates that you can maintain a safe environment for both employees and visitors.
- First Aid, CPR and AED: Training in these essential lifesaving techniques shows potential employers that you are ready to take action in any emergency situation.
9 Tips For Writing A Security Supervisor Resume
- Tailor Your Resume to the Job Description: Start by carefully reading the job description and highlighting the skills and experiences that match the employer’s requirements. If the job description emphasizes team leadership and emergency response, make sure these are prominently featured on your resume. Tailoring your resume shows employers that you’ve taken the time to understand their needs and that you’re the right fit for the role.
- Use Action Verbs to Describe Your Responsibilities and Achievements: Action verbs make your resume more dynamic and impactful. Instead of saying “was responsible for security,” use verbs like “managed,” “coordinated,” “implemented,” and “oversaw.” For example, “Implemented new security protocols that increased incident response efficiency by 20%” sounds much stronger and more specific.
- Quantify Your Accomplishments to Demonstrate Your Impact: Numbers speak louder than words. Whenever possible, quantify your achievements to show the tangible impact of your work. For example, “Reduced security incidents by 15% through the introduction of a new surveillance system” provides clear evidence of your effectiveness.
- Include Both Hard and Soft Skills in Your Skills Section: As a security supervisor, you need a mix of technical abilities (hard skills) and interpersonal skills (soft skills). List skills like “Surveillance System Management” and “Risk Assessment” alongside “Communication” and “Problem-Solving.” This balance shows you are well-rounded and capable of handling both the technical and human aspects of the job.
- Customize Your Resume Summary or Objective for Each Application: Your resume summary or objective is the first thing employers see, so make it count. Customize this section for each job application to highlight the most relevant aspects of your experience and career goals. For instance, if the job requires a focus on emergency management, tailor your summary to emphasize your expertise in that area.
- Highlight Your Leadership and Team Management Experience: As a security supervisor, leading a team is a big part of your job. Make sure your resume highlights your experience in managing and motivating security personnel. Mention specific leadership roles, the size of the teams you’ve managed, and any successes you’ve had in improving team performance.
- Use a Clean and Professional Resume Format: A clean, professional resume template and a well-organized format is easier to read and makes a better impression. Use clear headings, bullet points, and consistent formatting. Avoid clutter and keep the design simple to ensure your content stands out.
- Proofread Your Resume to Ensure There Are No Errors: Spelling and grammar mistakes can make a bad impression and suggest a lack of attention to detail. Carefully proofread your resume, or ask a friend or colleague to review it for you. An error-free resume reflects your professionalism and meticulousness as a security supervisor.
- Utilize Our Resume Builder for a Polished and Professional Resume: If you’re unsure about formatting or want to ensure your resume looks its best, use a resume builder. These tools can help you create a polished, professional resume for a security supervisor with ease.
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Key Takeaways
- A well-crafted security supervisor resume highlights your experience and skills effectively.
- Choosing the right resume format is crucial for presenting your qualifications in the best possible light.
- Include a summary or objective statement to introduce yourself and grab the reader’s attention.
- Detail your work history with quantifiable achievements and action verbs to make your resume stand out.
- Showcase both hard and soft skills to show potential employers you are a well-rounded professional.
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FAQ
A resume for a security supervisor should ideally be one to two pages long. This length lets you provide detailed information about your experience, skills, and achievements without overwhelming the reader. Experts say hiring managers may spend less than 10 seconds scanning each resume in the initial screening process. Focus on the most relevant and recent experiences, and be concise in your descriptions to make an impact quickly.
Highlight your leadership experience by detailing your responsibilities and accomplishments in managing teams, projects, or security operations. Use specific examples demonstrating your ability to lead, such as “Led a team of 20 security personnel, resulting in a 30% reduction in security breaches.” Mention any training programs you’ve developed or implemented and how your leadership improved team performance.
Technical skills like surveillance system management, risk assessment, and emergency response are crucial to a career in safety and security. However, soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and team leadership are equally important as they help you manage your team and interact effectively with others. Include a mix of both to show potential employers that you are a well-rounded security professional.
To make your work history stand out, tailor each job entry to the job you are applying for. Highlight your most relevant job duties and accomplishments. Use strong action verbs to start each bullet, and quantify your achievements by including specific numbers or percentages to show the impact of your work. For example, instead of saying, “Managed a team,” say, “Managed a team of 15 security personnel, reducing incident response time by 20%.” This provides concrete evidence of your effectiveness.
To tailor your security supervisor resume for a specific job, start by reading the job description carefully. Highlight the skills and experiences that match what the employer is looking for. Use keywords from the job description throughout your resume, especially in your summary or objective, skills section, and work history. This not only shows that you’re a good fit but also makes your resume ATS-friendly.