Writing a Security CV That Gets Interviews

Why Your CV Matters in Security

In the security industry, many people assume that having an SIA licence is all you need to get work. And for the most basic roles, that might be true. But for better-paying jobs, corporate positions, and any role where there is competition, your CV is the difference between getting an interview and being ignored.

Security employers typically receive 20 to 50 applications for a single role. Your CV gets about 10 seconds of attention before a hiring manager decides whether to read further or move on.

The Structure That Works

Here is the template that security hiring managers want to see:

1. Personal Details (Top of Page)

• Full name
• Phone number
• Email address
• Location (city/town and county — not your full address)
• SIA licence number and expiry date

Do not include: Date of birth, marital status, photograph (unless specifically requested), or national insurance number.

2. Personal Statement (3 to 4 Lines Maximum)

A brief summary of who you are, your experience level, and what you are looking for. Keep it specific to security.

Good example:

"Reliable SIA-licensed door supervisor with 3 years of experience across nightclub, event, and corporate venues. Strong conflict management skills with a clean record of de-escalating situations without physical intervention. Seeking a full-time door supervisor role in the Manchester area."

Bad example:

"Hard-working team player looking for a new challenge. I am passionate about security and have excellent communication skills." This says nothing specific and reads like every other CV.

3. SIA Licence and Qualifications

List these prominently because they are the first thing employers check:

• SIA Door Supervisor Licence — No. 1234567890 — Expires March 2028
• Level 2 Award for Door Supervisors — [Provider Name], 2025
• Emergency First Aid at Work — [Provider], 2025
• CSCS Card (if applicable) — Expires 2029
• Full UK Driving Licence (if relevant)

4. Work Experience (Most Recent First)

For each role, include:

• Job title and company name
• Dates (month and year)
• Key responsibilities — bullet points, not paragraphs
• Achievements — anything measurable or notable

Example:

Door Supervisor — Shield Security Ltd March 2023 to Present

• Managed entry and security at a 1,200-capacity nightclub in Leeds city centre
• De-escalated over 50 confrontations without requiring physical intervention
• Trained 4 new door staff on venue procedures and conflict management
• Commended by venue management for identifying and preventing a potential knife incident

5. Additional Skills

• Radio communication and protocols
• CCTV monitoring
• Report writing and incident documentation
• Customer service and public-facing communication
• Specific software knowledge (e.g., PACOM, Genetec, Milestone)

6. References

"Available on request" is fine. Do not list references on your CV — provide them when asked.

What Employers Actually Look For

We spoke to security hiring managers, and here is what they told us matters most:

Valid SIA licence — this is a pass/fail filter. No licence, no interview.

Reliability indicators — long tenures at previous roles, no unexplained gaps

Specific experience — have you worked in a similar environment to the one they are hiring for?

Conflict management — evidence you can handle difficult situations calmly

Professionalism — a well-structured, error-free CV signals attention to detail

Additional qualifications — first aid, fire marshal, CSCS, advanced driving

Common Mistakes That Get Your CV Binned

Spelling and Grammar Errors

Nothing destroys credibility faster. If you cannot write an error-free CV, employers wonder how you will write incident reports. Use spell check and ask someone to proofread it.

Too Long

Two pages maximum. One page is ideal for guards with less than 5 years of experience. Nobody reads a 4-page security CV.

Generic Descriptions

"Responsible for security" tells the employer nothing. Be specific: "Conducted hourly patrols of a 3-building office complex, monitored 24-camera CCTV system, and managed access control for 500+ daily visitors."

No SIA Licence Details

If your licence number and expiry date are not on the first page, many employers will not read further.

Unexplained Employment Gaps

If you have gaps, briefly explain them. "2022 to 2023: Career break for family commitments" is perfectly acceptable. An unexplained 18-month gap raises questions.

Unprofessional Email Address

Use a professional email address. Create one specifically for job applications if needed: firstname.lastname@gmail.com works perfectly.

Tailoring Your CV for Each Application

Do not send the same CV for every job. Adjust your personal statement and the order of your experience to match each role:

• Applying for a construction security role? Lead with any construction or outdoor guarding experience and highlight your CSCS card.
• Applying for a corporate reception role? Emphasise customer service, IT skills, and your professional presentation.
• Applying for a CCTV operator role? Highlight any monitoring experience, IT literacy, and attention to detail.

This does not mean rewriting your entire CV each time — just tweak the top third to match the specific job.

Final Checklist Before Sending

• [ ] SIA licence number and expiry on page one
• [ ] No spelling or grammar errors
• [ ] Two pages or fewer
• [ ] Specific, measurable achievements in work experience
• [ ] Professional email address
• [ ] Phone number is correct and your voicemail is professional
• [ ] Saved as a PDF (not Word) to preserve formatting

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