Key Takeaways

1. ATS Optimization: Use industry-specific keywords such as surveillance, crowd control, and access control to help your resume pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
2. Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each security role, whether retail, event, corporate, or mobile security, by focusing on relevant skills and experience.
3. Quantify Achievements: Include measurable achievements like reduced theft, improved response times, and incident management to showcase your impact.
4. Certifications Matter: Ensure your Security Guard License, First Aid Certificate, and any additional training (e.g., crowd control, fire safety) are clearly visible.
5. Professional Formatting: Keep your resume simple, clean, and easy to read by using standard headings and avoiding unnecessary designs.

Introduction

When applying for a security guard position in New Zealand, your resume is the first impression employers will have of you. A well-crafted resume can be the difference between securing an interview and being passed over. Whether you’re applying for a job at a retail store, event venue, or as a corporate security guard, this guide will help you create a clear, professional resume that aligns with New Zealand standards and catches the attention of hiring managers.

You can also refer to our Cashier Resume New Zealand Step-by-Step Guide , which explains how to structure entry-level resumes to meet local hiring standards.

How to Structure Your Security Guard Resume for New Zealand

New Zealand employers have specific expectations when it comes to resumes, so it’s important to follow the local format and conventions. Below, I’ll guide you through the sections you need to include, ensuring your resume is both ATS-friendly and easy for hiring managers to read.

Contact Information

Start by clearly stating your name, city, and region. New Zealand employers typically do not require a full street address or photo, so focus on your essential contact details.

Correct Example:

• Name: John Doe
• City: Auckland, New Zealand
• Phone: 021 123 4567
• Email: johndoe@email.com

Avoid including personal details like age, marital status, or a photograph. These are unnecessary in New Zealand resumes and could create potential bias.

Resume Summary

Your resume summary is your chance to capture the employer’s attention right from the start. It should be brief but highlight your experience and key skills in a way that immediately demonstrates your value to the employer.

Example Resume Summary:

“Experienced Security Guard with over 4 years of expertise in surveillance, crowd control, and emergency response. Adept at handling high-pressure situations while maintaining safety and order. Highly skilled in managing access control systems and performing routine security checks.”

Your summary should reflect your experience level, focus on relevant skills (e.g., surveillance, emergency response, patrolling), and show your commitment to safety.

🚀 Create your resume fast, free!

Key Skills for Security Guard Roles in New Zealand

Your skills section is essential to showcase both hard skills and soft skills. In the security industry, employers value both technical skills (e.g., using security equipment) and interpersonal abilities (e.g., conflict resolution).

Hard Skills (Technical Abilities):

• Surveillance (using CCTV, monitoring activities)
• Access control (checking IDs, managing entry)
• Crowd control (handling large groups, ensuring safety)
• Emergency response (handling incidents, first aid)
• Patrolling (maintaining security in assigned areas)

Soft Skills (Interpersonal Qualities):

• Communication (clear, effective interactions with the public)
• Attention to detail (spotting issues early, preventing incidents)
• Problem-solving (addressing challenges, resolving conflicts)
• Physical fitness (ability to stand, patrol, or react quickly)

For broader guidance on presenting these abilities effectively, see our Customer Service Resume New Zealand Expert Tips , which show how communication and people skills can be optimised for ATS and hiring managers.

Work Experience: Showcasing Your Security Guard Duties

Your work experience section is the heart of your resume. Use clear bullet points to highlight your previous roles, and make sure to quantify your achievements where possible.

Example of Security Guard Experience Bullet Points:

Security Guard
XYZ Security Services – Auckland, New Zealand
March 2019 – Present

• Conducted daily patrols to ensure the safety of a 5-building complex, preventing any security incidents.
• Managed access control at multiple entry points, ensuring only authorized individuals entered the premises.
• Responded to emergency situations, coordinating with emergency services and de-escalating potential conflicts.
• Maintained surveillance logs, documenting incidents and reporting suspicious activity to management.

By focusing on specific responsibilities and quantifiable outcomes, you show how your actions contributed to the safety and security of your previous workplace.

Education and Certifications for Security Guards

In New Zealand, security guard jobs typically require at least a high school diploma or equivalent. However, certifications are essential to show you’re qualified to work in the field.

Certifications You May Need:

• Security Guard License: Mandatory in New Zealand for anyone working in the security industry. This is issued by the New Zealand Ministry of Justice.
• First Aid Certification: Highly valued, especially for emergency response duties.
• Crowd Control and Surveillance Training: Additional training may be required depending on the role.

Make sure to list all relevant certifications in a separate section on your resume. If you have any additional training that is security-related (e.g., fire safety, risk management), be sure to include that as well.

Example of Certification Section:

Security Guard License
Ministry of Justice – Auckland, New Zealand
Issued: January 2020

First Aid Certificate
St John – Auckland, New Zealand
Completed: March 2021

✨ Build your perfect resume now!

Tailoring Your Security Guard Resume for New Zealand Jobs

To make your resume even more effective, customize it for the specific security role you’re applying to. New Zealand employers appreciate candidates who demonstrate they’ve read the job description and are tailored to the role.

Security Guard Roles to Tailor For

There are various security positions in New Zealand, each requiring a slightly different set of skills. Tailor your resume based on the job you’re applying for.

Retail Security Guard:

Focus on experience in crowd control, inventory protection, and customer service.

Event Security Guard:

Highlight crowd management, ticket checking, and incident response.

Corporate/Building Security Guard:

Focus on access control, monitoring systems, and patrol management.

Mobile Security Guard:

Highlight patrolling multiple locations, reporting incidents, and emergency response procedures.

How to Tailor Your Experience

• For Retail Security Guard: Emphasize inventory protection, loss prevention, and customer service interactions.
• For Event Security Guard: Focus on crowd management and handling disturbances during large events.

Customizing your resume to each role shows that you understand the specific needs of the job.

Optimising Your Security Guard Resume for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)

Many employers in New Zealand use ATS to filter through resumes before they’re even seen by a human recruiter. The ATS scans your resume for specific keywords and phrases related to the job you’re applying for. If your resume lacks these keywords, it may not even make it to the hiring manager’s desk.

What is ATS and Why It’s Important for Security Guard Resumes

ATS is software that helps employers automate the hiring process by sorting and ranking resumes based on their relevance to the job. When you submit your resume for a security guard position, the ATS scans it for keywords found in the job posting, including the job title, required skills, and certifications.

To pass through the ATS, your resume needs to be keyword-optimised. These keywords can be found in the job description, and they represent the skills and qualifications the employer is seeking.

Best ATS Keywords for Security Guard Resumes in New Zealand

Including the right keywords in your resume is essential for passing the ATS. Below is a list of keywords and phrases you should use throughout your resume to ensure it gets noticed:

Security Guard-Specific Keywords:

• Security Guard
• Surveillance (CCTV, video monitoring)
• Crowd Control
• Access Control (managing entry points)
• Incident Management
• Emergency Response
• First Aid Certification
• Patrols (daily security checks)
• Risk Management
• Security Equipment (alarms, metal detectors)
• Monitoring Systems

Soft Skills Keywords:

• Communication (verbal and written)
• Attention to Detail
• Problem Solving
• Physical Fitness
• Customer Service
• Time Management

🚀 Start your dream resume today!

How to Incorporate Keywords into Your Resume

Here’s how to incorporate these keywords in your resume:

• Read the job description carefully and highlight keywords like specific tools, certifications, and responsibilities.
• Use these keywords in your experience and skills sections, ensuring they flow naturally.
• Make sure to use standard section headings like “Work Experience”, “Skills”, and “Certifications”. ATS systems are designed to recognize these sections, making it easier for your resume to be parsed correctly.

Example of ATS-friendly Resume Bullet Points:

• “Monitored CCTV systems and conducted regular security patrols to ensure safety and security at a commercial building.”
• “Provided first aid response during medical emergencies, maintaining a calm and professional approach.”
• “Managed access control systems, ensuring only authorized personnel entered secure areas.”

By using ATS keywords in these ways, you improve your chances of your resume passing the system’s filters and reaching a real person.

Industry-Specific Security Guard Resume Examples in New Zealand

Tailoring your resume for specific roles in the security guard industry in New Zealand can significantly increase your chances of landing the job. Below are some examples for different security guard positions. Customizing your resume based on the industry and role will make your application more relevant to hiring managers.

Retail Security Guard Resume Example

Retail security guards are responsible for protecting stores from theft and maintaining a safe environment for customers and staff. This role often involves interacting with customers, so strong communication skills are vital.

Key Skills to Include for Retail Security:

• Inventory Protection
• Customer Assistance
• Loss Prevention
• Crowd Control
• Patrolling

Example Work Experience Bullet Points:

• “Monitored store entrances and exits, preventing theft and reducing shrinkage by 15%.”
• “Provided customer service while ensuring safety protocols were followed during busy shopping periods.”
• “Conducted regular security checks and ensured compliance with company safety policies.”

Event Security Guard Resume Example

Security guards working at events (e.g., concerts, sports events, festivals) manage crowd control, ensure safety, and respond to emergencies in large venues.

Key Skills to Include for Event Security:

• Crowd Management
• Ticket Checking
• Emergency Response
• Incident Reporting

Example Work Experience Bullet Points:

• “Managed crowd control for a crowd of 5,000+ at a major music festival, ensuring safety and order.”
• “Checked tickets and IDs at multiple entry points, preventing unauthorized access.”
• “Responded to medical emergencies and incidents during events, coordinating with medical staff and law enforcement.”

Corporate/Building Security Guard Resume Example

Corporate and building security guards are tasked with monitoring office buildings, controlling access points, and ensuring the safety of employees and visitors.

Key Skills to Include for Corporate Security:

• Access Control
• Surveillance Monitoring
• Incident Management
• Patrolling

Example Work Experience Bullet Points:

• “Monitored access points and maintained building security for a 10-story office complex.”
• “Patrolled the premises, ensuring employee safety and identifying potential security threats.”
• “Provided written incident reports for management on suspicious activities and security breaches.”

Mobile Security Guard Resume Example

Mobile security guards are responsible for patrolling multiple sites, handling emergencies, and ensuring a range of properties remain secure.

Key Skills to Include for Mobile Security:

• Multi-location Patrolling
• Incident Reporting
• Emergency Response
• Report Writing

Example Work Experience Bullet Points:

• “Patrolled 5+ properties nightly, ensuring security and addressing concerns of property owners.”
• “Responded to alarm incidents and ensured immediate action was taken to mitigate risk.”
• “Reported daily activities and security concerns to the head office, ensuring accurate records.”

✨ Make your resume shine fast!

Tips for Creating a Standout Security Guard Resume

After you’ve optimised your resume for ATS and tailored it to the job you’re applying for, here are some final tips to ensure your resume stands out to New Zealand employers.

Use Action Verbs to Strengthen Your Resume

Start each bullet point with strong action verbs that demonstrate your impact and accomplishments. Action verbs are more dynamic and make your resume feel proactive and impactful.

Examples of Action Verbs for Security Guards:

• Patrolled
• Monitored
• Responded
• Managed
• Coordinated
• Assisted
• Enforced

Quantify Your Achievements

Quantifying your achievements can make your resume much more impactful. By showing how you contributed to your previous employer’s success, you demonstrate the value you bring.

Example:

• “Monitored CCTV cameras and conducted 15 security checks per shift, ensuring zero incidents.”
• “Reduced theft by 20% through proactive surveillance and loss prevention strategies.”

Keep It Concise

Your resume should generally be one page, especially if you have less than 10 years of experience. For more extensive careers, a two-page resume is acceptable, but it should remain concise and relevant to the job.

Proofread and Review Your Resume

Finally, always proofread your resume carefully to avoid spelling and grammar mistakes. A clean, professional resume is crucial in the security field, where attention to detail is key. Ask a friend or colleague to review your resume as well—sometimes a fresh pair of eyes can catch things you might miss.

🚀 Jumpstart your career today!

Summary

How to create a standout security guard resume for New Zealand employers. From structuring your resume to highlighting key skills and certifications, we’ve covered how to optimise your resume for ATS and tailor it for specific security roles such as retail, event, and corporate security. We also provided actionable tips to make your resume more impactful, like quantifying achievements and using ATS-friendly keywords. Whether you’re applying for an entry-level position or a more experienced role, these strategies will help you land the job.

FAQs

Download Our Free Resume Template! 📑

Author Information

Anny Kuratulain | Career Development Expert

Anny Kuratulain is a seasoned professional with over 9 years of experience in social media strategy, freelance coaching, and resume optimization. Specializing in helping professionals in various fields, Anny provides expert guidance on crafting resumes that stand out to hiring managers and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Anny’s insights focus on empowering job seekers to highlight their key strengths, tailor resumes to job descriptions, and land the jobs they desire.