Security Supervisor Resume Example
Pursuing a career as a security supervisor provides opportunities for career progression and responsibilities involving supervising guard teams and ensuring CCTV monitoring. If you want to stand out with your security supervisor applications, you'll need to create a professional resume that makes a strong impression on employers. In this article, we'll outline how to write a winning resume to boost your chances of success in your security supervisor applications.
After reading this guide, you'll know what it takes to create a resume that really stands out from other security supervisor applicants. You'll learn how to show employers you've got the relevant qualities, skills and experience for the job, all presented in a format that employers prefer to see. The article also includes tips for formatting your resume according to your experience and strengths. Read on to learn how to write a perfect security supervisor resume, from the advice of careers experts at Jobseeker.
What to include in a security supervisor resume
It's essential to include a few core sections in your security supervisor resume, while there are also a few optional sections you can make use of to strengthen your application.
If you're applying for an entry-level security supervisor role and have limited relevant experience, consider using a skills-based, or functional resume format. The layout emphasizes your skills and education above your work experience. Focus the content of your resume on your soft and transferable skills, and any hard or technical skills you've learned from your studies or career to date. You can also mention any relevant internships, training courses or voluntary roles you've taken on.
Work experience is typically the most important resume section for security supervisor applicants with some prior experience. As such, it's best to use a traditional, reverse-chronological resume format. By using this resume format you can focus on showing how your experience has helped you develop the required skills for the job. Review the job description to understand which key skills and experience to focus on.
For senior security supervisor roles, you're likely to be competing against highly experienced candidates. Use a reverse-chronological resume format and focus on adding additional information that shows your credentials beyond your work experience. Some elements to include in a senior resume for maximum impact might include awards, publications, conference presentations or professional memberships. By adding these sections, it's likely that your resume will be longer than a junior resume.
You will have some choice over your resume layout and structure, but be sure to include these sections as the core of your document:
Resume Header
Your security supervisor resume header should contain your name and contact details. These include your email address and phone number. If you have a LinkedIn profile, you can also add that, to give employers the chance to learn more about your skills and experience. It's not necessary to include a photo or any other personal information. Make your resume header clear, concise and as brief and compact as possible. Consider different layouts that spread the information horizontally across the page rather than using a different line for each piece of information.
Make sure the email address you list in your header is professional-looking and doesn't contain any inappropriate content such as nicknames or unsuitable language. Opt for an email address based on your name or profession, or a combination of both. Finally, check your contact details before sending your resume, to ensure everything's up-to-date.
Delilah Wood
delilah.wood@example.com
(111) 222 33 444 55
112 Ocean Avenue, Amityville, NY
linkedin․com/in/delilah–wood123
Resume Objective
In your resume summary, write a short paragraph that highlights two or three of your key achievements and skills for security supervisor roles. You could also call this section 'resume objective' or 'personal profile'. A resume summary covers your career experience to date, while a resume objective focuses more on your ambitions for the future. However, make sure you keep your resume summary short and snappy, and focused on the skills and experience listed in the job description.
Alternatively, write a paragraph that concentrates on your career objectives and how this role fits with your wider ambitions and progression.
A good resume summary is short and snappy, and focused on the skills and experience listed in the job description, with evidence to back it up. It will also help the reader to form their first impressions of you by providing an insight into your personality and unique qualities. The graphic below showcases some good examples of what to include in your security supervisor resume summary.
Good example:
Results-driven Security Supervisor with extensive experience in overseeing security operations. Proven track record in managing security teams, implementing safety protocols, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Skilled in risk assessment, emergency response planning, and incident investigation. Demonstrates strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities to maintain a secure and safe environment
Bad example:
Worked in security overseeing things and managing teams. Have experience with safety rules and making sure everything follows guidelines. Know about assessing risks, planning for emergencies, and looking into incidents. Good at leading, talking, and solving problems to keep places safe
Conversely, a bad resume summary might be too generic, lacking focus on the specifics of the job description. It will also fail to provide any useful insights on what makes you a unique candidate. See above for some examples of things to avoid when writing your security supervisor resume summary.
Work Experience
In your work experience section, list any previous relevant roles you've worked in, as well as your key achievements as a security supervisor. For each entry, list the job title, the name of the employer, its location and the dates you worked there. Add each job in reverse-chronological order, starting with your current or most recent role.
Add some bullet points under each job entry, explaining your achievements in the role, so the reader can see how you contributed towards success for the company. Provide evidence of your impact and make sure each point addresses a requirement listed in the job description.
A good work experience section pulls the reader in with clear examples of where you've put the skills necessary for the job into good use in your career to date. This typically includes evidence of how your skills and activities contributed to positive outcomes for the organization. See below for some good examples of what to include in your resume work experience section.
Good example:
Security Operations Supervisor, January 2022 - Present
Guardian Security Solutions, San Francisco
- Led a team to reduce security incidents by 30% through enhanced protocols and staff training within one year
- Successfully implemented a real-time threat monitoring system, decreasing incident response times by 50%
- Coordinated cross-departmental security drills, improving emergency preparedness scores by 40% in annual assessments
Bad example:
Security Operations Supervisor, January 2022 - Present
Guardian Security Solutions, San Francisco
- Managed team efforts to improve security measures and protocols
- Implemented systems to enhance threat detection and response
- Coordinated activities to boost emergency preparedness and readiness
The example above can give you some idea of what not to include in your resume work experience section. Less effective resume work experience sections might take a more vague, descriptive approach to previous jobs. They focus on responsibilities and everyday duties rather than referencing career achievements and the value you've added for previous employers.
Education and Qualifications
Under education, add details of any degrees or professional qualifications relevant to security supervisor roles.
Opportunities as a security supervisor and similar roles in the sector usually require a specialist degree. If you have a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree, be sure to mention this in your resume. You might also want to list any qualifications that highlight your risk assessment techniques or incident response management.
List every relevant qualification, including the name and level of the course, the name of the school, college or university, its location and your graduation date. If you have space, include some bullet points outlining any specialist areas of study, awards or high grades, so the employer can learn more about your unique skill set and knowledge.
If you were a member of any clubs or societies, or volunteered for any causes while studying, you could also mention these in your education section.
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, 2017 - 2020
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN
Skills
The skills section of a security supervisor resume is a chance to list any skills you have that match those of the job description. You could include access control protocols, effective communication skills or any other skills that show you're a suitable candidate. Additionally, read the job description to make sure your skills match those required for security supervisor positions. You could also include some unique skills that help you stand out as a candidate.
How to list hard skills on your security supervisor resume
For your hard skills list, include any technical abilities or specific industry knowledge that's essential to working as a security supervisor. These could be skills gained through work experience or qualifications. Furthermore, an extensive list of hard skills helps to make a compelling case for your security supervisor job applications, as they show employers your understanding of the security supervisor role. Add up to five key hard skills that show you're an ideal candidate for the role. It can also be beneficial to add context to each skill, showing how you've used it to positive effect in your career to date.
The best resume hard skills sections focus on specific technical skills necessary for the job, showcasing skills that you have particular expertise in. There are some examples of valuable hard skills for a security supervisor resume below.
- Incident response management
- CCTV system operation
- Access control protocols
Showcasing your best soft skills
Your soft skills are the core qualities and personal characteristics that make you a good employee. They tend to apply to multiple professions and jobs, though the soft skills you'll require may change as you move from junior to senior positions. Indeed, without soft skills, you may struggle to adapt to security supervisor roles or meet the standards expected of you. So make sure you include several key soft skills on your resume. It's best to aim for four or five soft skills that match the job description and reflect your strongest personal qualities.
A strong soft skills section should play to your strengths, listing skills that reflect your personal qualities while also reflecting the skills listed in the job description. For some examples of good soft skills for a security supervisor resume, see below.
- Conflict resolution skills
- Effective communication skills
- Attention to detail
Relevant Certifications and Licenses
Under this section, list any relevant certifications or licenses that are relevant to security supervisor jobs. These could be professional accreditations and licenses, or certifications that improve your level of suitability for the position. Therefore, list any official licenses and certifications, along with their dates, so employers can assess whether you've got the necessary qualifications to work as a security supervisor.
Take a look at some example certifications for a security supervisor resume below:
- Certified Protection Professional, 2022
- Certified Security Supervisor, 2022
- Physical Security Professional, 2022
Resume tip:
Optional Sections
There are several additional sections you could add to a security supervisor resume, to improve your chances of success. Choose optional sections from the list below, if they help to showcase your relevant skills and experience.
Hobbies and Interests
Including your hobbies and interests can be a valuable way of showing your key skills and qualities. They also help to show a different side of your personality, and can help your resume create a more memorable impression on hiring managers. If you're short on real world work experience, hobbies and interests can be a useful way of providing more information about your qualities. Think about adding hobbies and interests to your resume if they add some insight into your personality that you can't express elsewhere in your application.
Voluntary Work
Listing volunteer work is another useful way to prove your relevant experience for security supervisor roles. Add any voluntary roles, including your position, the name of the organization, the dates of your voluntary work and a brief explanation of your responsibilities and achievements.
References
Although it's rare to include references on a security supervisor resume, some employers may ask for it. Don't add references unless they're specifically mentioned by the employer in the job advert. Only include referees that you've had prior approval from, and notify them to expect contact from the employer.
Please contact me for a list of references.
Best action words for your security supervisor resume
Add strong verbs to your work experience section to show the hiring manager the impact you made in your previous roles. Choose verbs from the suggestions below that highlight your key skills or those mentioned in the job description.
- Monitored
- Enforced
- Supervised
- Coordinated
- Investigated
- Implemented
- Trained
- Secured
- Patrolled
- Documented
Jobseeker's clean, attractive resume formats can help your applications make a strong impression on employers. Check them out for help designing a winning resume, and see our cover letter templates to help win over recruiters and hiring managers.
Sample security supervisor resume
Now we've covered the main sections to include in your security supervisor resume, let's take a look at how it all comes together in the example below:
112 Ocean Avenue, Amityville, NY
•
delilah.wood@example.com
•
(111) 222 33 444 55
•
linkedin․com/in/delilah–wood123
Seasoned Security Supervisor with extensive experience as a Security Operations Manager. Proven expertise in developing and implementing comprehensive security protocols, managing large teams, and ensuring the safety and security of personnel and assets. Strong leadership skills with a track record of enhancing operational efficiency and mitigating risks. Proficient in emergency response planning, incident investigation, and regulatory compliance. Dedicated to maintaining high standards of security and fostering a secure environment
Security Operations Manager
2020
-2022
SentinelGuard Solutions (Philadelphia)
- Implemented advanced threat detection system, reducing security breaches by 40% within the first year
- Led incident response team, achieving a 95% resolution rate for critical security incidents within 24 hours
- Developed comprehensive security training program, increasing staff compliance with security policies by 30%
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
2017
-2020
Brown University (Providence, RI)
Incident response management
CCTV system operation
Access control protocols
Conflict resolution skills
Effective communication skills
Attention to detail
Certified Protection Professional
Certified Security Supervisor
English - Fluent
Spanish - B2
Tips for security supervisor resumes
Tips to write the best resume
- Tailor your resume to make it as relevant as possible to the role you're applying for. Consult the job description and adapt your resume to reflect the required skills and experience.
- List your relevant work experience in reverse-chronological order, starting with your current or most recent job.
- Quantify your accomplishments by providing evidence that shows the impact you've made in your career.
- List your qualifications in your education section, including any necessary degrees or certifications, along with high grades.
- Action verbs can help show the actions you've taken and the impact you've made in security supervisor jobs (e.g. 'trained', 'secured', 'patrolled').
Steer clear of these common resume writing errors
- Don't lie or exaggerate any information on your security supervisor resume, as this can cause you problems further down the line.
- Don't use overly complex formatting and layouts that can make your security supervisor resume harder to read, and less scannable for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
- Don't include any personal details, such as a photo, your age or marital status. These can create unwanted bias in the recruitment process.
- Don't use passive language - steer away from phrases like 'I was asked to' and use action words instead.
- Don't use jargon or business-speak. It can make your resume appear clichéd and harder to read.
How to make your resume ATS compliant
Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are increasingly taking responsibility for the management and processing of job applications, helping hiring practices to become more efficient. This can include screening resumes by scanning and ranking each application according to how closely it matches the job description. There are several things you can do when writing your security supervisor resume, to give yourself the strongest chance of ranking highly in the ATS stage and progressing through the recruitment process.
Create an ATS-optimized resume by following these quick tips:
- Use a traditional resume format, such as reverse-chronological or functional. These will give your resume a structure that's easier for ATS systems to scan.
- Add keywords that match the job description throughout your resume, as ATS applications scan for these and well-placed, considered use can help your resume rank more highly.
- Using clear, simple headings makes it easier for an ATS application to scan your resume, as it can easily identify what's in each section of your document.
- Adopt a clean, unfussy design that gives your content enough white space to breathe. Use professional, readable fonts and subtle use of color and other design elements.
- Keep your resume as concise as possible, to make it easier to read, and for ATS software to scan.
For help crafting a winning resume, read our in-depth career blog and review our resume examples for inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions about a security supervisor resume
After writing your security supervisor resume, you'll want to write an accompanying cover letter that helps your application stand out.
Firstly, think about whether you want to write a full, formal cover letter or whether a brief email to introduce yourself and draw attention to your resume will suffice.
If you decide you want to write a traditional cover letter, follow the standard letter-writing conventions around layout and structure. In the main body of the letter, write an opening paragraph to introduce yourself and explain why you're applying for the security supervisor role. Your second paragraph is typically where you highlight your key relevant skills and achievements. Finally, close by expressing your enthusiasm for the role and leave a call to action to encourage the hiring manager to make contact with you.
Jobseeker's tried and tested cover letter templates were created by experts to help you make a strong impression with your applications. Follow the simple steps to create a winning cover letter today.
Even if you have no work experience, following a few simple tips for your security supervisor resume can ensure you make a strong impression on employers. Use a functional resume format instead of the standard reverse-chronological structure. This emphasizes your skills and education over your work experience. Optional sections at the end of your resume can play a stronger role if you're lacking relevant work experience. Use certifications and training, hobbies and interests, volunteer roles and internships to show you've got the necessary skills for the job.
A strong resume headline can give the reader an immediate idea of your suitability for security supervisor jobs. Resume headlines can also help you pass the ATS stage of the selection process, by highlighting the job title and one or two key details. Take the time to draft a concise, eye-catching headline which includes the job title, one or two key skills and reference to either your experience level or track record.
See an example resume headline below:
- Aspiring Security Supervisor Seeking Opportunities
- Expert in Facility Security Management
- Experienced Senior Security Supervisor
The best resume format for you depends on two things. Firstly, it depends on your experience level. Secondly, it depends on the type and level of position you're applying for. For applicants without much relevant work experience, a functional resume format tends to be best. This places the emphasis on your key skills and relevant qualifications. On the other hand, if you're experienced in your industry or applying for senior positions, a traditional, reverse chronological resume format is usually best. This places most emphasis on your work experience.
Key takeaways for your security supervisor resume
The best resumes focus on your skills and the value you've added to previous roles, rather than focusing on your duties and responsibilities. Select a resume format that suits your experience levels and the job you're applying for, and make sure you tailor your resume for each application.
Remember, Jobseeker resume templates and other tools make it easy to create a resume and cover letter that leaves a positive impression on hiring managers. Sign up now to start building your perfect resume. Whether you're a junior or senior candidate, a professional cover letter can help to grab the attention of the employer. Jobseeker's cover letter examples were created by careers experts to provide useful tips and ideas for your cover letter.
Sources:
(1) Tips for Writing a Federal Resume, U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs/tips-for-writing-a-federal-resume
(2) Resume Tips, Duke University: https://careerhub.students.duke.edu/resources/resume-tips/
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