A well-crafted CV is your ticket to landing a security job. It serves as your first impression to potential employers, highlighting your experience, qualifications, and professionalism. Having an up-to-date CV with current references can significantly improve your chances of securing a role in the security industry. Here’s why an updated CV is crucial and how to create a strong one.
Why You Need an Updated CV
1. Shows Your Most Relevant Experience
The security industry values experience and skills. An updated CV ensures that your latest roles, responsibilities, and achievements are included, demonstrating your growth and expertise. Employers are more likely to hire candidates who can show recent and relevant experience.
2. Highlights Your Latest Certifications
Security work often requires certifications such as:
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Certificate of Approval (COA) from the PSPLA (NZ requirement)
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First Aid Certification
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Defensive Tactics Training
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Fire Warden Training
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Conflict Resolution and De-escalation Training
If you’ve completed any new courses, adding them to your CV shows employers you’re committed to professional development and compliance with industry standards.
3. Ensures Your Contact Details Are Correct
Outdated contact information could mean missed job opportunities. Double-check that your phone number, email, and address are correct so employers can easily reach you.
4. Provides Current and Reliable References
Employers will contact your references to verify your work history and character. Ensure your references are recent, relevant to the security industry (or similar fields), and aware they might be contacted. Ideal references include former security employers, supervisors, or training providers.
5. Demonstrates Professionalism
A well-structured and current CV signals professionalism and attention to detail—qualities essential for a security role. A messy, outdated, or incomplete CV could make an employer question your reliability.
How to Structure Your Security CV
1. Personal Information
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Full Name
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Contact Details (Phone, Email, Address)
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Right to Work in New Zealand (if applicable)
2. Professional Summary
A brief paragraph (3–5 sentences) outlining your experience, key skills, and career goals in the security industry.
3. Work Experience
List your most recent jobs first, including:
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Job Title
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Company Name
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Dates of Employment
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Key Responsibilities and Achievements
Detailing Security-Related Duties
When listing your security-related work experience, do not underestimate the tasks you performed. Even if a job seemed simple, the responsibilities and skills involved are critical in the industry. Instead of just stating "Security Guard at XYZ Company," elaborate on what you actually did.
For example:
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Conducted regular patrols of premises to ensure security and safety compliance.
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Monitored CCTV systems and responded to suspicious activity.
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Assisted with access control, checking credentials, and ensuring only authorized personnel entered restricted areas.
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Provided crowd control at large events, ensuring a safe and orderly environment.
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Wrote detailed incident reports and liaised with emergency services when necessary.
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Dealt with conflict resolution and de-escalated potentially volatile situations professionally.
By breaking down your responsibilities in this way, you demonstrate the depth of your experience and the valuable skills you bring to the role.
4. Certifications & Training
Clearly list any security-related qualifications, licences, and training courses.
5. Skills & Competencies
Include skills such as:
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Surveillance and Observation
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Conflict Resolution
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Customer Service
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Report Writing
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Emergency Response
6. References
List at least two references, including their name, position, company, and contact details.
Final Tips for a Strong Security CV
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Keep it concise (1–2 pages)
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Use clear formatting (bullet points, bold headings)
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Proofread for errors
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Tailor your CV to each job application by emphasizing the most relevant skills and experience
Conclusion
An up-to-date CV is a vital tool for securing a job in the security industry. By showcasing your latest experience, certifications, and references, you present yourself as a strong and prepared candidate. Take the time to update your CV regularly, and you’ll be ready to apply with confidence whenever a great opportunity arises!
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