Tips For Getting Your First Security Job

[Updated November 2022]

So, you’ve finished your Certificate II in Security Operations and you’ve received your unarmed security guard licence. Congratulations!  

Starting a new career in security is exciting but it can also be a bit daunting. Applying for jobs, completing cover letters and redoing your resume is enough to stress anyone out.  

But don’t worry, at ASSET we have a specifically formulated program to help get you job-ready once you’ve finished your course, and it’s called our employer connections program.   

Our employer connections program is open to all ASSET graduates with a focus on security roles. ASSET is not like other security training colleges. We have worked long and hard to establish and maintain a network of connections with employers across the industry.  

We regularly hold employer connection events with some of Australia’s leading security companies to connect our graduates with employers. We also refer pre-screened graduates onto security companies and organise interview opportunities.  

Just ask Keith. Keith completed his security operations course with Asset College and quickly secured his first security job! How you ask? 

Not only did Keith put in the hard work in his job search, but he also successfully utilised our employer connections program. Getting tailored help with his resume, specific training and connections to industry contacts! 

Here’s how Keith did it… 

Resume Tips For Your First Security Job 

It starts with your resume. It’s likely you’ve got one already, but it’s probably not specifically formatted for the security industry. To get your resume up to date and standing out in the pile follow these tips.  

Formatting 

When it comes to formatting your resume for the security industry there are few tips you should follow.  

• Divide the resume into 4 sub-sections:
  •  Profile 
  • Education 
  • Career or professional history (instead of work history) – year to year is sufficient 
  • Professional references 

• Put all contact information at the top followed by education, licences and availability. This gives employers a quick overview that can help them figure out right away if you’re going to meet the role’s criteria.  
• Put your suburb but no need to put your street address (this protects your privacy). 
• Use a clear simple font like Times New Roman, in 12 point.   
• And try to keep your resume to two pages, anything longer can be too convoluted.  

Other resume tips 

There’s more to a resume than the formatting. Here’s some general tips to take your resume to the next level.

• Write your resume in 3rd person e.g. instead of “I performed the duties of a security officer” try, “performed the duties of a security officer”.

• Leave out unrelated education or education older than 10 years e.g. if you have a Diploma, your high school isn’t relevant nor is your certificate in brick laying. 
• Leave your hobbies off the resume. Sometimes it can be tempting to include information that just isn’t relevant to our resumes. They DO need to know what kind of training you’ve completed, but they probably DON’T need to know that you enjoy dirt-biking or can cook a mean curry. 

Check out a sample resume here! 

Once you’ve landed an Interview  

So, you’ve written a stellar resume and you’ve managed to snag an interview, well done! Now it’s your time to shine so make sure you’ve prepped and you’re ready with these tips.  

Do Your Research  

There’s nothing worse than getting to an interview and then completely tanking it as soon as they ask you what you know about the company.  

Before you get there, research the company, find out how long they have been in operation, what kind of security work they do and what their reputation is.  

Pre-empt their questions  

In an interview they are going to ask you questions, about your experience, scenarios where you’ve had to deal with an issue etc. 

Try to think about what kinds of questions they’ll probably ask you and have your answers ready.   

Dress to Impress  

The standard in security these days is either a black suit or a collared uniform, sometimes with a blazer. So, turning up in a t-shirt or even just short-sleeved collared shirt is not going to cut it. Dress smart professional, business shirt and trousers, a blazer or jacket if you have it is the way to go.  

Arrive Early  

Get to your interview at least 15 minutes early. This is an industry where punctuality is especially important. On your shifts you’ll be relieving other guards who might have already done a 10 or 12 hour day, so you will need to be on time.  

And arriving early to the interview gives you time to relax and get your bearings before you go in. Take quick bathroom break and check that you look presentable after your journey in.  

Come up with some questions  

Coming to an interview armed with questions about the role and the organisation shows you’re interested and invested in a future with the company.  

Talk up your transferrable skills  

While you might be new to security, you’re probably not new to the workforce. Think about all the transferable skills you’ve learned in previous jobs and how they can be applied.  

The most important of your transferrable skills will be customer service. The security industry is all about helping people. While there is a lot more to the job, being able to talk to people and reason with them is a skill employers will be looking for in their recruits.  

Final Thoughts  

Getting started in a new career can be a bit scary. But at ASSET we’ve got your back with specialised security training programs, our employer connections program and ongoing job seeker support to get you out in the industry.  

If you’re thinking about a career in security, you can check out our free information sessions here or learn more about the course here.