Best Security Guard Cover Letter Examples [No Experience]

A Security Guard Cover Letter is a document used by security guards to communicate their skills, experience, references, and the value they bring to a potential employer.

The letter is written to illustrate an applicant’s suitability for a security guard position by outlining the applicant’s academic, professional qualifications and work experience.

Residential security guards help protects and safeguards householders and their properties. They are not only alert but also actively work following the set instructions and procedures. Some of the main duties include patrolling around and within the residential premises to ensure everything is in order. Also, residential security guards are charged with the responsibility of recording details of daily activities in the occurrence book. The majority of the employers do look for bondable and certified individuals for this post. The guards must always know how to speak and write well for easy communication. Besides, they must be well conversant with modern security systems such as surveillance computers and videos.

What’s more, the employers also look for honest, responsible individuals who are focused on maintaining their role as residential guards effectively. Last but not least, most employers also focus on physical fitness. Those candidates who are healthy and physically fit do stand a higher chance of getting a residential security guard. It makes the guard capable of dealing with any threat or situation. As such, the candidates should always be strong enough to restrain a criminal or suspect until the police arrive. Therefore, if you wish to join this profession, make sure you have the qualities mentioned above, and you outline them in your security guard cover letter for the employer to get more insight.

Security guard cover letters can be categorized depending on the type of security guard job. The following are different types of security cover letters.  

Residential security guard cover letter

Residential security cover letters are meant for security guards that offer protection to private residences (residential homes). Residential security jobs highly depend on experience because previous employers cannot be referenced due to confidentiality agreements. This type of cover letter will then focus on the guard’s experience in the industry.

Corporate security guard cover letter

Corporate security cover letters are submitted to HR when guards are applying for security jobs in corporate organizations such as banks, warehouses, and insurance companies. The cover letter highlights previous employers. Re-known employers add weight to the cover letter. 

Government security guard cover letter

A government security cover letter will typically outline the applicant’s experience and skills without referring to specific government offices, duties, and locations. This limitation is often due to legal constraints. Most, if not all, government offices require protection – examples include law courts, head offices, state buildings, etc.

Personal security guard cover letter

Personal security guards offer protection to individual people such as CEOs, business owners, etc. More often than not, the personal security guard will be part of a larger contractor agency. A personal security cover letter then focuses on the personal skills of the applicant.

The cover letter is meant to give the recruiter insight into how the applicant works when it comes to protecting residences and the sort of person the residence-owner will be entrusting their home and personal valuables. The contents of the cover letter should then major on the applicant’s personality and experience interchangeably. To effectively do this, below are the steps you can use to ensure the letter effectively markets you to the recruiter while addressing all the key points. 

Section 1: Header 

The first item to write is the header of the letter. The cover letter is expected to illustrate a certain level of professionalism by introducing the applicant and identifying the recipient directly. This is information every recruiter wants to see. Ensure the following information is provided.

Include your personal information

Indicate your full official name and state the position you are applying for; security guard. Follow this up with contact details and the city and state where you are located. Contact details can include a valid phone number and/or email address. Always use a professionally named email address. This information clears any doubts on who the applicant is.

City and date

Next, state the city where you are located then the date when the cover letter was created. Location can be given by providing a personal mailing address. The date should be specific – show the day, month, and year.  

Hiring manager’s details

The hiring manager or recruiter should then be identified. State their official name; this will sometimes require a bit of research. Some residential homes are run by house managers who might be responsible for hiring security guards. So, do not assume the owner is the recruiter. After the name, indicate the recruiter’s position (used when it is someone other than the residence owner) and indicate the residence name and mailing address. Ensure to capture this information accurately. 

Section 2: Introduction

The next section you should write is the introduction of the security guard cover letter. The introduction is characterized by the following elements;

Salutation/greetings note

Provide a specific salutation to the recruiter. Address them accordingly (Mr, Mrs, Dear Sir/madam) and do not use generic salutations such as “To Whom It May concern.” Attention to detail is key in the security sector. Getting the salutation right might seem like a tiny detail, but it creates an impression.

Briefly introduce yourself

Recruiters want to know immediately who the applicant is and the position they are applying for. Go directly to the point and outline the services and value you are going to offer if selected. For example, state your specialty (residential security guard, personal security, corporate security guard) and years of experience. 

Indicate that you meet the requirements

Review the job description and align the introduction with it. Getting the introduction wrong might result in the cover letter being dismissed if, after all, the recruiter sees you are not offering something they are looking for.

Mention that you’re the most suitable candidate

Let the introduction state that you are the best person for the job, and the contents of the letter will support this claim. It doesn’t hurt declaring your excitement for the job and how it aligns with your personal goals. Keep the introduction short – three sentences at most. 

Tip: When thinking of what to include in the introduction, think of the one reason why the recruiter should hire you.

Section 3: Body

The next step is writing the security guard cover letter body. This section is meant to have more depth in reassuring the recruiter that you are suitable for the job. This is the applicant’s opportunity to separate themselves from other candidates for the job. To do this, ensure to address the following information.

Highlight your training

By referring to the job description, highlight how the training you’ve had helps you meet the requirements and carry out the duties and responsibilities stipulated. Indicate any licenses and formal training you have. Residential homeowners are typically well up individuals, and they will be looking for qualified security guards. Use this opportunity to show you have the necessary documentation like a Security industry Authority license required to be a residential security guard.

State your past experiences

Mention previous security jobs you’ve done that contributed to the qualified security guard you are. This information can be put in a sentence or a list of previous.

Match your skills with job requirements

Again, refer to the job description provided by the recruiter and identify the duties ad responsibilities the security guard will be assigned in the residential home. Use this information to outline the skills you possess and how they help you in carrying out your duties. The skills should resemble the skills listed in the resume; however, the security guard cover explains the relevance of the skills. Below are examples of security guard skills worth considering.

• Physical fitness and stamina
• Observant and investigative nature
• Knowledge of security procedures
• Being available to work in shifts
• Effective communication
• Problem-solving orientation
• Discipline and being able to ignore distractions
• Confidentiality and integrity
• Professionalism

Discuss most recent job and responsibilities 

Next, the applicant ought to discuss their current or recent job responsibilities in a few sentences. If you haven’t worked as a residential security guard, do not be alarmed; the responsibilities can cross over from one type of security job to another in most cases. Additionally, this information is used by recruiters to get a picture of the applicant’s abilities and capabilities. You can also choose to declare how your contribution impacted your last employer. 

Showcase your biggest accomplishments

To close off the body of the security cover letter, outline one or two relevant accomplishments in your security career in brief. Be precise. For example, introduced biometric log-in systems in the last residence, mentioned promos, awards, and special recognitions. Be unique and provide accomplishments that set you apart from the flock. 

The entire body of the letter can be made to be one to two paragraphs long.

Section 4: Conclusion

Lastly, the applicant should conclude the cover letter. The information outlined below should be included in the conclusion.

End with a strong closing statement

Write the first part of the conclusion to reflect a sense of reliability and trust. Reiterate that you are the best candidate to hire, and the information given in the security cover letter can be used as evidence to this effect. You can also include the reason why you want to work in the specific residence or your motivation as a security guard.

Call to action

Next, indicate that you would be honored if you got the job, and you’ll be looking forward to their response. Include contact details like a personal phone number or an email the recruiter can use to reach you. You can invite the recruiter to invite you for an interview at this point.

Then thank the recruiter for reviewing your security guard cover letter. Use a formal and professional tone.

Sign off

Lastly, sign off the cover letter with a complimentary close, signature, and full name.

A good security cover letter can play a major impact in getting you the security guard job. Any applicant should be aiming to write the best cover letter possible. The following tips can assist you in helping you craft a worthwhile cover letter.   

Do some research

Research about the potential employer/recruiter. Try to include this information throughout the letter so that you make a good first impression of your employer.

Use bullets

Where possible, use bullet points to make a reader-friendly security guard cover letter. Skills and qualifications are an example of information that can be bulleted.

Be clear

Be precise throughout the letter. Do not leave the recruiter wondering what you meant. Do not be generic when listing skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.

Review your letter

A cover letter with consistent spelling and grammar errors can cost you the job opportunity. A security guard is expected to be attentive to details; an error-filled cover letter is an implication of the exact opposite.  

Following are some samples given:

Following are some templates given:

Observe the following do’s and don’ts when writing a security guard cover letter:

• Don’t just rewrite your resume in letter for
  A cover letter is meant to supplement the resume. While a resume is a summary of an applicant, the cover letter is an opportunity for any applicant to defend themselves and illustrate their suitability for a position in detail.
  
• Don’t get too worked up over the one-page cover letter rule
  As much as a short cover letter is recommended, do not limit yourself to one page. If the information does not exhaustively fit in one page, consider making a two-page cover letter.

• Do choose your skills to be highlighted wisely
  When outlining your skills, choose relevant skills only. Pay attention to the job description to identify which skills are relevant to the description.
  
• Do include an ‘objective’ or ‘summary’
  Include a summary or objective that outlines personal goals and objectives and provides a brief overview of your security guard career.