CV for a Security Guard with No Experience (UK): SIA Licence, Skills and Examples

Security is a sector where you can enter without prior guard experience — but you do need the right licence and the right CV. This guide covers SIA licence requirements and how to write your first security CV using transferable skills from previous roles.

SIA licence: the non-negotiable starting point

To work as a security guard in the UK, you need a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence. The type depends on the work:

• Door Supervisor licence — required for manned guarding at pubs, clubs, and licensed venues
• Security Guard licence — required for static guarding, retail security, and patrol roles
• CCTV Operator licence — required for public space surveillance roles

To obtain an SIA licence:

1. Complete an SIA-approved training course (Level 2 Award for Door Supervisor or Security Guard)
2. Pass the application with an enhanced DBS check
3. Hold a valid First Aid certificate (included in most SIA training courses)

If you are completing your training, state this on your CV:

"SIA Door Supervisor licence — training in progress, expected completion [month/year]"

Personal statement example

"Physically fit and vigilant individual with a background in customer-facing roles, seeking an entry-level security position. Currently holding an SIA Security Guard licence, combined with a valid Enhanced DBS certificate and Level 2 First Aid qualification. Known for remaining calm under pressure, following procedures precisely, and communicating professionally with members of the public. Available for shift work including nights and weekends."

What security employers look for

• Physical fitness and reliability — can they complete a 12-hour patrol shift?
• Observation skills — do they notice and report anomalies?
• Communication — professional with the public, clear in written incident reports
• Conflict management — Level 3 Award in Physical Intervention or conflict management training
• DBS clearance — enhanced DBS for most roles

Transferable skills by background

Military or emergency services:

"Completed 6 years in the British Army, including overseas deployments requiring heightened situational awareness, patrol procedures, and threat assessment. Experienced in incident reporting, following strict chains of command, and managing personal conduct under pressure."

Retail or customer service:

"Worked in a high-footfall retail environment for 3 years, managing shoplifting prevention, challenging customer confrontations, and emergency evacuation procedures."

Door work (informal):

"Managed entry control and ID verification at a 300-capacity music venue, ensuring compliance with licensing conditions and maintaining a calm front-of-house environment."

Bullet point examples

"Conducted regular patrols of a 4-building office complex across day and night shifts, completing written security logs at each checkpoint and escalating anomalies to the control room immediately."

"Managed access control at a corporate head office, verifying visitor credentials, issuing visitor passes, and maintaining the daily access register in line with GDPR requirements."

"De-escalated a verbal altercation at a venue entrance using SIA conflict management techniques, preventing physical confrontation without police attendance."

"Provided first aid response to a patron who collapsed on site, administering recovery position and calling 999 while maintaining crowd management — incident report completed within 30 minutes."

Skills section

• SIA Security Guard / Door Supervisor Licence (include expiry date)
• Enhanced DBS Certificate
• Level 2 First Aid at Work (include expiry date)
• Conflict management / physical intervention training (if completed)
• CCTV monitoring (if applicable)
• Incident report writing
• Access control systems (Paxton, HID, Lenel — if experienced)
• Radio communications

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a security job without an SIA licence?

No — for licensable roles an SIA licence is legally required. Some employers will sponsor training if you demonstrate strong suitability, but most expect the licence before applying.

What is the difference between a Security Guard and a Door Supervisor licence?

The Security Guard licence covers static guarding and retail security. The Door Supervisor licence covers all of the above plus working at licensed premises and using physical intervention techniques.

Will a criminal record affect my SIA application?

It depends on the offence and timing. The SIA assesses each application individually. Check the published eligibility criteria before investing in training.