Embarking on the job hunt as an armed security guard, you've likely encountered the critical step of crafting a cover letter. Many applicants struggle, finding themselves retelling their resume when they should be showcasing a pivotal success. Your cover letter is your narrative's stage, a place for formality without falling into clichés, all while keeping your spotlight moment succinct within a single page. Let's learn to narrate your professional pride effectively and set you apart in your armed security guard application.
- Writing the essential armed security guard cover letter sections: balancing your professionalism and personality;
- Mixing storytelling, your unique skill set, and your greatest achievement;
- Providing relevant (and interesting) information with your armed security guard cover letter, despite your lack of professional experience;
- Finding the perfect format for your[ armed security guard cover letter, using templates from industry experts.
Leverage the power of Enhancv's AI: upload your resume and our platform will map out how your armed security guard cover letter should look, in mere moments.
If the armed security guard isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:
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Armed Security Guard cover letter example
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Los Angeles, CA
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- Emphasizing a significant career achievement (like the 50% reduction in security incidents) that relates directly to the job role demonstrates quantifiable success and relevant experience.
- Referencing alignment with the company’s values (such as the emphasis on proactive security measures) shows a candidate’s familiarity with and suitability for the organization’s culture and objectives.
- Mentioning specific industry experience (for instance, tenure at Securitas Inc., which is known for security services) establishes credibility and showcases relevant background.
What should your armed security guard cover letter look like - formatting and organizing your information
Have you ever wondered what are the must-have sections you need to include in your armed security guard cover letter? Our builder sets those up for you with:
- Header - dedicated to your contact information, the role you're applying for, and the date (don't forget to include your name);
- Greeting and opening paragraph - to create a personalized and memorable experience for recruiters;
- Body paragraph - emphasizing your skill set and knowledge that aligns with the role and helps you to stand out;
- Closing paragraph - leaving a great impression and ending with an optional signature.
Use a cover letter template to discover the best formatting for your armed security guard cover letter: that is single-spaced paragraphs and wrapping your content in a one-inch margin.
Ensure that both your resume and armed security guard cover letter are in the same font. Stand apart from the crowd by using modern, yet simple fonts, like Chivo and Rubik, instead of the overused Arial and Times New Roman.
Did you know that the Applicant Tracker System (or ATS) won't be assessing your armed security guard cover letter? Instead, submit your profile in PDF to recruiters to keep the same formatting and the design intact.
The top sections on a armed security guard cover letter
Header: Include your full name, address, phone number, email, and the date to ensure the recruiter can easily identify and contact you for further discussion about the armed security guard position.
Greeting: Address the cover letter to the specific hiring manager or recruiter by name to demonstrate attention to detail and personalize your application for the role of armed security guard.
Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself, express your interest in the armed security guard position, and mention any referral or connection to the company to engage the recruiter from the outset.
Professional Experience and Skills: Highlight your relevant security experience, firearm training and certifications, and any crisis management skills to showcase your qualifications for the armed security guard role.
Closing and Call to Action: End the cover letter with a polite expression of your enthusiasm for the opportunity, a request for an interview, and a thank you to the recruiter for considering your application, emphasizing your commitment to the safety and security of the organization.
Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter
Proven experience in law enforcement or military service: Demonstrates a background in structured security protocols and a foundation in disciplined, high-pressure situations.
Firearms training and certifications: Essential for armed security roles to ensure the candidate is capable of handling weapons safely and responsibly.
Physical fitness and defensive tactics proficiency: Important for handling potential threats and ensuring personal and public safety.
Vigilance and observational skills: Critical for identifying suspicious activities or threats before they escalate.
Crisis management and conflict resolution abilities: Necessary to de-escalate situations without resorting to violence whenever possible, and managing unexpected incidents effectively.
Valid security license and clean background check: Ensures the candidate is legally permitted to work as an armed guard and has a history free of incidents that could compromise trustworthiness.
How to greet recruiters in your armed security guard cover letter salutation
As the saying goes, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression."
Write your armed security guard cover letter salutation to be more personalized to the actual hiring manager, who is set to assess your profile by:
- greeting them on a first-name basis, if you have previously communicated with them (e.g. "Dear Sam,");
- using their last name, if you have more formal communication or haven't spoken to them (e.g. "Dear Mr. Harrows" or "Dear Ms. Marshall");
- writing "Dear HR Team" or "Dear Hiring Manager", if you have no clue about who's recruiting for the role.
Search on LinkedIn, Google, or the company website to find information as to the recruiter's name.
In any case, avoid the impersonal "Dear Sir or Madam".
List of salutations you can use
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear [Employer's Name],
- Dear [Company Name] Recruitment Team,
- Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
- Dear [Department Name] Hiring Committee,
- Dear [Job Title] Search Committee,
Get creative with your armed security guard cover letter introduction
Recruiters are going to assess plenty of candidate profiles for the role. Thus, anything you do to stand out will win you brownie points.
Use your armed security guard cover letter introduction to share something memorable about your experience.
But before you go down the rabbit hole of creativity and humor, align your message with the company culture.
For example, if you are applying for a role in some startup, use those first two sentences to tell a funny story (about your experience) to quickly connect with the recruiter.
What to write in the middle or body of your armed security guard cover letter
Here's where it gets tricky.
Your armed security guard cover letter body should present you in the best light possible and, at the same time, differ from your resume.
Don't be stuck in making up new things or copy-pasting from your resume. Instead, select just one achievement from your experience.
Use it to succinctly tell a story of the job-crucial skills and knowledge this taught you.
Your armed security guard cover letter is the magic card you need to further show how any organization or team would benefit from working with you.
Thinking about the closing paragraph of your armed security guard cover letter
Before your signature, you have extra space to close off your armed security guard cover letter.
Use it to either make a promise or look to the future.
Remind recruiters how invaluable of a candidate you are by showing what you plan to achieve in the role.
Also, note your availability for a potential next meeting (in person or over the telephone).
By showing recruiters that you're thinking about the future, you'd come off as both interested in the opportunity and responsible.
What to write on your armed security guard cover letter, when you have zero experience
The best advice for candidates, writing their armed security guard cover letters with no experience, is this - be honest.
If you have no past professional roles in your portfolio, focus recruiters' attention on your strengths - like your unique, transferrable skill set (gained as a result of your whole life), backed up by one key achievement.
Or, maybe you dream big and have huge motivation to join the company. Use your armed security guard cover letter to describe your career ambition - that one that keeps you up at night, dreaming about your future.
Finally, always ensure you've answered why employers should hire precisely you and how your skills would benefit their organization.
Key takeaways
Creating your armed security guard cover letter should be a personalized experience for the role and the recruiter, where you:
- Format your cover letter using the same ATS-friendly font (e.g. Railway) as you did for your resume;
- Greet recruiters, using their name, and follow up with two sentences to introduce yourself, your interest in the role, and to stand out;
- Map out one key success from your career (or life) that has taught you job-crucial skills;
- Substitute your lack of experience with an achievement from your internships, degrees, or volunteering gigs;
- End with a promise for your potential or your availability for an interview.
