Most security guard cover letter templates you'll find online read like they were written for a generic office job, then had the word "security" swapped in. They skip the one thing that actually matters for this field: your license, your endorsement, and your training. If you've ever stared at a blank page wondering whether to mention your guard card number, how to describe patrol duties without sounding robotic, or what to write when you have zero security experience, you're not alone.
This guide gives you full example letters for three common situations — experienced guards, first-time applicants, and military or police transfers — plus a section dedicated entirely to stating your license and credentials the right way. Nothing here requires you to guess at numbers or requirements that vary state to state. You'll walk away with a letter you can adapt in minutes and send with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- A security guard cover letter should state your guard card/registration number, issuing state, and armed or unarmed endorsement near the top, not buried at the end.
- Training hour requirements vary by state, so reference your state-specific training rather than assuming a national standard.
- Customizing your letter with keywords from the job posting helps it pass applicant tracking system (ATS) scans before a human ever reads it.
- No direct security experience? Lead with transferable skills from military, police, retail loss-prevention, or customer-facing roles instead.
What a Security Guard Cover Letter Needs to Include
A cover letter isn't a second copy of your resume. It's the place where you connect the dots — explaining why your background fits this specific post, this specific employer, and this specific shift. Some applicants assume hiring managers skip straight to the resume, but many still use the cover letter to screen candidates before they even open the attachment. Treat it as a real first impression, not a formality.
Header and greeting
Start with your name, phone number, email, and city/state, followed by the date and the employer's information. Address the letter to a specific hiring manager if the job posting names one. If not, "Dear Hiring Manager" is fine — skip the outdated "To Whom It May Concern."
Opening paragraph that states the job and your license status
Name the exact position and location you're applying for in the first sentence. Then, within that same opening paragraph, state your license type and armed/unarmed status. This is different from most job cover letters, but for security roles, licensing is a qualifying credential — it belongs up front, not buried in paragraph three.
Body paragraphs: experience, training, and skills
Use one paragraph for relevant work history and duties (patrols, access control, incident documentation) and another for training, certifications, and soft skills like communication or de-escalation. Keep each paragraph focused on one theme.
Closing paragraph and sign-off
Restate your interest, mention your availability for an interview, and thank the reader for their time. Close with "Sincerely" or "Best regards" and your full name.
Keep the whole letter to one page. Hiring managers reviewing dozens of applications for an hourly post won't read a second page.
Security Guard Cover Letter Example (Experienced Guard)
Swap every bracketed detail below to match your actual license, employer, and the job posting in front of you.
---
[Your Name]
[Phone] | [Email] | [City, State]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I'm writing to apply for the Unarmed Security Guard position at [Company Name], as posted on [job board/company site]. I hold an active [State] security guard registration (License #[XXXXXX]), currently unarmed-endorsed, in good standing through [expiration date].
Over the past [X years] as a security guard at [previous employer type, e.g., "a retail distribution center" — avoid naming a real employer if this is a template], I've handled routine patrols, monitored access points, operated CCTV systems, and documented incidents according to site protocol. I'm comfortable working independently on overnight or weekend shifts and communicating clearly with both the public and law enforcement when situations require it.
In addition to my state registration, I completed [training program name] covering topics like emergency response, report writing, and conflict de-escalation. I keep my CPR/First Aid certification current and I'm familiar with [any relevant systems, e.g., access control software or visitor management platforms] used in similar facilities.
I'd welcome the chance to bring this experience to [Company Name] and discuss how I can support your site's security needs. Thank you for considering my application — I'm available at your convenience for an interview.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
---
Notice what this letter does not do: it doesn't invent a statistic about incidents reduced or claim results it can't back up. It states facts — license status, duties performed, training completed — and lets those facts make the case.
Cover Letter Example for No Experience or Career Changers
If you don't have prior security work history, your letter needs a different backbone. Instead of leading with job duties, lead with training and transferable skills.
Leaning on customer service, retail, or general work history
Skills like handling difficult customers, staying alert during long shifts, and following procedures closely all transfer directly to security work. Say so explicitly rather than assuming the connection is obvious.
Highlighting training and certifications in place of experience
When you don't have a work history section to lean on, your state-required training becomes the centerpiece of your pitch.
---
[Your Name]
[Phone] | [Email] | [City, State]
[Date]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I'm applying for the Unarmed Security Guard position at [Company Name]. While this would be my first role specifically in security, I recently completed [State]'s required unarmed guard training (hours required vary by state) and hold an active guard registration (License #[XXXXXX]).
For the past [X years], I worked in [retail/customer service/warehouse, etc.], where I was responsible for [specific duty — monitoring store entrances, handling cash safely, resolving customer disputes calmly]. These responsibilities required the same alertness, patience, and clear judgment that security work demands.
I chose to pursue a security guard registration because I wanted a role where those strengths are put to direct use protecting people and property. I'm CPR/First Aid certified and comfortable with flexible scheduling, including nights and weekends.
I'd appreciate the opportunity to discuss how my training and work background make me a strong fit for your team. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
---
Because state training requirements for security guards vary widely, avoid stating a specific number of hours as if it's universal. "Completed my state's required training" is accurate everywhere; a fixed number isn't.
Cover Letter Example for Military, Police, or Law Enforcement Transfers
Veterans and former officers often undersell themselves in this letter because they're translating rank and duty language into civilian terms for the first time. If you have specialized training or experience from a compatible field, it's worth highlighting explicitly rather than assuming the employer will connect the dots.
---
[Your Name]
[Phone] | [Email] | [City, State]
[Date]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I'm applying for the Armed Security Guard position at [Company Name]. I bring [X years] of experience in [U.S. Army/Marine Corps/Police Department, etc.], including duties in [access control, perimeter security, patrol, crowd management — whatever applies]. I currently hold an active [State] armed guard registration (License #[XXXXXX]) with firearms endorsement current through [date].
During my time in [service/department], I was responsible for [specific translatable duty — securing a facility perimeter, conducting foot patrols, responding to and documenting incidents]. I'm trained in de-escalation, radio communication, and maintaining composure under pressure, all of which apply directly to civilian security work.
I completed [any additional civilian training, firearms certification course, or state-mandated armed guard training] to transition my credentials for private-sector work, and I'm comfortable adapting my experience to a facility setting rather than a military or law enforcement one.
I'd welcome the chance to discuss this transition further and how my background can support your security team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
---
The key move here: describe duties in terms a civilian hiring manager understands, and lean on your compatible-field training as a credential — not just a line on your resume.
How to List Your License, Guard Card, and Training Credentials
This is the section most templates get wrong, and it's the part readers usually have the most questions about.
License number, issuing state, and expiration date
State your license number, the state that issued it, and its expiration date somewhere in your opening paragraph or immediately after. Including this information saves the employer time verifying your credentials instead of asking for it separately or discovering it later in the hiring process.
Armed vs. unarmed endorsements
Say plainly whether you're licensed as armed or unarmed, since training and licensing requirements differ by state and by endorsement type. Don't leave the employer guessing or assume your resume makes it clear enough.
CPR, first aid, and firearms certifications
List these briefly, either alongside your license mention or in a dedicated sentence in your training paragraph. If you're actively working toward a certification, say "in progress" rather than implying it's complete.
| Credential | Where to state it | What to include |
|---|---|---|
| Guard card/registration | Opening paragraph | Number, issuing state, expiration date |
| Armed/unarmed endorsement | Opening paragraph | Explicit "armed" or "unarmed" wording |
| State training completion | Body paragraph | Program name; avoid citing a fixed hour count |
| CPR/First Aid | Body paragraph | Current status; renewal date if relevant |
| Firearms certification (if armed) | Body paragraph | Issuing authority, if applicable |
If you're still building these credentials, Star Security Training's guard card and armed/unarmed courses give you something concrete to cite in this exact section of your letter — a documented training source rather than a vague reference to "security knowledge."
Formatting Tips: Length, Tone, and ATS Keywords
A well-written letter can still get lost in formatting problems, so a few mechanical details matter as much as the wording.
Keep it to one page. Hiring managers reviewing security postings — often high-volume, hourly roles — don't have time for a two-page letter. Three to four paragraphs is plenty.
Match your tone to the job. Professional doesn't mean stiff. Write the way you'd speak in a job interview: direct, confident, no jargon-stuffed filler like "results-oriented team player" that says nothing specific.
Match keywords from the job posting. Many employers run applications through an applicant tracking system that scans for keywords tied to the job description, so if the posting says "loss prevention" or "access control," use that exact phrasing rather than a close synonym.
Proofread carefully, then save as a PDF unless the application instructions specify a different format. A PDF keeps your formatting intact across devices and email clients.
Get these mechanics right and your letter has a fair shot at being read by a person, not filtered out by software.
Ready to strengthen the credentials section of your letter? Explore Star Security Training's guard card and armed/unarmed courses to see which training fits the job you're applying for next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do hiring managers actually read security guard cover letters, or is it a waste of time?
Many still do. Even though some applicants assume cover letters are outdated for hourly roles, hiring managers commonly use them to screen candidates before reviewing a resume in full. A well-targeted letter that states your license and training clearly can help you stand out among applicants who send a generic one-liner or skip the letter entirely. It won't guarantee an interview, but skipping it removes a chance to make your case early.
How long should a security guard cover letter be?
One page is standard — typically three to four short paragraphs covering your opening statement, experience or training, and a closing request for an interview. Hiring managers reviewing high-volume, hourly security postings don't have time to read a lengthy letter, so keep sentences direct and cut anything that repeats your resume word for word.
Should I include my guard card number in the cover letter or just my resume?
Include it in both, but state it clearly in your cover letter's opening paragraph along with the issuing state and expiration date. This saves the employer a verification step and signals right away that you meet the basic legal requirement for the role, rather than making them search your resume or ask for it later.
What's the difference between an armed and unarmed guard cover letter?
The core structure is the same, but an armed guard letter should state your firearms endorsement and any related certification explicitly, since armed and unarmed roles have different state training and licensing requirements. If you're applying to an armed position, don't assume your resume's license listing is enough — say it plainly in the letter itself.
How do I write a cover letter if I have no security experience at all?
Lead with your state-required training and license instead of work history, then connect skills from a previous job — customer service, retail, warehouse work — to the demands of security work: alertness, following procedure, staying calm under pressure. Employers hiring entry-level guards expect this approach; you don't need invented experience to make a strong case.
How do I make my cover letter pass an ATS scan?
Use exact keywords and phrasing from the job posting itself, especially terms like "unarmed," "access control," or "loss prevention." Avoid dense formatting like tables, columns, or graphics inside the letter itself, since some ATS software can't parse them correctly. Save the file as a PDF unless the application specifies a different format.
What certifications should I mention besides my state license?
CPR and First Aid certification are worth including if current, along with any firearms certification for armed roles. If you completed a specific training program — whether state-mandated or through a private training provider — name it briefly in your training paragraph rather than listing certifications in a bare bullet list at the bottom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do hiring managers actually read security guard cover letters, or is it a waste of time?
Many still do. Even though some applicants assume cover letters are outdated for hourly roles, hiring managers commonly use them to screen candidates before reviewing a resume in full. A well-targeted letter that states your license and training clearly can help you stand out among applicants who send a generic one-liner or skip the letter entirely. It won't guarantee an interview, but skipping it removes a chance to make your case early.
How long should a security guard cover letter be?
One page is standard — typically three to four short paragraphs covering your opening statement, experience or training, and a closing request for an interview. Hiring managers reviewing high-volume, hourly security postings don't have time to read a lengthy letter, so keep sentences direct and cut anything that repeats your resume word for word.
Should I include my guard card number in the cover letter or just my resume?
Include it in both, but state it clearly in your cover letter's opening paragraph along with the issuing state and expiration date. This saves the employer a verification step and signals right away that you meet the basic legal requirement for the role, rather than making them search your resume or ask for it later.
What's the difference between an armed and unarmed guard cover letter?
The core structure is the same, but an armed guard letter should state your firearms endorsement and any related certification explicitly, since armed and unarmed roles have different state training and licensing requirements. If you're applying to an armed position, don't assume your resume's license listing is enough — say it plainly in the letter itself.
How do I write a cover letter if I have no security experience at all?
Lead with your state-required training and license instead of work history, then connect skills from a previous job — customer service, retail, warehouse work — to the demands of security work: alertness, following procedure, staying calm under pressure. Employers hiring entry-level guards expect this approach; you don't need invented experience to make a strong case.
How do I make my cover letter pass an ATS scan?
Use exact keywords and phrasing from the job posting itself, especially terms like "unarmed," "access control," or "loss prevention." Avoid dense formatting like tables, columns, or graphics inside the letter itself, since some ATS software can't parse them correctly. Save the file as a PDF unless the application specifies a different format.
What certifications should I mention besides my state license?
CPR and First Aid certification are worth including if current, along with any firearms certification for armed roles. If you completed a specific training program — whether state-mandated or through a private training provider — name it briefly in your training paragraph rather than listing certifications in a bare bullet list at the bottom.