How to write an effective door supervisor CV (with example)

Updated 31 March 2023

CVs are an essential component of job application materials. Door supervisors can benefit from having a CV that emphasises their candidacy, as it may generate more interest from potential employers, distinguish them from other candidates and reduce the time it takes to find work. Knowing what comprises an effective CV and how to structure one for the job you're applying for can help you write your own. In this article, we outline what a door supervisor CV is, explain what goes into one and offer a template and example to guide you.

What is a door supervisor CV?

A door supervisor CV is a document aspiring door supervisors distribute to potential employers when applying for jobs. They contain everything an employer requires to make a hiring decision, including details of the candidate's qualifications, work history, skills and contact information. It encompasses your years of experience in security and safety operations, security skills and any certifications relevant to the role. A well-written CV is your opportunity to present your proficiencies and knowledge in a structure that can distinguish you from those competing for the same position.

How to write an effective door supervisor CV

To help you attract the most attention from potential employers, write a CV that communicates your key skills and experience as they relate to the position you're applying for. Here's a list of steps you can refer to as a guide:

1. Gather the information you need

Spending a few minutes planning your CV and gathering the details you need can help you write an effective document that includes all the essential elements. Assemble your employment history, including the start and end dates of previous jobs and the employer's name. Collect the dates and names of institutions for any qualification and training programmes you have taken. Ensure you have the date you received your Security Industry Authority (SIA) door supervision licence. You can also examine the job advert for keywords, as incorporating them throughout your CV can help you stand out.

2. Add your name and contact details

Include your name and current contact information at the top of the document so recruiters can identify and contact you if they want to follow up on your application. You can feature your name in a larger font to create a title for the document, with your contact details directly beneath. Include your mobile number, email address, location and links to professional social media profiles if you have them. Use professional contact details if you have them to separate business and personal calls and messages.

3. Write a professional summary

A professional summary is a short, impactful paragraph that tells hiring managers the most important and persuasive information about your candidacy. This is one of the most essential components of your CV, as recruitment managers often have large volumes of CVs to go through and typically rely on summary statements to quickly extract the information they need. Use this section to communicate your years of security experience, skills, training, certifications and licences. You can also mention your key achievements in the field. Tailor your summary to the job you're applying for.

4. Add your education and training

Demonstrate your competency to work as a door supervisor by giving details of your training and qualifications. This includes compulsory SIA training, which allows you to work in a security role, and self-defence training, which enables you to physically defend business premises when necessary. List relevant qualifications and courses to show you can do the job effectively. You can also mention any on-the-job training from previous roles. For each entry, include the following:

the nature of qualification or training
the provider's name
the course completion date

5. List your work history

Create a section for your security work history. For a role such as this, employers may require you to have a certain amount of experience in the industry for them to feel confident in your abilities. List your work history in reverse chronological order to show your most recent position first. Include the following information for each entry:

job title
employer name
start and end dates
employer location
key duties
brief description of key achievements
contact details for referencing

You don't have to provide contact details for previous employers. Instead, you can add a statement on your cover letter informing the employer that references are available on request. Provide only the key details for each role, as an interviewer is likely to question you for more information at a later stage.

6. List your relevant skills

You can show confidence to potential employers by informing them of your diverse range of skills and abilities relating to security, making sure to cover various aspects of the job. List your relevant skills using bullet points. Here are examples of door supervisor skills you may have:

conflict resolution
investigation skills
risk management
closed-circuit television (CCTV) operation
security equipment operation
threat detection and prevention
knowledge of security protocols

CV template for door supervisor

Here's a CV template to guide you when creating yours:

[First name] [Last name]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City]

Professional Summary
[Two to three sentences that highlight your years of experience, relevant skills, education or certifications and achievements as an entry-level professional].

Experience
[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City]

(Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results.
[Job duty]
[Job duty]
[Job duty]
[Job duty]

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City]

(Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results.
[Job duty]
[Job duty]

Education
[Degree and subjects], [Name of School or University]
[Certification name], [Host organisation] - [Year completed or expiration date]

Example CV for a door supervisor

Here's an example CV to help you when writing yours:

Tony Smith
+44 7645 857354 | tony.smith@email.com | Kent

Professional Summary
Motivated door supervisor with two years of security experience managing entry to clubs and bars. SIA trained and licenced in door supervision and CCTV operations, skilled at controlling access to venues and identifying troublesome individuals. Eliminated a drug-use problem within my previous employer's establishment, leading to a rebirth of their brand and an influx of new customers.

Experience
Door Supervisor | May 2021–Current
Disco Spot | Kent

supervise the main entrance to control access to the venue and prevent overcrowding and illegal activity, allowing guests to enjoy themselves.
monitor CCTV to provide comprehensive surveillance throughout the venue
prevent conflict inside the club by deescalating complaints and identifying potential threats
remove demanding or uncooperative patrons to create a safe environment for guests
report and preventing illegal activity on the premises

Security Guard | May 2020–April 2021
Top Supermarket | Kent

monitored CCTV cameras and the entrance to a busy supermarket to prevent theft and keep customers safe, allowing people to shop peacefully
reported theft to the police to discourage crime on the premises
checked bags and belongings to prevent the entry of contraband

Education
GCSEs at Grades A to C, Wilfrids School
SIA Training, Security Industry Authority - 2020

Tips for writing a door supervisor CV

Here are some tips you can implement to make your CV more effective:

Use a professional CV writing service

If you're insecure about your CV writing abilities or want to ensure the best possible outcome, consider hiring a professional to write your CV. These services typically charge a flat rate and write your CV according to their experience and expertise. By doing some online research and checking customer reviews, you can identify a good service and potentially get a CV that's persuasive and error-free.

Tailor your CV to the job you're applying for

While it means spending additional time on each job application, tailoring your CV to each position can be a highly effective way to gain employment. You can use the job description and the company website to personalise your CV and convey the skills and experience the company requires. Differentiating your CV by personalising it is also a great way to stand out from other candidates and show you're a great fit for the company.

Keep your CV brief

Recruitment managers often have many CVs to sort through, so the ones that are brief and to the point can be more impactful. By eliminating all fluff and including only the most important information that relates directly to the role, you can make the recruiter's job easier and communicate your candidacy more effectively. An unnecessarily long CV may put recruitment managers off, as they're typically busy people, but they may be more likely to read a brief one.

Use grammar and spellcheck software

Using this kind of software can help you improve the accuracy and overall quality of your CV. Grammar and spelling software automatically scan writing for errors and highlight issues, making it easier for you to correct them. This can be particularly useful if you don't have anyone to proofread the document for you, and it can often sport errors better than the human eye.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.