MockQuestions

Security Manager Mock Interview

40 Questions Created By

To help you prepare for your Security Manager interview, here are 40 interview questions and answer examples.

First Question

40 Security Manager Interview Questions

10 Interview Questions With Sample Answers

1.   Have you ever planned security for a special event? If so, describe your approach.

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

If you are an experienced Security Manager with special events experience, you have most likely had a hand in planning some or all of an event's security plan. Walk the interviewer through your expertise, being sure to include important details about your approach. Discuss what you look for when mapping out the security needs for a special event while explaining that you are meticulous and detailed. The interviewer wants to see if you have the skills and expertise in planning security for a special occasion to determine how you can benefit their organization if hired.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 22nd, 2020

Focus Your Answer On

If you have experience planning security for a special event, focus on your approach. If you have not had experience planning security for an event, describe the steps you would take to plan such an event.

Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022

What to Avoid

If you do not have experience planning security for a special event, avoid simply saying that you do not have experience. The interviewer wants to hear you elaborate on how you would go about this task. Describe how you would plan on providing security for an event.

Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022

Entry Level Example

"No, as I am new to this industry, I have never planned security for a special event. I took a course on event management and feel confident in my planning skills when it comes time to provide security for an event. First, I would analyze the risks, look into the demographics for the event, and determine the level of security that would be required. I would analyze past security data from previous events to see if there were any concerns based on crowd management or other external threats, and develop my security plan accordingly."

Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022

Answer Example

"Yes, I have planned security for special events, and it can be complicated. Luckily, I have a degree in Security Management with a focus on Major Events. When planning security for a special event, I first analyze what risks may be present. I research the event host or hosting organization and see whether their past events have had security issues. I look into the overall demographic of the event's attendees. Also, the nature of the event will determine the level of security required. Once I have completed this due diligence, I dig deeper into the guests, how many people will be there, and any potential controversy. After answering these questions, I assess potential risks for public safety, criminal activity, fire, the flow of entry and exit, and overall crowd management concerns. I look at whether the location has non-human security threats. For instance, if it's an outdoor event, I consider potential threats such as wild animals or acts of nature. Next, I sort out proper security staffing. I also go in person to the event site at least once, perhaps more, depending on the size and nature of the event."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 22nd, 2020

2.   Tell me about one security-related situation where you wish you had reacted differently.

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

The interviewer wants to hear a real-life example of a time when you wish you would have reacted differently during a security-related situation. The most critical piece of this question highlights what you learned from the case and how you leveraged it to improve personally and professionally.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 22nd, 2020

Focus Your Answer On

This style of question is considered a scenario or situational interview question, and you can approach it using the STAR framework. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Share your story-based answer utilizing this framework. Set the stage of your story with the necessary details and provide an appropriate resolution.

Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022

What to Avoid

Don't forget to mention what you learned from this experience. The interviewer wants to hear that you are self-aware and realize when you could have reacted differently and that you take the necessary steps to improve.

Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022

Entry Level Example

"(Situation & Task) When I was working for a temp security firm while attending college, I thought that being a security officer was an easy job. Being stretched thin between school and work, I did not take the training as seriously as I could have. As a result, I let down my employer and coworkers. (Action) One day, I was working security at a concert when a violent altercation occurred. My teammates pulled most of the weight during the altercation. Due to my lack of attention during training, I was frozen at the moment and did very little to help. After the situation was resolved, I realized the error of my ways. I apologized to my coworkers for letting them down and promised them that I would immerse myself in training and be better prepared to act and respond in a way that supported them and made them feel safer on the job. (Result) In the end, I was one of the most engaged team members and even helped to train new security officers from time to time."

Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022

Answer Example

"I had a situation while working as a Security Guard that I wish I would have handled differently. I worked for a law office and was trained to walk the employees to their cars at night if they were alone. One night, an associate was leaving the building alone, and I started moving towards the door to walk him to the parking lot. He told me he was fine and did not need me to accompany him as his wife was waiting outside the front door for him. I went back to my desk, and the next thing I knew, I heard people shouting. I ran outside and saw the associate being attacked by two men. His wife was running late and was not outside like he thought. I learned that I needed to walk everyone to their cars whether they wanted me to or not. I felt like I let the associate down by not doing my job, even though he assured me it was not my fault."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 22nd, 2020

3.   Are you a detail oriented person? If so, provide an example to support your response.

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

The interviewer wants to know that you understand the importance of paying keen attention to detail on the job as a Security Manager. Perhaps you see details that your coworkers often overlook. Maybe you recognize patterns or when things are out of place. Give an example of a time you noticed a situation because of your added sense of awareness and detail. Share how your attention to detail helped to solve a problem.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 22nd, 2020

Focus Your Answer On

Focus on giving a detailed example of how your attention to detail was beneficial to you in the security field. You want the interviewer to remember you by how aware you are of your surroundings and how your keen attention to detail will benefit the company if hired.

Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022

What to Avoid

Avoid saying that you do not pay much attention to detail. If you are working in the security industry, you must be hyper-aware of what is happening around you and remember even the most minor details.

Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022

Entry Level Example

"I pay attention to the smallest details. Not long ago, I was assigned to patrol a residential property. We'd received a notice from the police department about burglaries in the area. During my patrol, I observed and logged a few wood splinters on a window sill. Upon examining the window frame, it appeared that someone had attempted to open the window using some kind of tool. I reported these observations to my supervisor, and she increased the frequency of patrols in that area. Three days later, I observed two males who matched the description of the burglars. They were loitering near the adjacent property and appeared to be looking at the windows. I immediately called the situation in, and they were apprehended. If I hadn't paid such close attention to detail, I might not have been so hyper-aware of my surroundings when I first noticed the two men."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 22nd, 2020

Answer Example

"As a security professional, I believe I must pay attention to the smallest details at all times. One evening, when I was a Security Officer for a ferry company, we experienced an issue with our camera system. With the recording system on the fritz, I needed to watch even more closely for potential issues. I had to rely on my instinct and attention to detail even more than usual. During this shift, I noticed a child who appeared to be lost. It seemed that he had walked off from his parents. As I noticed this child acting unusual, I received a call over my radio that a mother was in the office reporting her child missing. I carefully approached the child so as not to scare him and asked him if he was lost. I showed him my ID so that he knew I was a Security Officer who was there to help him. I guided the child to the office, reuniting him with his mom. I was relieved to have noticed him that evening because, had the child been picked up only by the cameras, it could have taken much longer to reunite him with his mother. Should I be hired for this Security Manager role, I will pay close attention to even the smallest details while on the job."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 22nd, 2020

4.   Do you work well under pressure? Provide an example of a time when you reacted appropriately when others may not have.

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

The interviewer wants to know how you stand out from the crowd when it comes to high-pressure situations. Everyone can say that they react well under pressure; however, your response will stand out if you give an example of a time your reaction was different from that of a colleague.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 22nd, 2020

Focus Your Answer On

To give your story-based response, try using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. First, discuss your qualities when it comes to working under pressure. Then focus on giving a real-life story example to keep the interviewer engaged.

Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022

What to Avoid

Avoid simply saying you respond well under pressure. The interviewer wants to hear an example that backs up your statement. You should also avoid saying you do not react well under pressure or in stressful situations, as the interviewer will decide you do not have the skills they are looking for in a Security Manager.

Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022

Entry Level Example

"I'm accustomed to working under pressure and have a history of performing well in intense situations. High-pressure situations make me focused and more efficient than the average individual. I attribute these skills and abilities to my time in the military and my dominant personality. Recently, I worked security at a festival where an altercation broke out between five intoxicated people. I jumped right into my training and identified the primary aggressor. I told him to 'take it easy' and reminded him that the situation was not worth it. At the same time, I showed confidence and powerful body language. I called for assistance; however, the security officer sent to help me defuse the situation seemed more intimidated by the crown than anything. I had to perform most of the crowd management tasks while also calming down the primary aggressor. In this situation, it was clear that I was the one in control, and I attribute that to my military training, which included lessons on crowd management techniques. I believe that every Security Manager should take some form of training in crowd management, so they do not feel intimidated in security situations involving groups."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 22nd, 2020

Answer Example

"I have worked security in the transportation industry for many years and have seen some unusual situations! When I first started working for a ferry company as a Security Officer, I was on the hectic Christmas eve shift. Most of the passengers were families trying to get home at the last minute to celebrate with their loved ones. People were pushier than normal, and I witnessed a child get bumped in the face by another adult. It was an unintentional bump; however, it was hard enough that the child suffered a bloody nose. I stayed with the child and his mother and asked a colleague to grab one of the first-aid kits onboard and alert the medic. My colleague seemed to be moving very slow, which did not impress me. After we had resolved the situation, I approached my colleague. I asked if he had children, to which he replied yes. With care and a softer tone, I explained that if that had been one of his children with a bloody nose on a busy ferry, he would have wanted everyone on board to hustle and help. He agreed to move more quickly the next time a medical situation arose. I do feel that, at times, I am more empathetic to these situations than the average person. However, I also know that I work in the security industry for exactly those reasons. I am here to help others and make them feel safe. To help others feel safe, I have to be ready to react swiftly and with control."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 22nd, 2020

5.   Tell me about the most serious conflict you have faced in your security career. How did you handle the situation?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

As a Security Manager, you must stay calm and collected in the face of conflict. The interviewer wants to know that you have exposure to conflict management and wants to hear about your problem-solving and conflict resolution skills. The more experience you have, the better prepared you will be for a role in security management.

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 22nd, 2020

Focus Your Answer On

For this 'Tell me about a time...' style of question, give a story-based example that highlights your skills in action. You can share a story of how you followed emergency response procedures to mitigate a significant issue. Focus on telling your account using the STAR framework, which is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. This method will ensure that your story remains straightforward and provides essential details.

Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022

What to Avoid

Avoid saying that you have no conflict management experience. Even if you do not have experience in conflict management in your security career, you must have had a conflict at another time in your life. If you are new to the security industry, describe a conflict you had in another line of work and how you successfully handled the situation.

Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022

Entry Level Example

"I am new to the security industry, so I have not encountered a conflict as a Security Manager yet. I had a conflict at my previous job, where I worked as a department store manager. We had an active shooter incident; one person had been shot, and the shooter was moving towards my floor. I quickly gathered my staff and customers and moved them to my office and storage room. We barricaded the doors while calling 911. I kept everyone quiet and calm until law enforcement arrived and disarmed the shooter. After that experience, I decided to change careers and work in security."

Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022

Answer Example

"(Situation and Task) When I was a Security Officer with Company ABC, I and 15 other officers received a crowd control assignment for a small protest that had gathered outside of our city's legislative building. The protest started calm and peaceful, but as the day progressed, so did the drama. We had to keep a presence of protection and authority, and the police officers were there to handle any serious instances. (Action) As the day progressed, the protesters became more aggressive, and we had to jump in to help the police manage the chaos while also maintaining appropriate security measures. I kept calm and had my team members' backs while also utilizing crowd management techniques, such as blocking access to particular areas to ensure better crowd containment. (Result) We were able to work together to keep the protest as peaceful as possible that day. I learned a lot by observing the actions of my fellow officers and the local police. I saw how quickly a seemingly controlled situation can escalate and how important it is to keep a keen mind and eye, never letting my guard down."

Written by Rachelle Enns on July 22nd, 2020

6.   This concludes our interview. Do you have any questions for me?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

The interviewer wants to ensure that all your questions about the company and the job position are answered during the interview. It is best to ask one or two questions to show you are eager to learn all you can. Examples of good questions to ask include when they are looking to fill the position, how you performed in the interview, or what the interviewer likes most about working for the company. Don't ask questions that cannot be answered when reviewing the job announcement or by reading the company website.

Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022

Focus Your Answer On

Focus on one or two questions, as you do not want to bombard the interviewer with too many questions. After your questions have been answered at the end of the interview, thank each interviewer for their time while shaking their hand.

Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022

What to Avoid

Avoid asking questions about money or benefits. The salary and benefits package should have been noted in the job announcement or will be answered by Human Resources if you are offered the job. If the interviewer thinks you are only interested in the monetary aspect of the job, they might think you are in this industry for the wrong reasons.

Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022

Entry Level Example

"Yes, I do have one question for you, and I thank you for asking. What do you like most about working for this company?"

Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022

Answer Example

"I appreciate you asking this question. Yes, I do have one question for you. When are you looking to fill this position?"

Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022

7.   Who is the CEO of our company?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Interviewers will ask questions about their organization to see that you have done your research on the company before your interview. Before interviewing for any position, it is best to do your homework and find out all you can so you are prepared to answer any question given. Review the job announcement, company website, social media, and news articles about the organization.

Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022

Focus Your Answer On

Focus on giving a brief and concise answer. Name the CEO, when the company hired them, and any other interesting information you can find.

Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022

What to Avoid

Avoid being unprepared to answer the question. If you cannot name the company's CEO, the interviewer will determine that you did not do your research, do not pay attention to detail, and are unprepared for the interview.

Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022

Entry Level Example

"Norma Greene is the CEO of your company. Ms. Greene attained the position in 2006 after working for the company for six years. The city's Police Chief awarded Ms. Greene a medal of honor for taking down a suspect in a bank robbery and is well respected in the community."

Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022

Answer Example

"The CEO is Norma Greene, who was promoted to the position in 2006. Ms. Greene started with the company as a Security Manager in 2000 and worked her way up to the CEO position through hard work and dedication."

Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022

8.   Are you licensed to carry a firearm?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Depending on the security company, you may be required to carry a firearm. If that is a job requirement, it should be noted in the job announcement. If the interviewer asks this question, it must be part of the job description, and the interviewer wants to know if you meet this requirement.

Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022

Focus Your Answer On

If you are licensed to carry a firearm, tell the interviewer. If you are not authorized to carry a gun, assure the interviewer that you are prepared to go through the steps needed to fulfill the company's requirements.

Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022

What to Avoid

If the company requires you to carry a gun, avoid saying you refuse to go through the steps needed to become authorized to carry a firearm. If you cannot meet the company's firearm requirement, the interviewer will not consider you for the job.

Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022

Entry Level Example

"No, I am not licensed to carry a firearm. If that is a requirement for this position, I will be happy to go through the necessary steps to obtain authorization to carry."

Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022

Answer Example

"Yes, I have been licensed to carry a firearm for the past fifteen years. In my previous job, that was a requirement, and I went through the necessary steps to obtain my concealed carry permit."

Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022

9.   Our company requires a urinalysis drug test as part of our pre-employment screening. Will you have a problem passing the drug test?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

The interviewer is transparent with you and lets you know a pre-employment drug test is required. They want to see if you will have a problem passing the drug test to determine if they should move forward in the hiring process. If you have an issue with drugs and will not pass the test, the interviewer wants to know in the interview to avoid spending more time and money on you.

Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022

Focus Your Answer On

Focus on being honest. If you have an issue with drugs, you must let the interviewer know now. They will find out during your background investigation and drug test and will be disappointed that you were not honest in the interview. If you do not have a problem with drugs, let the interviewer know that you do not use drugs and will not have a problem passing the drug test.

Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022

What to Avoid

If you have an issue with drugs, it is best to avoid applying to a position that requires a drug test. Once you take care of the issue and are clean, you can apply for the position of Security Manager and feel confident you will pass the drug test.

Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022

Entry Level Example

"No, I will not have a problem passing the drug test. I have never used drugs and never will. Since high school, I knew I wanted to work in the security industry. If I used drugs, I realized I would not be able to become a Security Manager. That has been a great reason not to be tempted by my peers to try an illegal drug."

Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022

Answer Example

"I do not take drugs or prescription medicine, so I will have no problem passing the drug test."

Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022

10.   Due to the sensitive nature of our work, we require our personnel to take random polygraph tests. Do you have an issue with this requirement?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Depending on the security company and the nature of the work you will provide as a Security Manager, random polygraph exams and drug testing may be required. The interviewer is forthcoming, so you know that random polygraph exams are a requirement. The interviewer wants to see if that will be an issue for you before moving forward in the hiring process.

Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022

Focus Your Answer On

Assure the interviewer that you have nothing to hide and are an honest person. Tell them that taking random polygraph exams will not be an issue for you if hired. If you have taken and passed a polygraph in the past, let the interviewer know.

Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022

What to Avoid

If you have a problem with polygraph exams, be honest in your interview. If, for some reason, you will have an issue taking random polygraph exams if hired, avoid saying that it would not be an issue. It would waste your and the interviewer's time moving forward in the hiring process as they will let you go when you refuse the first polygraph exam.

Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022

Entry Level Example

"I saw that was one of the job requirements in your job announcement, and I do not have an issue taking polygraph tests. I have never taken one before, but I am sure I will not have a problem passing as I am an honest person."

Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022

Answer Example

"No, I do not have an issue with taking any random tests you require. I have nothing to hide and am an honest person. I have taken three polygraph exams in the past for work and passed every one."

Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022

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