With which surveillance systems are you most familiar?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Focus Your Answer On
What to Avoid
Entry Level Example
Answer Example

The interviewer asks this question to see where your expertise lies and if you are knowledgeable about the systems their company uses. If possible, find out what systems the company uses so you can describe your experience with this particular technology in your response. As a Security Manager, you will need to be familiar with many types of equipment.

Demonstrate your knowledge by going in-depth about the technology you have used in the past. Focus on your experience with the technology that you will be operating. Share what you have learned about these systems and any experience you have troubleshooting security and surveillance systems.

If you are interviewing for a Security Manager position, you should be familiar with surveillance systems. If you are new to the industry and have no experience with surveillance systems, avoid saying you know nothing about these types of systems. A better response is to point out that you are new and excited to learn about different surveillance systems, asking what system the company uses. You can then let the interviewer know that you will research their equipment and learn all you can.

"As a new graduate, I have not directly worked with surveillance systems in the workplace. However, I installed my home surveillance system using the Arlo Pro system and found it easy to set up and use. I am very technologically advanced and will learn surveillance systems in the workplace quite quickly. If you don't mind my asking, which system does your company use? I would like to research how it operates."

"I have learned a variety of surveillance systems and associated software, including Avigilon and Hitachi solutions and the Athena cloud system. Most systems have similar capabilities. With Company ABC, I became efficient at setting up new cameras and adding them to the cloud network. Our recording software was quite complex, so I understand much more than the basics of surveillance systems and the associated software for live video feed, motion detection, and event triggering. The software I am familiar with has many capabilities, including guided recording logic and motion detection. I am also familiar with the latest face recognition capabilities and how they integrate into contained ID software."