30 Loss Prevention Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Loss Prevention interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view six answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
Behavioral
1. What type of manager brings out the best in you?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
When the hiring manager asks this question, they want to know the most effective way to get your very best every day. The hiring manager knows the strengths and weaknesses of the existing loss prevention manager and wants to know what management style you will respond to.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
What You Should Say
Demonstrate your awareness of what you need from a manager by explaining how past managers have supported you and what you learned from those experiences. Explain that you need guidance so you can understand the manager's expectations.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"A supportive management style will bring out the best in me. When I start in a new position, I need my manager to provide guidance when explaining his/ her expectations. As I grow in my role, I'd like my manager to support me by showing confidence in my ability to do my job and giving me additional responsibilities."
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Behavioral
2. If you caught an employee stealing, what would you do?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This is a way for the hiring manager to learn about your trustworthiness and honesty. They ask this question to determine if you would respond to the situation differently if a coworker is involved.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
What You Should Say
Show the hiring manager that you follow the proper procedure even when the situation involves another employee. When an employee is caught stealing, it is important to maintain confidentiality and not share information with your co-workers.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"Unfortunately, I have caught an employee stealing. As soon as I realized what the employee had done, I informed my manager. I followed the procedure and pulled the employee off of the floor without disrupting customer service. The employee was terminated, and I completed a detailed report that was sent to senior leadership."
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Common
3. Why do you want to become a loss prevention officer?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The hiring manager receives applications from applicants who use this position as a stepping stone to a civil service law enforcement position. They want to know your motivation for applying.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
What You Should Say
Explain your motivation for becoming a loss prevention officer for this particular company. Examples can include that you would like to help businesses limit their losses or hold people accountable for stealing products.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"For as long as I can remember, I have been a frequent customer of your brand. Every employee I interact with enjoys what they do, and it shows. I've been a Loss Prevention Officer for three years, and when I noticed you were hiring, I immediately submitted my application."
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Common
4. What do you like most about being a loss prevention officer?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The hiring manager is listening for answers that indicate what you enjoy most about this position. The way you answer this question may shed light on your strengths as an employee.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
What You Should Say
This is a great opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the position. Provide insight into what you find rewarding about stopping theft.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"As a loss prevention officer, I enjoy stopping a customer from stealing. We have a great team of people, and I feel as if I am making an impact every day I report to work."
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Common
5. Why do you want to work for our organization?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The hiring manager is reviewing several candidates who may be a good fit for the loss prevention officer position. It is expensive to hire and train a new employee, and they want to be sure they hire the candidate who will make the company better.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
What You Should Say
Do additional research about the company. Review the mission statement, and explain how the company's values align with yours. You want the hiring manager to know that you are just not applying to positions to get a job but to make a career.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"I consistently see your company as one of the top places to work. I'm a frequent customer, and I am amazed at the customer service that your team consistently provides. I receive your job alerts and immediately submitted when application when I saw that you were looking to hire a loss prevention officer with two years of experience. I have over three years of experience and would love the opportunity to be a part of your team."
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Common
6. How would you describe your computer skills?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The loss prevention officer may be required to send emails, complete reports, or run reports through the point of sale system. This question is asked to determine your experience doing so.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
What You Should Say
Be specific and include the software you have experience using. The job description will list the criteria in the qualifications section.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"In your job description, I noticed that you use Microsoft Outlook to send emails, and all reports are documented in Microsoft Word. I have experience using the same software in my current position."
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Common
7. Why are you the best candidate for this position?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The way you respond to this question provides additional information about what you believe your strengths are. The hiring manager wants to hire a candidate who has the experience required but is also growth-driven to improve their own skillset.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
What You Should Say
When answering this question, take a confident but humble approach. Review the job description and identify the skills that define this company's ideal candidate.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"I noticed in the job posting that you are looking for a loss prevention officer that has over one year of experience in a customer service or retail environment. I have that experience and am confident that my communication and good judgment make me a good fit for this role."
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Common
8. How would your last manager describe you?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
When the hiring manager asks this question, they want to know your strengths. They want to hire a candidate who will complement the team and make it better.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
What You Should Say
This is an opportunity to boast about your performance from the perspective of your previous manager. Mention your strengths, and explain why you are good at what you do.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"My manager would describe me as a hard-working individual who displays good judgment in stressful situations. She would go on to say that I am aware of my surroundings and communicate effectively with employees and customers."
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Common
9. What are the responsibilities of a loss prevention officer?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The hiring manager wants to be sure that you are familiar with the responsibilities and duties of a loss prevention officer. Explaining those responsibilities shows that you have the knowledge and experience needed to excel.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
What You Should Say
Be sure to include responsibilities that other members of your team handle. You can also include the responsibilities that your manager handles if you are aware of them.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"A loss prevention officer has many responsibilities to ensure that employees and customers are safe. These include patrolling the store looking for any suspicious activity, questioning people, recovering stolen products, and reporting attempted and/ or successful theft."
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Common
10. What do you feel is your best strength as a loss prevention officer?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Several key qualities make an excellent loss prevention officer. The hiring manager wants to be sure that your strength is one they value highly.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
What You Should Say
Review the job description and identify the required qualifications. Examples include professionalism, dependability, excellent observation skills, patience, and strong written and verbal communication skills.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"I would say my best strength as a loss prevention officer is my observation skills. During my shift, I constantly scan the store and keep alert. I try to identify any potential situations before they arise."
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Communication
11. What is your preferred method of communication?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question provides insight into your verbal and written communication skills. As a loss prevention officer, you will communicate verbally with customers and employees. You will also be expected to provide written documentation in the form of reports.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
What You Should Say
Provide examples to show the hiring manager that you are comfortable with both forms of communication. Explain why these skills are important.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"During my shift, my preferred method is verbal communication because I am on the floor assisting employees and speaking with customers. I carry a small notebook and jot down important details to include in the log notes for my coworkers who are either off or working later. For theft-related situations, I use an incident report that I re-read before submitting. I want to make sure it's detailed and has all the relevant information."
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Compatibility
12. If hired, how do you intend to make a difference with our company?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The hiring manager wants to hire a candidate who will contribute to the success of the company. This question will identify the candidates who want to grow with the company.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
What You Should Say
This question is an opportunity for you to express that you are interested in a company you can grow with and not just looking for a job. Read the job description to determine what characteristics the company is looking for in their loss prevention officer, and explain that you can have those skills.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"I read in your job description that you are looking for a candidate with experience training cashiers on how to identify potential theft. With the guidance of my manager, I revamped my company's current training program. The program has evolved, and I conduct this training for all new hires."
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Compatibility
13. How would you describe your work ethic?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
There may be many shifts in which nothing out of the ordinary happens. The ideal candidate has the discipline to stay motivated and accomplish daily tasks consistently.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
What You Should Say
You want the hiring manager to know that you are the candidate that has the self-motivation to do your best every day, regardless of business levels. Provide examples that show you are hardworking and dependable.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"I would describe myself as hardworking. I realize that this position requires me to be on my feet the entire shift. Even when nothing out of the ordinary is happening, I keep a consistent routine so I don't miss a step during my shift. I do my best to set up for the next shift and help other co-workers when it doesn't interfere with my responsibilities."
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Compatibility
14. Do people see you as a trustworthy and honest individual?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
These are key traits for a loss prevention officer to have. The hiring manager wants to make sure that you can identify and associate those traits within yourself.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
What You Should Say
As these are important traits to have, explain how you gain trust with your coworkers. You can also include that a previous supervisor mentioned these, or similar traits, in your performance review.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"Yes, people consider me to be trustworthy and honest. Character is important to me, and I do my best to represent myself well every day. I am as helpful as I can be, and I share my ideas and thoughts with those I work with. I am confident that my current supervisor would say the same."
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Compatibility
15. When have you shown great integrity at work?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The hiring manager is looking for a loss prevention officer who displays good character, especially when no one is looking. At times, this position can be difficult, and they want to make sure that the right candidate has the confidence to make the right decisions.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
What You Should Say
Provide an example(s) that shows you have good character and will always make the right decision. Explain what that decision was difficult to make and why someone else would not have done what you had done.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"Recently, I caught one of our employees stealing. She had been with the company for five years and was going through a divorce. During her shift, I caught her stealing and took her off the floor. While closing down her register, she admitted to what she had done and offered to pay me $100 to not report what she had done. Knowing what she was going through in her personal life, I felt bad for her. We terminated her employment and included the bribe in my report."
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Competency
16. Tell me about the duties of your last job and walk me through a typical day.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
A loss prevention officer needs to be focused and patient because there may be many days when nothing out of the ordinary happens. Describing your typical day will help the hiring manager understand if your experience is similar.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
What You Should Say
When answering this question, provide an example that shows how you stay motivated when the store is quiet. Demonstrate that you realize there are many days when nothing out of the ordinary happens.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"When I begin my shift, I read through the previous day's log so I know what happened when I left. I review the schedule so I know which employees are working during my shift and check in with my supervisor. Most days, I follow a particular routine as I walk through the store and will spend more time in busier sections of the store. I position myself so that I can see the entrance and the register.
To stay focused, I keep a mental note of which customers were at the register just before exiting the store."
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Competency
17. Describe some of the challenges that you faced during your last/ current role? How did you deal with them?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The hiring manager wants to know how you handle a difficult situation and deal with stress. At times, this position can be stressful because you are dealing with customers or employees who steal from the business.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
What You Should Say
Demonstrate that you maintain your composure during a stressful situation. Choose an example that closely resembles a situation you may encounter with the company you are interviewing with.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"I once witnessed a customer who put some items in his coat pocket without paying for them. With the support of my supervisor, I approached the customer and talked to him off to the side of the front entrance. When I explained that I noticed that he put a couple of items in his pocket, he started screaming and making a scene. I kept calm and continued to speak to the customer in a controlled tone while we waited for the police to show up."
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Competency
18. What do you think is the greatest challenge in loss prevention?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The hiring manager asks this question to determine if your greatest challenge is similar to the challenges they face. The way you answer demonstrates your experience and your ability to improve their company.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
What You Should Say
Review the job description because it may provide additional insight into the company's biggest challenge. When answering this question, provide a solution to overcome the challenge.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"I think the biggest challenge in loss prevention is remembering to treat the customer with dignity and respect. I have been in several situations in which the customer had been caught stealing, and they took their anger out on me. When I first started as a loss prevention officer, it was difficult not to take these situations personally, especially because they were stealing from my employer."
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Customer Service
19. What do you consider to be good customer service? Can you provide an example a time you improved customer service?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Many companies differentiate themselves from the competition by the customer service they provide. Even a loss prevention officer must be able to define what customer service looks like, even though they deal with customers who are potentially stealing.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
What You Should Say
For this question, review the job description to determine how the company wants the loss prevention officer to provide an excellent customer experience in this role. It may mention treating every customer and employee with dignity and respect.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"To provide good customer service, I believe the loss prevention officer must know how to interact with every customer who comes into the store. Usually, I am the first person they encounter, and I always provide a warm, friendly greeting.
In terms of improving customer service, I worked with different departments to enhance our training program. We learned empathy skills that have helped me interact with customers."
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Experience
20. Can you explain the most important lesson you've learned as a loss prevention officer?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question is designed to determine your ability to self-reflect. A loss prevention manager that can learn and grow will benefit the company too.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
What You Should Say
Provide an example of a lesson you learned early on as a loss prevention officer. If possible, choose an example that has benefited you just as much as it has benefitted the company you work for.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"Early in my career, I had a vision of what a thief looked like, but, in my experience, people have surprised me. I've dealt with employees and customers from all walks of life who have been caught stealing. I've learned to remain vigilant."
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Experience
21. How do you determine when to call authorities?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As a loss prevention officer, you will sometimes have to call the authorities. The hiring manager asks this question to determine
if you use good judgment when doing so.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
What You Should Say
This is a good opportunity to demonstrate that you have experience interacting with the police. Explain that you call the police as outlined in your procedural manual.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"In my current role, we are required to contact the authorities for situations that involve vandalism or theft of anything that has a value of $500 or more. Previously, our threshold was lower, but we realized we were able to handle those situations internally."
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Scenario Based
22. How would you handle a situation in which an employee warns you about a customer who stole an expensive item?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
When the hiring manager asks this question, it is an indication that they train their staff to say something when they see something. Even though the company encourages staff to be aware of possible theft, they also want to make sure that these situations are handled correctly.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
What You Should Say
When answering this question, walk the hiring manager through your thought process and judgment skills. If possible, use an example that directly correlates to a product similar to the company you are interviewing at.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"I make sure to thank the employee for bringing the situation to my attention and ask why the employee thinks that this customer stole an expensive item. I evaluate the situation and make a decision quickly. When I approach the customer, I have the conversation off to the side and try to be as discreet as possible. I treat the customer with dignity and respect, even if I catch them red-handed."
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Scenario Based
23. Describe the last time you conducted inventory or handled a surprise cash audit.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Inventory discrepancies are a way to identify potential theft. An experienced loss prevention officer will be able to explain the reasons why.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
What You Should Say
Include examples to show you have handled both situations. If you do not have experience handling surprise cash audits, explain the reason.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"I help conduct inventory every Monday morning. After the physical count is done, I enter the data into the spreadsheet and identify any discrepancies from the prior week. All cash audits are done by my manager because of how extensive it can be."
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Scenario Based
24. How do inventory numbers relate to suspected loss?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Inventory discrepancies are one way to identify potential theft. If you are an experienced loss prevention specialist, you know inventory discrepancies can cost a typical box-store retail company millions of dollars in lost revenue. The interviewer wants to make sure you understand the severity of the issue and demonstrating this to the interviewer will show you take your job seriously.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
What You Should Say
For this question, provide an example that shows your experience with using inventory numbers to identify thefts. An experienced loss prevention officer has the knowledge to analyze those numbers and address them.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"During my training, management stressed the importance of inventory levels, and the loss prevention team is involved in conducting a weekly inventory. I realized the importance of doing so when my direct supervisor analyzed the report and homed in on any discrepancies that were greater than five or more items.
I remember one situation in which several items were not coded correctly in the point of sale system. It was addressed immediately, and the discrepancy wasn't the result of an employee stealing."
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Scenario Based
25. When you witness a customer stealing an item, how do you approach them?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Approaching customers who are stealing, or suspected of stealing, will be a frequent occurrence. When the hiring manager asks this question, they want to know how you will approach the customer and the steps you take immediately before doing so.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
What You Should Say
As a loss prevention officer, you must inform your immediate supervisor before approaching the suspected guest. Provide an example of a time you communicated with your supervisor and team before approaching a customer suspected of theft.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"Last week, I noticed a customer who seemed very nervous and jittery when he entered the store. His behavior was unusual, and I took notice. As he moved through each section, he spent more time looking at the location of the security cameras than he did shopping. When I noticed him put an item into his jacket pocket, I informed the team of what I witnessed and asked a coworker to join me when I approached him. I addressed the customer, introduced myself, and explained what I had witnessed. We brought him to the back office where my supervisor handled the interrogation."
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Scenario Based
26. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
It is expensive to place job ads, conduct interviews, and hire employees. This question helps the hiring manager understand your motivation for applying for this job.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
What You Should Say
Reassure the hiring manager that you applied because you are looking for long-term employment. This is a great opportunity to show that you are career-driven and plan to develop your skills and grow.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"I chose to apply to your company because I have a huge passion for this type of work, and in the next five years, I see myself enhancing my supervisory and leadership skills. I'd like to be a mentor for new hires so I can eventually lead a team"
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Scenario Based
27. What programs have you performed as a loss prevention officer that reduced theft?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Thieves are always looking for creative ways to steal goods from businesses. The company is looking for a loss prevention officer who will look for ways to combat those new techniques. The steps the loss prevention team took yesterday may not always work tomorrow.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
What You Should Say
When answering this question, demonstrate that you have implemented programs to reduce company theft as much as possible. The job description will mention the programs the company wants its new loss prevention officer to develop.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"In my current role, I helped develop a secret shopper program. We suspected a long-term employee of stealing because his bank was always off, and his returns were missing the proper receipts. With the guidance of upper management, we developed an extensive shopper program, and one of the reports shed light on how the employee was stealing. The same program also showed us where we had opportunities to improve the customer experience on the quieter shifts."
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Teamwork
28. How have you made an impact on your team in the past?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
A loss prevention officer will be required to work independently and with a team. The ideal candidate does not have a preference and can do both as required.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
What You Should Say
One way to show how you have contributed to the success of your team is to show how you help newly hired employees get acclimated and welcomed. Provide examples that show you took the initiative to make the team or company better.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"A couple of months ago, we added three loss prevention officers. Our manager was the only one who did all the training, and I offered to help in any way I could. Each new hire worked with me to learn the closing procedures and the proper way to write an incident report."
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Teamwork
29. Describe a time you successfully provided personal assistance to a coworker or patron.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The loss prevention officer interacts with guests when patrolling the store. The ideal candidate can show initiative aiding customers.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
What You Should Say
As a loss prevention officer, you will interact with customers many times during your shift. Provide examples in which you do so without taking away from your main responsibility.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"When passing a customer, I offer a pleasant greeting. Based on the customer's body language, I'll ask if they need assistance or if there are any questions I can help answer."
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Teamwork
30. Describe a time you went above and beyond for an employee.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
A loss prevention employee spends the majority of their shift working independently but will need to work with coworkers as needed. The ideal candidate can do both and will assist without being asked.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
What You Should Say
Going above and beyond for a coworker shows that you care and want others to do well. Describe an example that shows you helped an employee that didn't take away from your responsibility.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"One Sunday afternoon, one of the cashiers had a difficult time managing the flow of the line and ringing in the orders. She was trying to ring up each customer, and the receipt paper needed to be changed. It was quiet in the store, and I noticed some of the people in line were getting impatient. While the cashier was changing the paper, I helped bag the items for the cashier. The cashier continued to check out each customer until she was back in her rhythm ringing in each sale."
Written by Luke Duggan on January 19th, 2022