Security Guard Interview
Questions

6. Good communication is a requirement as a security guard. What does good communication mean to you? Excellent communication goes much farther than merely speaking clearly. To be a great communicator, you must also allow others to express themselves clearly in a conversation. A skilled communicator will: - Respect the relationships around them - Be knowledgable in the topics they are speaking about - Spend more time listening than talking - Recall information that is given to them because they listen actively - Be able to read nonverbal cues such as body language and eye contact Think of the ways that you exercise excellent communication, and be prepared to speak to the interviewer about the way that you interpret excellent communication. Talk a bit about your communication style in the workplace. Here is an answer example: "Miscommunication is never a good thing in the workplace, especially as a security guard. In my current job, working around so many members of the public every day, I must carry a conversation clearly and precisely. Attention to detail is critical, so I must actively listen to the words and also the body language of others. Lastly, when it comes to documenting an incident, I must be able to express myself clearly in writing which is another critical component to good communication." Here is an entry level answer example: "To me, good communication means being someone who listens and observes more than they speak. As a security guard, the more observant I can be with my eyes and ears, the better I will be in my job. By observing, I will be able to recall information and critical details much more clearly."7. Why do you believe we need security, here? The interviewer wants to see how observant you are when it comes to their needs. If you are interviewing for a direct security job, take a scan of what you believe the requirements to be when you arrive at your interview. If you are interviewing with an agency that contracts you out to a variety of jobs, this answer will be positioned a bit differently. In this circumstance, talk about their top clients, and what those clients' security needs may be. Here is an answer example: "I believe that the clients who outsource your security guards are ones who have temporary needs. These needs include events, high peak times, or seasonal work, when hiring a full-time team member would not make sense. I have worked as a full-time dedicated officer and as a contracted security officer; I am open to either situation and have the ability to adapt to a variety of needs and scenarios." Here is an entry level answer example: "I believe that you need security here because of the high volume of traffic you experience during the day. You also hold a lot of cash and sensitive goods which need 24/7 protection. Is this a correct assessment?"8. Are you a detail oriented person? How well do you recall facts and small details of an event? As a security guard, you will have many interactions in a day. The hiring authority wants to see that you can manage and document essential details while also paying close attention to your surroundings. The best way to answer this question is to give an example of a time when you paid close attention to detail, making a meaningful contribution to your employer. Here is an answer example: "Yes, I do consider myself to be detail-oriented. I make sure to pay close attention to what is happening around me. For instance, we recently had a theft in the shopping mall where I work. I happened to notice the brand and color of shoes and jacket the suspect was wearing. This information was beneficial when the police were making their identification through our surveillance tapes. It's essential for me as a security professional to add valuable details to my documentation as often as possible." Here is an entry level answer example: "My professors have often commented on how detailed my papers are. I attribute this to my ability to sort information mentally in ways that help me to remember important facts and stories. I will take this skill and apply it to my role as a security guard."9. Talk to me about your hours of availability. Do you have a preferred shift? It is best if you answer this question clearly and concisely. Be upfront about what you can and cannot do. Avoid committing to hours that will put too much pressure on your personal life. It's always best to frame your response in a positive way. So, rather than telling the interviewer what you cannot do, focus your answer on what you can do. Here is an answer example: "I am looking for full-time employment and prefer working daytime or afternoon shifts. I have a young family that I would like to spend my evenings with as often as possible. Of course, should you be in a pinch and need evening coverage now and then, I am certainly willing to be a team player. Do my hours of availability meet your current needs?" Here is an entry level answer example: "I would like to offer a range of availability as I kick-start my career in security. I know this may mean night shifts, doubles, shift work, and even weekends and holidays; however, I am prepared to start where I can!"10. Talk to me about your future career goals within security. Most hiring companies want to know that when they take a chance on hiring and training you, that you will stay with them for the long term. Nobody knows where life will take them three or even five years down the road. With that sais, this should not stop you from expressing where you would like to take your security career. You do not need to make any promises when answering this question, but you should convey an interest in growing with the company. Here is an answer example: "My future goals within security include gaining my firearms license and ability to be an armed security officer. I have career goals that include leading a team, supporting law enforcement in every way possible, and protecting the public from harm for many years to come." Here is an entry level answer example: "I believe that starting my career in security will position me nicely for a full-time career in law enforcement. I plan to work part-time while attending my pre-requisite college courses and training."11. What are the most important traits for a security guard to possess? The traits that you discuss in your response should be traits that you have or are working towards having. This question offers an excellent opportunity for you to discuss your top qualities while showing the interviewer how they will of benefit, should you be hired. Some essential traits of a security guard include confidence, keen attention to detail, bravery, excellent communicator, a desire to help others, reliability, and honesty. Here is an answer example: "The most important traits for a security guard to posses, and traits that I am proud to have are my unwavering honesty, my ability to make people feel safe, and my clear communication style. I make my presence known on the job without being too intimidating because I want those who need help to be able to approach me. I am alert and pay close attention to my surroundings." Here is an entry level answer example: "After reading the job description and getting to know the needs of your company, I believe the most important traits are to be reliable, alert, eager to help, and thorough in tasks. I know that I can deliver these qualities on the job because I already exercise these traits as a full-time student and part-time volunteer."12. Are you CPR Certified or trained in First Aid? If not, do you plan on earning these credentials? Many security jobs will require you to be CPR certified and/or trained in First Aid. Depending on the type of security role you are taking on, you could be the first to respond in emergencies and when dealing with the public. Talk to the interviewer about any certifications that you have or are currently acquiring. Bring certificates for your candidate file, in case the employer needs a copy. If you do not have any emergency response training that is okay too! Just be sure to express an interest and willingness to gain these credentials. Here is an answer example: "I have been certified in CPR and First Aid for six years now. My certifications recently came close to their expiry, so I took it upon myself to renew them. I have copies with me today that you may keep for my file. It's important to me that I continue to offer a variety of skills to my employer. Part of that is knowing that I can react properly and effectively in an emergency." Here is an entry level answer example: "I was looking online at some options for First Aid and CPR certifications and found one at my local community college. I have enrolled and aim for full certification in 30 days. I understand the importance of this training and look forward to offering even more to your organization and those I serve in this position."13. How do you keep focused during long, or overnight shifts? As a security professional, you may face a variety of shifts, including doubles, evenings, or quieter times. It can be tempting to let your mind focus away from the job. Talk to the interviewer about the ways that you keep yourself focused on your essential tasks staying top of mind. Maybe you keep checklists of everything that you need to accomplish, and another list of the things you can do when there is downtime. Express how you are a trustworthy and hardworking employee. Here is an answer example: "I am experienced in the security industry and understand that it can be easy to get lost in thought or even nod off during quiet times or long shifts. I make sure to arrive at work well-rested and with a plan. I will have a list of activities that I need to get through and then some projects that I can tackle in my downtime. I am dedicated to my work and am sure to optimize my time, no matter the shift." Here is an entry level answer example: "I am accustomed to late-night study sessions from my time as a university student. I stay focused by having an end-goal in mind with a list of tasks that I need to accomplish to achieve that goal. I am also very good at keeping busy and have an eye for tasks that seem overdue or neglected."14. Have you worked with other security guards in a team environment before? If so, how did you best communicate with them? Many security jobs will require teamwork, such as if you are working a role where event work is needed. The interviewer would like to know that you are helpful, communicative, positive, and goal-oriented; all qualities required to work well in a team environment. If you have some work experience, take the time to talk about when you have worked closely alongside others. Discuss what your collective goal was and how you contributed to reaching that goal. If you are new to your career, you can offer up a similar example from your post-secondary, high school, volunteer, or team sports experience. Here is an answer example: "I have worked in teams with the size of the team depending entirely on the size of security project at hand. The largest was a concert that I worked on contract, with over 20,000 attendees. This show required security professionals with all different backgrounds. We all had different ideas and areas of expertise which could have become a problem; however, it ran remarkably smooth. We each communicated our area of strength and levels of comfortability with each task. The team leader assigned us our posts, and we all worked equally as hard to ensure a safe space and fun experience for every attendee." Here is an entry level answer example: "I have worked in teams and group environments both in a sports setting and while in school. As the team captain of my schools' football team, I made sure to communicate with my team by encouraging their strengths. I would push them to give their best before every practice and game; praising their efforts when they would push themselves physically. While working group projects, I would lean on spreadsheets and other cloud-based tools to ensure the projects were on track and everyone knew what they were to be working on. I will apply these same leadership and communication techniques to this role."15. What motivates you to protect others? The interviewer would like to know what feeds your desire to work in the security industry. Perhaps you have always been the one to jump in and help others. Maybe you have dreams of joining the army or police force down the road, and you see this as an excellent jumping-off point. Whatever your reasoning, be sure that the interviewer can feel the passion in your response. Here is an answer example: "I like to serve others and spend time, inside and outside of work, ensuring that others have what they need. For many years I have volunteered with our community's underserved community and find a great amount of fulfillment in doing so. In a world full of hate crime and insecurities, it's critical that I do my part to help others feel safe and cared for." Here is an entry level answer example: "Being raised in a home where my father and grandfather were police officers, it was always ingrained in me to take on a job where I am serving and protecting others. My goal is, in two to three years, to have enough money saved to begin my coursework in criminal justice. I feel that working in a security role will provide me with a lot of the training, experience, and insight needed to reach my career goals."16. What type of security technology are you familiar with? This question is much easier to answer if you have an idea of the type of technology used in this particular position. Some tech that you may have been exposed to include surveillance and CCTV equipment, metal detectors, and radios. Talk about the equipment you have used in past roles and your level of experience with each. If you are new to your security career, be sure to express your willingness to learn new tech. You can ask the interviewer for details if you are not familiar with what the expectations are. This way, you will be able to do some learning on your own time, better preparing you for your first day on the job. Here is an answer example: "I have used a variety of surveillance and CCTV equipment systems including (give specific brands and system names). I have used a variety of two-way radios, metal detectors of all types, and have performed electronic documentation via systems and apps such as (A) and (B)." Here is an entry level answer example: "I am tech-savvy and catch onto new processes and systems very quickly. Although my background may not include the use of security tech and equipment, I have an understanding of how CCTV systems work. I am eager to learn more during my security training."17. What is your greatest weakness? What are you doing to improve it? First, you will want to discuss a weakness that is not a core skill for a security-related role. Take the time to recognize that you aren't great at something and acknowledging your need to improve. What is most important is that you have an action plan in place for improving on this weakness. Maybe you are reading a book on the topic, taking a night class, or have found a mentor to strengthen yourself in a specific area. Whatever your weakness, don't be shy about expressing how you're planning to improve. Here is an answer example: "My weakness is not delegating. I know what needs doing and how I want it done, so it's often easier to do it myself. However, it can inhibit my ability to grow. I know that I cannot take on every part of a job or security project. I need to be able to give the task or a portion of it to another team member or direct report. I've spoken with my team about this weakness, and they have agreed to step in when they see me taking on too much. By bringing awareness to it at the moment, I find my propensity to hold onto control has decreased, so I'm certainly moving in the right direction." Here is an entry level answer example: "My primary weakness surrounds my technical abilities. I consider myself a beginner level user in many computer programs, so I have decided to start coursework this fall to expand on skills such as typing and using Word and Excel."18. Tell me about a time when you solved a security problem on the job. It's time to tell a story of when you saved the day! Your example doesn't have to be a dramatic story dripping in heroism; however, the interviewer wants an example of a time when your attention on the job paid off. Be sure to set the stage of your story, describe the issue, the action that you took, and then the positive result. Here is an answer example: "As a security guard at a large shopping mall, we had many small instances of shoplifting from teens, but very few situations of significant impact. One day I was on my lunch break, and an alert came through that one of the mall's jewelry stores had been robbed. I immediately went into action, calling for protocols such as locking the entrances and calling for police backup. I was able to catch up to the thief and tackled him to the ground, cuffing him, and detaining until the police arrived. Although the situation happened so fast, I was still able to give a complete and helpful police report. Because of my fast thinking, I gained a promotion to head security guard just a couple of weeks later." Here is an entry level answer example: "I was not working as a security guard; however, while attending high school, I noticed some suspicious activity from a couple of the students. These students were known to be mischevious and had a history of vandalizing school property. I took note of their behavior and brought my concern to the principal. She called for a locker sweep and ended up finding tear gas in one of these students' lockers. It turns out these students were planning to use this at our pep rally. I was glad to have followed my instinct, and my principal was very thankful that I noticed the odd behavior and took action."19. What is your greatest strength, and how will it help you as a security guard? This question offers an excellent opportunity to make yourself a stand-out candidate. Avoid general strengths such as teamwork-oriented, organized, reliable, or detail-oriented. Those descriptors are everyone's 'go-to,' and you want to be unique! Looking at the job description, and the responsibilities of this role, what do you believe to be essential skills for success? Choose one or two strengths that you know will benefit the potential employer. Here is an answer example: "I am a very pragmatic and confident person, which I believe are incredibly important traits for a security guard to possess. These traits allow me to make quick decisions while relying on fact versus impulse." Here is an entry level answer example: "I am often complimented on my ability to speak and communicate with anyone. This openness and ability to hold a meaningful conversation will be helpful in this role as I work in crowds of different people every single day. Also, I am observant and remember the details of my interactions very well."20. Describe a time when you had to deal with a security breach. How did you handle the situation, and what would you have done differently? As a security guard, how you react in situations where an issue arises is everything. If you have experience as a security guard, take the time to walk the interviewer through a case where you handled a breach or concern. It is essential to set the stage of your story, explain the situation, the action that you took, and then the outcome. If you are new to your career, you can explain what you would do in a hypothetical situation. Here is an answer example: "Recently our alarms rang as someone entered the premises after hours and without the proper access codes. I work with one other security officer, so he apprehended the individual while I called the police. In the end, this trespasser was taken by the authorities. After the incident, I spoke with the building manager to give my opinion on what we could do to prevent another breach. I documented the situation and overall was very pleased with how calm I remained." Here is an entry level answer example: "Being new to my career, I have not yet dealt with a security breach in the workplace. I believe the most important action to take would be to ensure the safety of those for whom I am responsible. I would call the authorities as soon as possible and be keenly aware of the details of the situation in case I would need to give a police report."21. Tell me about a time when you successfully dealt with an angry member of the public. A significant part of most security guard roles includes dealing with the public and delivering a good impression on those you come across during your shift. The interviewer wants to know that you are capable of keeping your cool when dealing with difficult, or even angry people. If you have any formal customer service training, this is a good time to mention what you learned and how you apply it in your work. Here is an answer example: "I have done a lot of security work in a retail environment. In this type of environment, I dealt with people and attitudes of all kinds. I recall one woman around the holidays who was not allowed to make returns on boxing day because that was the store policy. It was simply too busy to process and re-stock returned items. She became irate and was screaming at the cashier, demanding her way. I approached the counter and asked her to lower her voice, or she would be removed from the store and banned from returning. She immediately realized the fuss she was causing and apologized before leaving." Here is an entry level answer example: "I have a lot of experience with team sports which can get pretty heated. Our schools' soccer team had an ongoing rivalry with a neighboring school that was fun but sometimes became too much. During one of our home games, the opposing teams' fans were throwing garbage on the field, disrupting our team and the game overall. As the team manager, I was able to step in, call security, and have the key instigators removed from the premises. I believe it's imperative to stay calm and poised in these situations, no matter how out of control the other person or people become."22. Have you ever been terminated from a job? Being let go from your position is an unfortunate event; however, it happens to the best of us and often for situations that are out of our control. It's best to own up to it if you have ever lost your job. Be brief in your explanation but also let the interviewer know what you learned. Here is an answer example: "I experienced a termination once before. Earlier in my career, I was not as prompt as I am today. After coming to work late a couple of times, my boss let me go. It was embarrassing, and I learned a lot from the situation. I am much more dedicated to my work now. I am reliable and have not been late for work in years." Here is an entry level answer example: "I have never come close to termination or been reprimanded for misconduct or poor performance. My reputation is incredibly important to me, especially as I am beginning to carve out my career."23. Define integrity, what it means to you, and how you practice it in your everyday life. By definition, integrity means having 'the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.' As a security guard, your job is to protect people, property, and more. To properly perform your duties, you must be honest and have a strong moral compass. Talk to the interviewer about what it means to have integrity. Be prepared to give a real-life example of a time when you practiced honesty. Here is an answer example: "In my previous role, I had a lot of autonomy on the job while also being responsible for large amounts of cash and valuables. There was never any discrepancy in my work. I always do the right thing, even when nobody is around to see my good decisions. What is most important to me is that I have a good reputation, and my employer views me as an employee who is trustworthy and honest." Here is an entry level answer example: "To me, integrity means choosing to do what is right, even when nobody is watching. While attending college, I had the opportunity to cheat numerous times through test answer keys and plagiarized work. I always refused to take this route. I felt that in addition to cheating my school, I would also be denying myself the opportunity to learn everything that I could. You can rest assured that I would do everything with the utmost integrity, should I be hired here."24. Break down for me the responsibilities of a security guard. The interviewer would like to see that you have a full understanding of the job requirements and that you can meet the demands present in this role. Take a minute to walk the interviewer through some of the critical responsibilities of this security guard role. Be sure to express your interest in the job or company, and showcase how your top qualities make you the best fit for the opportunity, based on these responsibilities. Here is an answer example: "From my understanding of the job description, the primary duties in this role include patrolling the premises by car and on foot, ensuring that everything is secure. I would also be responsible for regular surveillance monitoring duties, inspecting buildings, and permitting entry only to those with the proper pass and identification. I am confident in my ability to meet these responsibilities with the utmost work ethic. I have trained in surveillance monitoring and equipment troubleshooting. I have a keen eye and strong attention to detail." Here is an entry level answer example: "I took a lot of time to read through the role description, ensuring that I had a full understanding of the job expectations before interviewing with you today. The main responsibilities include assisting when alarms sound, preventing loss and damage of retail products, informing violators of their rights, and restraining them until the proper authorities arrive. I would be responsible for documentation and making reports as well as maintaining a safe environment for all shoppers. I am attentive and alert, which are qualities needed for a security position such as this one."25. Do you have experience working large events with crowds of people? A part of your role as a security guard may be to work around large groups of people, ensuring that everyone remains safe in a crowded environment. If you have experience working events security, take a few moments to walk the interviewer through these experiences, being sure to describe your responsibilities and involvement thoroughly. If you do not have event experience, take some time to discuss what you understand the duties to be in that type of scenario. Here is an answer example: "Working special events and being the security for an event that is occurring in a large space requires an extra amount of awareness and customer service. I have worked many events in a security role and am most successful when I have an approachable attitude with a focus on safety for the public. I can help the event run smoothly by ensuring that I check for illegal alcohol or drug consumption. I can break up large crowds that may appear to be a threat, and do thorough bag and ticket checks as needed. I am comfortable working around large groups of people with diverse needs and backgrounds." Here is an entry level answer example: "Although I have not performed event security work, I am confident that my personality and training would be the right fit for situations where extra care and attention is needed. Special events may include concerts or sporting events that attract illegal activities, theft, and even terrorist action. It would be imperative that I remain keen, alert, and understand the potential security threats that may be present."26. Do people see you as a trustworthy and honest individual? Of course, as a security professional, you must be reliable and trustworthy. The interviewer would like to know if this is how people closest to you view your character and work ethic. It is easy to say that you are trustworthy and honest, but it's best if you can back it up with a review or words from a previous supervisor. Here is an answer example: "My coworkers and employers often say that I am an honest and trustworthy individual. You will receive this positive feedback when you call my references. Honesty and trustworthiness are fundamental virtues." Here is an entry level answer example: "My friends and family rely on me heavily because I am trustworthy and honest. They can count on me to be straightforward with them and depend on me to be there when it matters most."27. Do you have experience as an armed guard? How do you feel about working in an armed security role? To work as an armed guard, you will need additional training and security clearances. The requirements for armed guards change from region to region; however, the basics include: - Possessing a high school diploma or GED - The ability to pass a drug test - Legal citizenship - No felony convictions - Completed weapons training - First Aid and CPR training - Being 'of age' in your region - Holding appropriate permits and licenses - Some criminal justice knowledge If you are applying to a role as an armed guard, and you have the requirements, show the interviewer that you can meet their requirements. If you are aiming to land a position as an armed guard, but still require additional training or certifications, discuss what you need to complete to be eligible. Some employers may help you to obtain what you need to grow into an armed security role. Here is an answer example: "I am currently completing some of the state requirements in order to be eligible for armed security work. So far, I have gathered records of my clean background and criminal checks. I have completed firearms training and am currently finishing up my CPR course. Are there any other requirements from your organization that I should be aware of?" Here is an entry level answer example: "I am new to my career as a security guard and, although being an armed guard is a future goal of mine, I have not yet taken steps such as firearm training, or gaining any permits and licenses. Do you offer training to get me there, down the road?"28. Are you able to work independently, with little supervision? A lot of security work is independent by nature, and the interviewer would like to know that you can handle the responsibility of working autonomously. As a security guard, you may be patrolling premises in the evening, watching live surveillance footage, guarding the entrances to a building with limited access, and more. Many of these tasks can be done independently and with little supervision. Take the time to assure the interviewer that you can be trusted to deliver your most excellent performance, with or without supervision. Here is an answer example: "In my current job I work by myself about 75% of the time, with absolutely no issue. My supervisor often comments on how he appreciates my ability to stay alert and motivated, even on quieter night shifts where I am working alone. I am not one to twiddle my thumbs or be bored. There is always something to check out, watch, and look after. You can rest assured that I would work very hard no matter the level of supervision." Here is an entry level answer example: "I have always held jobs where I work independently, and even a couple of temporary assignments that required me to work from a home office. I learned a lot about self-discipline during my post-secondary studies, and now I apply this discipline to my work, no matter who is around."29. How important is being on time or early for work, to you? Timeliness is everything, especially in a role where there may be shift work and other people depending on you to arrive at work on time. Assure the interviewer that you are a reliable employee who shows up on time and respects the needs of others. If you have a work history, you can mention the ways that you show your employer and teammates that they can rely on you. If you are new to your career, you can use school, sports, or volunteer work as your example. Here is an answer example: "My father always told me that if you are not 10 minutes early, you are late. I have lived by that adage most of my career. I am proud to say that I am reliable, trustworthy, and see value in showing up for others in a capacity that exceeds their expectations." Here is an entry level answer example: "It is imperative to be on time for my commitments. Whether that be work, school, or when I volunteer for the animal shelter, I plan my days well and leave my house early, so there are no surprises."30. With which industries do you have the most security experience? There are a plethora of industries who utilize security guards, including industrial, construction, healthcare, automobile dealerships, educational facilities, shopping malls, event venues, and more. Take a few minutes to walk the interviewer through the type of security work you have performed. If you are new to your career, with no security experience, make sure to ask some questions regarding the opportunities available to you in this role. Here is an answer example: "I have worked in security for ten years; primarily on assignments for retail stores and shopping malls. I have extensive training in crowd management, theft prevention, and surveillance. With that said, I have some experiences with events management as well. Do my industry experiences align well with what you are seeking?" Here is an entry level answer example: "I read on your website that you specialize in providing third-party security services for large-scale events such as sporting events, conferences, concerts, and more. I have not worked security before; however, I have a great instinct and understand the type of coverage needed in an environment where there are large crowds of people and a lot of activity. I look forward to learning more from you on where you think my skill set would best fit."