How to Answer: As a Security Manager, you will be leading a team of other security professionals. Tell me about your leadership experience and approach.
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Security Manager job interview.
33. As a Security Manager, you will be leading a team of other security professionals. Tell me about your leadership experience and approach.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Whether you are in a position of leadership or not, you influence others in the workplace. Perhaps you are a strong leader with a desire to impact others positively, or maybe it makes you uncomfortable to talk about leadership because you don't see yourself in that light.
To work successfully as a Security Manager, you should have precision and knowledge in various topics, including leadership. Maybe you have managed a large team in the past or guided one or two colleagues in an informal setting. Either way, the interviewer wants to hear about your leadership experience and approach to determine if you will be a good fit for their team.
Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Think of how you have acted as a leader and been a positive influence in the past. You may talk about how you show up to work on time and remain positive during stressful events or how you took the initiative to solve a problem. Focus on your leadership opportunities in the past and how you have successfully led others with your approach.
Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022
What to Avoid
Even if you do not have leadership experience in the workplace, avoid saying you have never used leadership skills. You must have led others at some point in your life, even if you did not view it as such. You can use an example of coaching a sports team, being elected class president, or leading a group project in college. The interviewer wants to know that you will not have an issue leading a team of security professionals.
Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"As a team leader, I've supervised teams as large as twelve. I lead by example. I demonstrate the work ethic that I expect from my team members. For instance, I'm consistently 15 minutes early; it is better for me to wait for someone than to have someone wait on me. I'm also thorough, consistent, and firm with everyone because I need them to enforce the rules just as firmly. While I take responsibility for my team, I also make sure that they understand that they need to take responsibility for themselves. I make sure everyone understands that I'm here to help them succeed and make them look good."
Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022
Answer Example
"I learned a lot about leadership from my education, employment, and volunteer experiences. I have shown a natural leadership ability most of my adult life, and I approach others with respect while being aware of the importance of clear communication. While attending college, I joined the student council and worked as a volunteer tutor. After graduation, I joined the local police department as an auxiliary officer. This experience taught me a lot about leadership in the community and the value of serving and protecting others. As a team leader, I've supervised teams as large as twelve, and as a manager, I've been responsible for up to 120 security personnel. Regardless of the team size, I always lead by example. I demonstrate the work ethic that I expect my team members to possess. For instance, I always show up 15 minutes early for anything, since I believe it's better to wait for someone than to have someone wait on me. I'm also very thorough and consistent and set clear expectations. While I take responsibility for my team, I also make sure that they understand the need to take responsibility for themselves. In my opinion, these are the acts of a strong leader."
Written by Krista Wenz on February 24th, 2022