Top Security Guard Interview Questions and Answers

Employers look for trustworthy persons and adhere to security regulations when recruiting security guards. Suppose you're seeking a security guard position. In that case, you should demonstrate to employers that you have the conflict-resolution skills and safety knowledge to keep their personnel, facilities, and equipment safe and secure.

An interview for a security job is one opportunity to demonstrate these talents, so it's crucial to prepare ahead of time to show companies you're a competent candidate.

What is a security guard or security personnel?

Security guards usually perform the following tasks:

• Protect and enforce laws on an employer's property.
• Monitor alarms and closed-circuit television cameras.
• Control access for employees, visitors, and outside contractors.
• Conduct security checks over a specific area.
• Write detailed reports outlining what they saw while on patrol.
• Interview witnesses for later court testimony.
• Detain criminal violators.

Throughout their shift, guards must remain vigilant, looking for anything out of the norm. Guards may request police, fire, or ambulance help in the event of an emergency. It's possible that some security guards are armed.

General security guard interview questions.

These common security interview questions might help an employer discover more about your personality and motivation for the job:

• Tell me about yourself in a few words.
• What would your former boss say about you?
• Do you consider yourself to be a person who pays attention?
• Outside of work, what are your interests and hobbies?
• What piques your interest in this position?
• What are your security guard career objectives?
• Describe your past security guard experience.
• What qualifications do you have for this position?
• What do you enjoy most about working as a security guard?
• What aspect of security guarding is your least favorite?
• What would you do if you didn't have to work?
• How at ease are you with being alone on the premises late at night?
• Is it possible for you to work night shifts predominantly?

Questions about your background and experience.

These questions can assist an employer in deciding whether or not you have the necessary expertise and background for a security position:

• As a security guard, what industries have you worked in?
• Please describe your tasks in your previous security position.
• What past experiences have you had that have prepared you for this role?
• As a security officer, what is your biggest strength?
• As a security officer, what is your biggest flaw?
• Describe how you've dealt with various security systems.
• Do you have any medical or CPR experience?
• How can you ensure the safety of your visitors and employees?
• What methods do you usually employ to keep huge groups under control?
• During a shift, how do you keep aware and attentive?
• Have you ever had to cope with an unruly visitor? In this case, what did you do?

Detailed interview questions

These detailed questions allow an employer to learn more about your abilities and credentials as a security guard or officer:

• What has been the most challenging circumstance you've faced as a security guard? How did you deal with it?
• What methods do you employ to de-escalate high-stress situations?
• What methods would you utilize to safeguard our facilities, employees, and yourself?
• What would you do if you were a victim of theft or vandalism?
• What would you do if an intruder broke into the institution?
• What would you do if a friend sought to get access to the building without the correct credentials?
• Have you ever had to intervene to save someone's life?
• What would you do if there was a security breach and the facility was short-staffed?
• What would you do if you saw one of your coworkers slacking off on the job?
• Describe a situation where you had to collaborate with others to solve a security issue.
• Describe a problem in which you had to work with the police.

Security guard interview questions and answers

Here are some advice and sample replies you may use as inspiration while preparing for your interview, based on the questions above:

What would your former boss say about you?

An interviewer may inquire about your prior employer's connection with you. This inquiry can also help them figure out what type of employee you are and if you'd be a good match for their organization. If you had a strong working connection with your prior employer, reconnect with them and inquire what their impressions of you as an employee. Consider how they would define you based on the value you gave to their organization if you aren't as close to them or don't have time to reach out.

Example

"My manager was sad to see me go when I left my prior firm," for example. They expressed their gratitude for my time with the organization on my last day of work, saying they'd never had a more dedicated security officer. I believe they would describe me as someone who is committed to her work and prepared to go above and beyond during hectic periods."

As a security officer, what is your biggest strength?

This question allows interviewers to learn more about your perspective as a candidate. They seek someone confident in their relevant talents and their ability to manage this position efficiently. Consider what you do well as a security officer to develop an effective response. Examine your abilities to see which ones assist you in maintaining a safe and secure environment.

Example

"As a security officer, my ability to follow protocols is my biggest skill." I've been attentive in understanding the policies of each organization I've worked for in the past. Similarly, as a security officer, I completed a criminal justice course to understand my rights. At all times, I want to be sure that I am following the company's regulations and the law. I frequently go over the employee handbook during my free time and consider what I would do in certain circumstances. I can assist make this a safe atmosphere for everyone by being prepared and understanding the rules."

What would you do if you saw one of your coworkers slacking off on the job?

You and your coworkers, as security guards or policemen, are going to have a lot of downtime. This is especially true for police who work shifts in the wee hours of the morning or late at night. Employers ask this question to ensure that you are responsible during working hours and that you can persuade others to stay on track. Try to be upbeat in your response and demonstrate how calmly and peacefully settle the matter. For example, you may state that you would remind your coworker of corporate regulations to urge them to return to work.

Example

"If I spotted a coworker not performing their job, the first thing I would do is calmly talk to them about it." I'd tell them that the facility's safety is our duty and that we must remain vigilant at all times. If their conduct persisted, I would consult the employee handbook to understand how to handle similar situations. For example, in my last company, the rules stated that acts should be reported to management, which I would do if a colleague's work ethic became an issue."

Describe a situation in which you had to collaborate with others to solve a security issue.

Many locations and facilities, especially for major events, require a security crew. This question allows the interviewer to see if you've worked successfully with others before. Demonstrate to the interviewer that you can effectively interact with coworkers and solve problems via collaboration by discussing a particular scenario in your career where working together results in a favorable outcome.

Example

"My prior security work was at a music venue," for example. Some people began to dance wildly at a rock performance. They appeared to be having a good time at first, but soon others began to grumble. My coworkers and I split off and communicated using our radios to alleviate the issue rapidly.

I stood on the balcony to identify the people causing the disruption and informed my coworkers of their whereabouts. Then they spoke to each individual and told them to come to a halt. The majority did, but we had to work together to take a few people out of the arena without disrupting other concertgoers. Everyone else was able to enjoy the rest of the show after that."

During a shift, how do you keep aware and attentive?

Some security jobs may demand you to work late shifts and for lengthy periods. Employers want to know that you have measures in place to stay awake and aware to accomplish your work efficiently. Consider how you regularly enhance your energy and keep focused while preparing your response, such as drinking coffee or moving around.

Example

"In my former employment, I usually made sure to boil a couple of cups of coffee before each shift because I am a big coffee user." I perform some jumping jacks or stretches to get my blood moving when I'm fatigued. I've discovered that short spurts of exercise assist me in staying awake and focused. Deep-breathing exercises have also helped me feel revitalized."

As a security guard, what industries have you worked in?

Controlling crowds at a music event is not the same as working as a night guard. Employers ask this inquiry to check whether you have any relevant security experience for the open position. Mention all of the industries in which you've worked, as well as any relevant experience you have in their field. If you don't have experience working in their particular type of security, talk to them about what transferable talents you have that you might use to this new position.

Example

"I worked as a bouncer at a nightclub for three years." Despite the fact that it had nothing to do with working at a music venue, I learned a lot of abilities that I could use for this job. For example, I learned how to manage people and keep a facility safe and organized. I also learned efficient conflict-resolution techniques that I might employ if audience members were obnoxious during a performance."

Have you ever had to intervene to save someone's life?

You might be able to save someone's life depending on the circumstances. Employers want to know if you've dealt with similar situations in the past. Tell us whether you've ever had to save someone's life in your answer. If you have, describe the measures you took to assist this individual; if not, talk about what you would do if this circumstance arose again.

Example

"A guest stopped breathing when I was working as a security officer at a theater." Fortunately, I had had CPR training and understood what to do. While I did CPR, I instructed my coworker to call an ambulance. When the medics arrived, I assisted them in carefully transferring the visitor to a stretcher, after which I proceeded to calm the other guests and dispel any worry. I subsequently received word from the hospital that the patient was in good health."

How do I prepare for a security guard interview?

Here are tips to prepare for a security guard job interview.

• Do you research about the facility.
• Have a reason for why you left your previous job.
• Prepare your resume in advance.
• Bring references with you.
• Remain calm during the interview.
• Dress according to the dress code.
• Show up on time.
• Practice with mock interviews.
• Display your strong personality.
• Ask questions.