Prepare for your Security Guard interview. Understand the required skills and qualifications, anticipate the questions you may be asked, and study well-prepared answers using our sample responses.
Security guards often need to work nights, weekends and holidays. Employers ask this question to make sure you are comfortable with this schedule and that it doesn’t conflict with any personal commitments you may have. In your answer, explain that you are willing to work these hours if needed. Explain that you understand these hours can be challenging, but you are willing to make the necessary adjustments.
Answer Example: "Yes, I am comfortable working nights, weekends and holidays. I understand that security guards often need to work these hours, and I am willing to do whatever is necessary to ensure the safety of the company’s assets. I am a hard worker who is dedicated to my job, so I am confident that I can handle any challenges that come my way."
This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your personality and how you view yourself. It’s important to be honest, but also highlight some of your strongest skills. When answering this question, think about what you’re best at as a security guard and how those skills can benefit the company.
Answer Example: "My greatest strength as a security guard is my attention to detail. I am always paying close attention to my surroundings, which helps me notice any unusual activity or suspicious behavior. This has helped me prevent many crimes from happening at the places I’ve worked. I also think that my ability to remain calm under pressure is another one of my strengths. When situations get stressful, I can stay focused and think logically to find solutions."
This question can help the interviewer understand how you would use your judgment and decision-making skills in a work environment. Use examples from your past experience to show that you can use discretion when necessary and report any wrongdoing to your supervisor.
Answer Example: "In my last position, I saw one of my coworkers stealing supplies from the warehouse where we stored our inventory. At first, I wasn’t sure if I should report them or not because we were friends outside of work. However, after thinking about it for a few days, I decided to tell my supervisor about what I saw. They investigated the situation and ended up firing the employee who was stealing."
Employers may ask this question to make sure you have the necessary skills and training to help someone who needs CPR. If you are not CPR certified, consider taking a class so you can answer yes to this question in your interview.
Answer Example: "Yes, I am CPR certified. I completed a basic CPR course at my local community center last year. In addition to learning how to perform CPR, we also discussed when it’s appropriate to use the technique and how to recognize when someone needs it. This knowledge has helped me in my previous jobs as a security guard, where I’ve had to use CPR on several occasions."
This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills and abilities they’re looking for in a security guard. Use your answer to highlight some of your most important qualities, such as attention to detail, communication skills and problem-solving ability.
Answer Example: "I believe the most important qualities for a security guard are honesty, integrity and reliability. A security guard needs to be someone who can be trusted to do their job well, and these three qualities show that they are someone who can be relied upon. Another important quality is being able to communicate effectively with others. A security guard needs to be able to speak with people in a way that makes them feel comfortable and safe. Finally, I think it’s important for security guards to be able to think quickly on their feet and solve problems effectively."
This question can help the interviewer determine how you would use your judgment in a security guard role. Use examples from your past experience to show that you can make smart decisions in these types of situations.
Answer Example: "In my last role as a security guard, I saw an employee stealing supplies from the warehouse. At first, I thought it was just someone taking supplies they needed for their job, but after watching them for several minutes, I realized they were taking much more than they needed. I approached them and asked what they were doing, and they confessed to stealing supplies. I reported them to my supervisor and they were fired."
This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle challenging situations and whether you have any experience handling them. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.
Answer Example: "The most challenging situation I’ve encountered as a security guard was when I was working an event where there was a large crowd of people. It was my job to keep the crowd from getting out of control, but there were so many people that it was hard to keep track of everyone. I had to use my communication skills to talk with other security guards and police officers in the area to make sure we were all on the same page. Together, we were able to control the crowd and keep everyone safe."
This question can help the interviewer determine how you respond to challenges and whether you have the judgment needed to succeed in this role. Use examples from previous jobs that highlight your problem-solving skills, critical thinking ability and decision-making prowess.
Answer Example: "In my last role as a security guard, I was patrolling an office building at night when I heard a noise coming from one of the offices. When I investigated, I found that someone had left their computer on overnight and it was still running. I knew immediately that this was a case of user error rather than an actual security threat, so I decided not to bother the employee until the next morning."
This question is a great way to test your decision-making skills and how you would react in a real-life situation. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe the steps you would take to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Answer Example: "If I saw someone entering a restricted area, my first course of action would be to ask them what they were doing there. If they did not have permission to be there, I would escort them out of the building immediately. If they refused to leave, I would call security headquarters for further instructions."
This question can help the interviewer determine how you would handle a situation that could impact the safety or well-being of others. Your answer should show that you are willing to report any suspicious activity, even if it involves an employee.
Answer Example: "I would first try to speak with the employee privately to see if there was an explanation for their behavior. If not, I would then report it to my supervisor so they could take action. I believe it’s important to be respectful of others’ privacy, but also aware of potential safety risks."
Security guards often work in high-stress environments. Employers ask this question to learn more about your ability to perform under pressure. In your answer, explain how you handle stressful situations. Share an example of a time when you were under pressure at work and how you overcame it.
Answer Example: "I am a very motivated person who loves to work. I find that when I’m under pressure, I work even harder to meet deadlines and complete tasks. In my last position, I was responsible for monitoring the building overnight. One night, I noticed someone trying to break into one of the offices. I alerted the police immediately and stayed with the employee until they arrived."
This question can help the interviewer determine your experience level and how it relates to the position you’re interviewing for. If you have previous experience working with security systems, share what you did in that role. If you don’t have any experience, explain any experience you have working with computers or technology in general.
Answer Example: "I’ve worked as a security guard for five years now, and during that time I’ve learned how to operate most common security systems. I’m familiar with how to use cameras and alarms, as well as how to set up different types of sensors. I also know how to set up different types of locks for buildings and doors. In my last position, I was responsible for maintaining all of these systems."
Security guards often work alone, but they may also work with other people. The interviewer wants to know if you can work well with others and how you handle yourself in a solo situation. Use your answer to highlight your teamwork skills and ability to work independently.
Answer Example: "I prefer to work alone when performing checks because it allows me to focus on my tasks without distraction. However, I understand that there are times when working alone isn’t possible, such as when there are multiple buildings to patrol or at night when it’s dark out. In these instances, I am willing to work with another person to ensure everyone gets their jobs done."
This question is a great way to test your problem-solving skills and ability to work as part of a team. When answering this question, it can be helpful to explain the steps you would take to improve response time and what tools you would use to do so.
Answer Example: "I believe that improving response time starts with proper planning. I would start by creating a detailed map of the facility that includes all possible emergency exits and escape routes. Next, I would train all security guards on their specific responsibilities during an emergency situation. Finally, I would make sure that all security guards are equipped with radios so they can communicate with each other during an emergency."
Security guards often need to respond to emergency situations. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the skills and experience needed to respond quickly and effectively. In your answer, explain what type of training you’ve had in first aid and emergency response. Share any specific skills you have that relate to these areas.
Answer Example: "I have completed a basic first aid course that covered how to treat minor injuries. I also have CPR certification, which means I am able to perform chest compressions and breaths in an emergency situation. In my last position, I was responsible for responding to all security emergencies within the building. This included responding to medical emergencies such as heart attacks and allergic reactions."
Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you feel you are suited for this role. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences that qualify you for this position. Focus on highlighting your most relevant skills and abilities while also mentioning any transferable skills you have.
Answer Example: "I believe I am an ideal candidate for this position because I have extensive experience working as a security guard. I have worked in the security industry for five years, during which time I have developed strong communication skills and problem-solving abilities. My experience has taught me how to effectively manage situations and respond quickly to emergencies."
This question can help the interviewer determine your approach to security checks and how you plan to perform them. Your answer should include a list of techniques you prefer using, along with an explanation as to why you prefer them.
Answer Example: "I believe that both visual and physical checks are important when performing security checks. Visual checks allow me to see if there are any suspicious items or people in the area, while physical checks allow me to touch objects to ensure they are safe. I also like to use alarms and sensors when possible because they can help me detect when someone enters a restricted area."
Customer service is an important part of any job, and security guards are no exception. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the skills and attitude necessary to provide excellent customer service. In your answer, explain what you think are the most important aspects of customer service for security guards. also, explain why these aspects are so important.
Answer Example: "I believe that security guards should always be friendly and polite with customers. It’s important to always smile and be willing to help someone if they need it. I also think it’s important to listen carefully to what customers are saying and answer their questions honestly. If a customer asks me a question, I always try to give them an honest answer."
Security guards are responsible for performing routine checks on their areas of responsibility. Employers ask this question to make sure you know what a routine check is and how often you should perform them. In your answer, explain what a routine check is and how often you perform them.
Answer Example: "I understand the importance of performing routine checks on my shift. I always make sure to check all entrances and exits for any signs of tampering or unauthorized entry. I also check all surveillance cameras regularly to ensure they’re working properly. In addition, I make sure to walk around my assigned area at least once every hour to check for any suspicious activity."
This question is a great way to test your decision-making skills and ability to work under pressure. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe the steps you would take to respond to the situation.
Answer Example: "I would first assess the situation to determine if it was an emergency. If so, I would call 911 immediately. If it wasn’t an emergency, I would try to calm the crowd down so they don’t get any closer to the incident. Then, I would ask someone who looks like they are in charge to come forward so I can get more information about what is happening. Once I have all the information, I will decide how to proceed."
