Security Guard Interview Questions & Answers

Download PDF

I am proud to say that I assisted in devising an alarm system that works with body heat sensors. I was the prime source of information and feedback for this project

I am not temperamental by nature but there are times when even the most docile of people lose their tempers. Especially in a setting where law enforcement is involved. It might seem a bit childish but counting from one to ten takes the edge out of my behavior like a charm!

Ans. It is not too difficult when you are already rested during the day. I usually ask my employer to provide me with a day off in between so I can manage my sleep cycle well.

Yes! I am adept at using computers and CCTV Camera programs. I am also a good user of MS Word, Excel, Windows, Internet and email.

While California law requires that all employed security guards have a valid Guard Card, having other relevant certifications may increase your chances of getting hired. Be sure to mention any additional training courses you have completed, such as a 2 Year First Aid Certification or a Chemical Agent / Pepper Spray Certification.

Security guards can practice law up to a certain limit. After that, it is up to the authorities to take over. While I know exactly how to look for and catch suspicious individuals or investigate thefts, it is not up to me to keep someone under lock and key. This is where I ask for external assistance.

It’s a pretty tough question on the beginning. To be honest, there isn’t anything special about a position of a security guard… That’s why the best thing you can do is to simply tell the employer that you have all the predispositions for this job and would like to have it.

If you found out a fellow security guard was accessing information he shouldn't be, but in your opinion it was important information, what would you do?

Imagine you have been called to handle an emergency on the 10th floor of a building, but six guests are waiting to be checked in at the front desk. It's late at night and you are momentarily alone at the front desk. What would you do?

If you are working at an event where there is a large, rowdy crowd, what steps could you take to make sure the event does not become chaotic or dangerous?

Depending on the environment that a security guard is hired in, they patrol commercial and residential buildings to ensure that there is no sign of nefarious activities, and ensure the general safety and wellbeing of the residents in the assigned community.

The main duty is to keep all the customers and employees safe and secure.

I must admit that it was hard to control my temper at times especially when I know that someone has been wronged. Fortunately, I have been trained to deal with hectic situations rationally rather than emotionally.

There can be a multitude of answers to this particular question and it’s up to you to make it sound plausibly acceptable to your potential new employer. Maybe you went redundant, if so don’t make it sound like your desperate and went for the first job that came along. Perhaps you are looking for a fresh start in a new role and you believe that a career in security matches your personality and strengths.

The key to making a community or premises as secure as possible is to make sure that a vigilant eye is kept on surroundings.

I am sure that I was successful. I have dreamt to work for your company and I can do anything to make my dream become true. And I am really interested in this job, for my passion not for money.

The answer is simple enough. No situation is worthy of using arms unless it is to save a life.

There was this incident when things kept disappearing from the store and since the scanners never showed anything untoward as far as customers were concerned, I had no choice but to focus on the staff. It so happened that a custodian was sneaking things out after hours which I figured out after a lot of detective work!

Security guards are sometimes put in uncomfortable or dangerous circumstances while on the clock. But instead of reacting negatively to the issues at hand (like demonstrating frustration or fear), it’s important to maintain your composure and follow the best course of action to alleviate the situation. If you can’t provide an example from previous security experience, think about other instances you’ve faced at work that required immediate action or strong problem-solving skills, so that you can still answer this question.

Vigilance, visibility and observation are the three main things that security guard should ensure if he wants to be successful in preventing theft.

I have acquired various security related skills via training and hands-on experiences. These include; surveillance setup and monitoring, metal screening, incident report writing, police dispatch protocols, fire extinguisher handling, parking management, and security alarms/cameras handling.

If you have any experience, this is an easy question. However if you do not have any experience in security, you should simply tell that you feel ready for this job and that you are sure you will handle it without any problems.

☛ Explain how you would be an asset to this organization?
☛ Tell me about a suggestion you have made?
☛ Why do you think you would do well at this job?
☛ What irritates you about co-workers?
☛ What is more important to you: the money or the work?
☛ What kind of person would you refuse to work with?
☛ What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is?
☛ Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor?
☛ Tell me about your ability to work under pressure?
☛ Explain what has disappointed you most about a previous job?
☛ What motivates you to do your best on the job?
☛ Do your skills match this job or another job more closely?
☛ How would you know you were successful on this job?
☛ Would you be willing to relocate if required?
☛ Are you willing to put the interests of the organization ahead of your own?
☛ Describe your management style?
☛ What have you learned from mistakes on the job?
☛ Do you have any blind spots?
☛ If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for?
☛ Do you think you are overqualified for this position?
☛ How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience?
☛ What qualities do you look for in a boss?
☛ Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a dispute between others.
☛ What position do you prefer on a team working on a project?
☛ What has been your biggest professional disappointment?
☛ Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job.
☛ What are the most difficult decisions to make?
☛ Give some examples of teamwork?
☛ Do you prefer to work Independently or on a team?
☛ How would you describe your work style?
☛ Describe a typical work week?
☛ How Will Your Greatest Strength Help You Perform?
☛ Describe a time when your workload was heavy?
☛ How will you achieve your goals?
☛ What can you contribute to the company?
☛ What challenges are you looking for?
☛ Who was your best boss?
☛ Have you ever had difficulty working with a manager?
☛ What were your starting and final levels of compensation?
☛ How do you deal with conflict?
☛ How would you tackle the first 90 days?
☛ Tell me about a time you faced an ethical dilemma?
☛ What did you like or dislike about your previous job?
☛ What was the biggest accomplishment in this position?
☛ What negative thing would your last boss say about you?
☛ Give me an example of a time when you had to think out of the box?
☛ Tell me about your proudest achievement?
☛ Tell me about a project you worked on that required heavy analytical thinking?
☛ Tell me about a time when you failed?
☛ Do you have any questions for me?

☛ Tell me about yourself?
☛ What are your biggest strengths?
☛ Why did you leave your last job?
☛ What are your career goals?
☛ Why do you want to work here?
☛ What is your greatest weakness?
☛ What do co-workers say about you?
☛ Are you applying for other jobs?
☛ Security Guard Interview Question number 9: What do you know about our organization?
☛ What kind of salary are you looking for?
☛ How long would you expect to work for us if hired?
☛ Do you know anyone who works for us?
☛ Why should we hire you?
☛ What Is Your Dream Job?
☛ What are you looking for in a job?
☛ Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? Weekends?
☛ What experience do you have in this field? or Do you have any actual work experience?
☛ Do you consider yourself successful?
☛ What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?
☛ Describe your work ethic?
☛ Are you a team player?
☛ Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that?
☛ What is your philosophy towards work?
☛ If you had enough money to retire right now, would you?
☛ Have you ever been asked to leave a position?

Once I received an emergency call from the fifth floor while I was at the reception checking delegates of an important conference. Security staff was short and there was no one to attend the reception in my absence. I responded to the situation effectively by initiating a lock down on the ground and fifth floor and updating the security sergeant regarding the situation immediately while on my way to the fifth floor.

I have been trained in setting up and monitoring surveillance equipment and I take an active part in managing this from scratch wherever I work so that I know what to expect from a certain situation.

Mentioned your knowledge of CCTV camera programs here.