Several risks are prevalent in banks, hospitals, businesses, government buildings, and campuses. Who is a savior? Security guards assure safety by recognizing the risks and preventing hazardous incidents. Therefore, there is a great demand for security guards.
Interestingly, security guard jobs will grow to 15% by 2030. So if you are looking ahead to applying for a security guard role, you want to ensure your interview goes smoothly.
What is the best way to crack the interview questions for security guards? Employers always have an eye for individuals who are attentive and trustworthy to security processes. So, show how capable you are of keeping the firm’s facilities, employees, and equipment secure and safe with your safety and conflict resolution skills.
Want to know more about the security guard interview questions and answers?
This blog will give you an insight into the important questions for security guard interviews in 2023. So read and prepare well to beat your interview without any hassle.
List of Most Asked Security Guard Interview Questions & Answers
1. Why Does the Security Guard Role Interest You?
With my 4 years of experience as a security guard, I am skillful in maintaining safety. I am passionate to work for keeping a safe environment for people at companies, shopping premises, or schools. Besides that, I want to apply my expertise to enhance the safety of this firm.
2. Do You Prefer Working in a Team or Alone?
I am comfortable working both in a team setting and alone. I comprehend the significance of working independently. On the contrary, I know that sometimes it is important to collaborate with others. While working as a team, I strive to be a great listener and contribute my experience and ideas to reach a specific goal. I deem that teamwork can drive success more than personal efforts. I had several experiences working in teams, like managing a security team for a huge event or making safety protocols for a building.
3. How Would Your Last Employer Portray You?
When I resigned from my last company, my manager did not want me to leave. On my last working day, my team told me about my outstanding work, and they had never encountered such a dedicated security officer. I believe they would portray me as somebody passionate about the job who always goes the extra mile.
4. How Would You Respond if You Saw Someone Robbing a Store or Breaking Into a Car?
If I see somebody robbing a store or breaking into a car, my utmost priority is to ensure everyone is safe. I will examine the circumstance and call for help if needed. Based on the crime’s severity, I would face the perpetrator or contact local law enforcement. Whatever the case, I would stay calm while gathering the information regarding the incident.
5. What Would You Do if Your Coworker Was Not Doing Their Duty?
Once I see a coworker is not doing their duty, I would primarily talk to them about it. I would make them understand that the facility’s safety is our utmost responsibility, and we must always be conscious. Still, if their behavior does not improve, I would submit the employee handbook to study the process for such circumstances. For instance, in my previous job, I informed the management of such behaviors if a coworker’s work ethic did not align with the company.
6. How Do You Stay Attentive Throughout a Shift?
I brewed coffee before every shift in my last job. Then, if I am feeling exhausted, I do stretches or jumping jacks. Also, deep breathing exercises are helpful in building focus.
7. How Do You Manage Long-Duration Shifts?
I have experience working more than 24-hour shifts and know how to manage my schedule as my priority. Additionally, I maintain my physical health and rest properly before and after long-duration shifts.
8. Do You Have Experience in Holding Weapons?
I have great experience holding and comprehending how to use a gun but have never tried to pull it out. On top of that, I will never threaten people with any weapon and only use it if the circumstance is to save the life of another person or myself.
9. How Do You Control Huge Crowds?
I have worked in huge events focusing on giving proper attention to crowds. These experiences make me skillful in handling huge crowds for any risks. Also, I look forward to working with groups to maintain safety and order.
10. What Are Your Strengths as a Security Guard?
My greatest strength as a security guard is to follow all the processes. For all my previous security jobs, I took out time to study every company’s policy. Similarly, I underwent a criminal justice course to learn about my rights to be a security guard. I ensure that I follow every company rule and abide by the law every time. During my spare time, I review the employee handbook and think of different perspectives on what I could do in some circumstances. By knowing the rules, I can build a safe environment for everybody.
11. What Relevant Certifications Do You Have?
- I have CPR and First Aid certifications.
- I am self-defense trained.
- I hold a clean driving record and driver’s license.
- I have concluded my high school diploma.
12. Did You Have a Chance to Save Anybody’s Life?
While serving as a security guard at the theatre, a guest could not breathe. As I have trained in CPR, I knew how to proceed in such a case. First, I told my colleague to call an ambulance when I handled CPR. Then, as the medics came, I aided the guest in getting on a stretcher and calmed other guests. Later, I got the revert from the hospital that the guest was in good condition. As listed, most security guards required a valid first aid certification for their license, in Canada, they usually get a first aid and CPR course Windsor.
13. What Are the Duties of a Security Guard?
The security guard’s main role is to monitor the premises. The other foremost task is to assess surveillance and inspect. A security guard is essential for checking any violators or trespassers. It is an important position that will give a secure environment for all the staff.
14. What Qualities Must a Security Guard Have?
Security guards should have a swift reflex. This quality is a must, as they will identify if there are any signs of emergency or trespassing. Besides that, team player and analytical skills are the need of the hour for security guards even though they work individually. Also, communication skills are necessary for security guards.
15. Mention Your Everyday Routine as a Security Guard
On my usual routine, I assessed and monitored the premises. For example, I looked after the arrival and departure of workers and checked for any trespassers. Also, I examined intrusions or thefts and reported if any properties showed damage signs.
16. Briefly Mention Your Professional Experience
I abided by the role of a security guard at an apartment building. Besides looking after the residents, I took care of guarding the property. Once, there was a theft case during my tenure. Nevertheless, my team, and I, caught the culprit and protected the stolen property due to everybody’s fast revert to the emergency.
17. Give an Instance when You Solved a Complex Customer Issue
During my security guard job, I solved complex customer issues. For example, I worked at a retail store, and a customer was very upset with his product.
The customer was shouting and creating a scene, and I approached him and asked him if we could discuss the matter privately. I listened to his issues and clarified why the product did not fulfill his expectations. After discussion, I fully refunded him and apologized for the trouble. Eventually, the customer calmed down and accepted the offer.
This experience built patience and understanding in me while handling tough customers. Also, it made me capable of bringing ground-breaking solutions to complex situations. These skills will be beneficial in this position too.
18. If a Customer Approaches You and Asks a Question About Something You Are Unaware Of, How Will You Manage the Situation?
When a customer asks a question I don’t know about, I manage it professionally. First, I listen to it properly and acknowledge that I comprehend what they ask. Afterward, I apologized as I did not know the answer and convince that I would find out the solution as soon as possible. Ultimately, I put rigorous efforts into getting the correct answer by researching it or consulting the skilled staff members.
19. What Would Be Your Take if You Saw Any of Your Coworkers Engaged in Illegal or Suspicious Activity?
Once I see any of my coworkers engaged in illegal or suspicious activity, I will take strict action. First, I would scrutinize the circumstance and identify if it was a safety risk to myself or anybody else. If yes, I will have a backup ready and alert all the authorities. Otherwise, I would tackle the coworker and explain his unacceptable behavior. In addition, I would document the incident comprehensively and report it immediately to my supervisor. Being a security guard, I know the significance of taking quick action in such cases. It is essential that we step toward a secure and safe environment.
20. Are You Having Any Questions Regarding the Company or The Position?
Yes. First, what training opportunities will be there for me as a security guard? Secondly, can you tell me in-depth about your company’s security protocols? Thirdly, how does the security guard position align with the overall security strategy of the firm?
Final Thoughts
Once your profile is shortlisted, you should prepare for interview questions for a security guard to get your desired job. What must you keep in mind? Always answer confidently about how your previous experience built your skills. For example, you must address how you managed security threats, difficult circumstances, long-duration shifts, and stayed motivated during downtime.
Other than that, you must also state how you utilize teamwork and problem-solving skills to keep a safe environment for everybody. What else? You must convey how as a team player, you have skills in conflict resolution.
What is the most important before heading for the security guard interview questions and answers session? First, do in-depth research on the firm and go through the duties of the security guards. Then, prepare a strong reason why you are the right fit for the security guard role.
We wish you good luck with your security guard interview and hope you get to attain the security guard designation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Three Kinds of Security Guards?
The three kinds of security guards are as follows:
- In-House Security Guards: Companies hire in-house security guards.
- Government Contract Security Guards: The government hires government contract security guards who carry weapons and are trained.
- Contract Security Guards: Contractual company hires contract security guards.
What is the Objective of Security?
The main motive of security is to stop crime against property, persons, and proprietary information. In addition, security gives a safe environment for people to carry out their everyday routines without fear. Thus, security guards are essential to keep people safe.
What is the Primary Rule of a Security Guard?
The primary rule of a security guard is to maintain proper physical shape and stay fit, which will aid in facing any threat with utmost strength.
Do Security Guards Need to Report Daily?
Security reports can be given for every shift daily based on management requirements. In addition, incident reports will be given for any security violations. These violations can be property loss, criminal activity, or any incident on the property. Further, electronic reports will be handed over to the clients.
