questions asked in a security guard interview | Security Guard Jobs

How do you handle escalated situation with a person in your facility or in parking lot?

This question is asked to assess your people skills, especially when handling a difficult customer. Alternate Questions: Tell me a time when you have had to work around difficult people and how did you overcome it? Possible Answer 1:Parking is one area where people regularly lose their tempers, and fender benders happen. Things can get ugly if one person feels the other one cut them off. Seasonal sales like Black Friday and Boxing Day Sales also can lead to many people jostling to be the first one in, and so tempers get lost and fights happen. As store security, our job can be quite difficult during these days. We have to be prepared, be firm and be steady. Even when a customer is rude or pushing and shoving, we have to maintain decorum. You need to have phenomenal self-control to stay calm and to not give in to your anger or frustration, as the slightest sign that…

Recall a time where you provided excellent customer service or worked as a team.

This question is asked to see how resourceful you can be. Possible Answer 1:I was manning the front desk one day, when a distressed young lady hurried in, looking for her toddler. She said she was looking at a window display when she lost her grip on her son, and he just disappeared. She was all shaken up and was on the verge of a breakdown. I got one of our waitresses from the coffee shop to serve her some coffee and keep her company, while I went looking for the boy, armed with her description. In a few minutes I found him glued to the TV in an electronic store, a few doors down. When I brought little Eric back to his Mom, she was so grateful, uncontrollable tears started flowing from eyes. Since then, every year she sends us a Christmas card. When the lady just came in and reported the incident, I had a…

What would you do if someone threatened to attack a person in front of you?

This question is meant to assess your aptitude for the job. Possible Answer 1:I would immediately raise an alarm by dialing 911; then I would try to diffuse the situation by trying to talk to the perpetrator calmly and by keeping him engaged, while maintaining eye contact. It can be difficult for a person to do something illegal or unlawful while looking another person in the eye, and that is why many criminologists and hostage-negotiators recommend not losing contact with the perpetrator. If the potential attacker has a weapon like a knife or a gun, more decisive action is called for, where I would have to step in and disarm him. Possible Answer 2:If the potential attacker seems agitated at all or frightened, then it might be difficult to reach him or reason with him. In most cases, a truly desperate man, who thinks he has nothing to lose, might react very badly to perceived threats, thereby…

Have you ever been arrested?

This question is meant to ascertain your background. Be honest in case of any brushes with the law. Possible Answer 1: No, I have not. As an Eagle Scout, I know the importance of following rules. Possible Answer 2: No, as a member of the police force, I have always been on the right side of the law. I’ve gotten a couple of traffic tickets when I was in college, and I paid the tickets. That is the extent of my legal problems. Possible Answer 3: I do not have any outstanding arrest record. However, long time back, when I was about 17, I took my sister’s car for a joy ride.. Though I was arrested during the incident, I was only sentenced to 100 hours of community service only and did not have to serve any time. It was a youthful indiscretion on my part and a lesson well learnt. After this incident I’ve always erred…

Tell us why have left your former employers / want to leave them?

Alternate Questions: Why haven’t you stayed in one company? Why have you changed jobs frequently? This question will show your prospective employer your commitment to your job. Be honest and say it as you sincerely feel. Possible Answer 1: As you can see from my resume, I’ve been working as a customer support agent in XYZ Company for the past five years. During this time I have taken advantage of opportunities to improve my skills set – I have been trained in First Aid Courses, Security, HR, Accounts and Supply Chain Management. My current employer is now outsourcing their customer support to India and has given us two months’ notice to find another employment. This time I wanted to find a job that will not be outsourced. Possible Answer 2: I have always been interested in travelling. So I have worked many jobs in many places, that I could experience living in different parts of the country.…

What separates you from others interviewing for this position?

Alternate Questions: What makes you more qualified than the other candidates? Why should we hire you? How would you benefit this company? Why do you want to be a security guard? This query is meant to showcase your strengths and weaknesses, as you perceive; and to highlight your special qualities or abilities that you bring to the job. If you are experienced, you can point out factors that will help you. Possible Answer 1: If you have no experience: you can say that you are eager to prove yourself in the job, and grow with the company, building a career. Do highlight any sports, martial arts training which will help you. Possible Answer 2: I am a veteran of the U S Army Reserve. I have keen observation skills, can judge any situation in seconds and act accordingly to diffuse dangerous situations. The security guard is the first line of defense in case of a mishap or…

What type of situations do you think will occur in a Security Guard job?

This question will show your understanding of the nature of the job to your interviewer. Be frank, succinct and if you have any questions, ask them. Possible Answer: As a major shopping destination in the neighborhood, I expect that most of the time I will be called upon to help the elderly, look for missing young children or maybe chase a few shoplifters. However, the threat of violence can never be ruled out. Our only option is to stay vigilant and avoid/avert any such incidents. For that to work, the security guard has to be proactive and not take any chances. When something looks suspicious or out of the ordinary, the security guard has to check it out professionally. I always try my the best not to offend a customer. A sincere smile while trying to check the suspect, telling them that this is just part of my routine procedure has always helped me as well as…

Are you flexible enough to come to work in case of a two hour notice?

Alternate Questions: Are you able to work overnights? Can you work on weekends, late hours? Are you flexible enough to come to work in a short notice? For example can you come to work in two hours notice? Will you be here when needed? This is to verify your availability and to check out any other commitments or calls on your time. If you have a sick parent or a child who needs care, tell them now. Possible Answer 1: I am looking to build a career in security, especially given the threats we face from many quarters. I am keen to grow within the company, and so can make myself available as and when needed, as my job is my first priority. I will be available to work on short notice, late hours and on weekends, as required by the job. Possible Answer 2: Yes, I can when I don’t have my 8-year old daughter staying…

Have you completed any kind of military service?

This question is to assess your suitability for the job of security guard. Candidates with no relevant experience Possible Answer 1: I have thought about enrolling, but my parents wanted me to finish at least the community college. And when I got my associate degree, I got busy with my jobs. However, I know First Aid and am also a volunteer fire fighter. Candidates with relevant experience Possible Answer 2: As a veteran of the US Army Reserve, I have completed three years in active duty before opting for the reserve component, in order to stay with my family. Read more Security Guard Interview Questions

How do you handle stress?

Alternate Question: Do you have anger issues? If so, how do you deal with them? How do you control your temper in difficult situations? Possible Answer 1: I practice martial arts, which helps me to manage my anger, frustrations and stress. I think this will be very helpful when dealing with stressful situations in the public. It has helped to keep my cool and not lose my head in many challenging situations (you can give a specific example here). I also spend weekends doing something fun with my wife and children, which helps me to maintain my balance and focus on what is important and to ignore the minor annoyances. Possible Answer 2: I meditate regularly; it keeps me calm even under extremely stressful situations. I play team sports like football or (any other sports you play) with my mates whenever I can spare the time, which helps me alleviate any aggravation I might be feeling or…