When applying for security guard jobs, you must be prepared for interviews with hiring managers. These interviews assess your suitability for the job, both in experience and as a cultural fit within the company.
While all interviews differ, you can still prepare for certain questions to help you make a great impression.
This guide outlines common security guard interview questions, why they’re asked, and how to properly answer them, giving you a competitive edge and boosting employers’ confidence in your ability to perform the role you’re applying for.
Security Guard Interview Questions to Expect
- Why did you choose to pursue a career in security?
- What do you think are the most important qualities for a security guard to have?
- How have you improved or honed your skills as a security guard?
- What steps do you take to stay alert and focused during long shifts?
- How do you handle high-pressure situations?
- How would you handle dealing with intoxicated individuals?
- How would you maintain your physical fitness for the job?
- What is the importance of customer service in a security role?
- What is your main weakness as a security guard?
- How do you stay updated with the latest security protocols and procedures?
1. Why Did You Choose to Pursue a Career in Security?
How to Answer
Employers ask this question to understand your motivation and commitment to the security industry, as some security roles can be highly demanding or challenging.
They want to know if you’re passionate about the job and if you’re prepared for its responsibilities. Your answer should convey your genuine interest in the role and how your skills or experiences have encouraged you to pursue this career.
Example
“I chose to pursue a career in security because I’m passionate about ensuring the safety of others and making a positive impact in my community. I have always been detail-oriented and level-headed in stressful situations, making security work a natural fit. I’m committed to maintaining safety and order, and it’s rewarding to know my role contributes to a secure environment for everyone around me.”
2. What Do You Think Are the Most Important Qualities for a Security Guard to Have?
How to Answer
Employers ask this question to assess your understanding of the role and to see if you recognize the key qualities that contribute to success in the position.
They’ll evaluate whether your values align with the expectations of the security role and the company, so make sure your answer gives insight into key qualities and skills of security guards and why they’re important.
Example
“I believe the most important qualities for a security guard are vigilance, integrity, and communication skills. Vigilance helps in spotting potential threats early, integrity ensures ethical decision-making, and strong communication facilitates coordination and teamwork.”
3. How Have You Improved or Honed Your Skills as a Security Guard?
How to Answer
Particularly if you do not have any prior experience as a security guard, you’ll need to prove that you’re dedicated to learning and have the necessary skills to be a valuable employee. Through this question, employers are assessing any transferable skills and the effort you’ve made to develop them.
Example
“Although I don’t have prior experience as a security guard, I’ve worked hard to improve certain skills through training and personal development. I’ve completed online courses in areas like conflict resolution, public relations, and access control. I’ve also gained experience managing difficult situations and communicating with public members through previous customer service roles.”
4. What Steps Do You Take to Stay Alert and Focused During Long Shifts?
How to Answer
Some security guard roles require long hours or patrols or posted shifts, where you’ll have to be constantly alert. Employers want to know that you can remain awake during these shifts, so your answer should include techniques you use to manage tiredness and boredom.
Example
“I make sure to get enough rest before my shift and stay hydrated throughout. If at a post, I’ll do regular stretches or small bursts of exercise, which will help me stay alert and engaged as I monitor the surrounding environment.”
5. How Do You Handle High-Pressure Situations?
How to Answer
In security roles, unexpected high-pressure situations, such as emergencies or conflicts, may arise. This question assesses whether you know how to stay calm, think critically, follow procedures, and take appropriate action under stress.
Example
“In high-pressure situations, I direct all my focus to the facts and relevant protocols. I prioritize safety and clearly communicate with my team to respond appropriately to resolve any issues. The entire time, I try to maintain a positive mindset to keep my composure.”
6. How Would You Handle Dealing with Intoxicated Individuals?
How to Answer
Security guards may need to interact with intoxicated individuals who are more prone to being violent and careless, becoming a danger to themselves and others. Employers want to know that you can manage difficult situations without escalating them and ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Example
“I would assess the level of intoxication and try to de-escalate the situation by speaking calmly and clearly. I would offer assistance, such as helping them to a safer area or calling for additional support if needed. My priority is to ensure everyone’s safety, including the intoxicated individual, while following company protocols.”
7. How Would You Maintain Your Physical Fitness for the Job?
How to Answer
Employers want to ensure you’re physically capable of handling the job’s demands, as security guard roles can require long hours of standing and walking, in addition to the potential need to restrain individuals.
Your answer should include specific ways you maintain physical fitness and demonstrate your understanding of its importance for job performance.
Example
“I maintain my physical fitness by following a regular exercise routine that includes cardio and strength training. I focus on activities like running, weightlifting, and bodyweight exercises to build stamina and endurance, which help during long shirts and reduce the risk of injury during my duties.”
8. What is the Importance of Customer Service in a Security Role?
How to Answer
As a security guard, you’ll often be interacting with the public, and employers want to know whether you can do so while being professional, approachable, and helpful. When answering, emphasize how good customer service contributes to a positive environment and helps you perform your duties.
Example
“Customer service is key in a security role because it helps to build trust with customers and other public members I’m protecting. By being approachable and respectable, I can easily address concerns and diffuse conflicts, allowing everyone around me to feel safe while I maintain control.”
9. What is Your Main Weakness as a Security Guard?
How to Answer
No candidate is perfect, and employers use this question to see how honest and self-aware you are. The trick when answering is to be sincere and give examples of how you are working towards overcoming your weakness.
Example
“One weakness I’ve noticed is that I can sometimes be overly cautious when making decisions. I’ve been working on this by mentally rehearsing how I handle various situations to help prepare for real-life challenges. I also regularly try to challenge myself with new experiences through my current role and personal life to improve my overall confidence.“
10. How Do You Stay Updated With the Latest Security Protocols and Procedures?
How to Answer
Regulations in the security industry are often changing, and employers are looking for guards who are proactive about staying informed.
Your answer should emphasize your commitment to continuous learning and your methods for keeping up with updates in security protocols and procedures.
Example
“I stay updated with the latest security protocols, new technologies, and best practices by subscribing to industry publications and newsletters. I also refer to training materials related to evolving topics such as legal aspects, officer safety, and courtroom demeanor to always stay in the loop and adapt my approach to security accordingly.”
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Increase Your Chances of Landing Security Guard Interviews
Practicing security guard interview questions will help you land jobs and boost your career, whether you’re new or experienced within the industry.
However, to get invited to interviews, you’ll first need a polished and well-formated CV. In our guide to writing a security guard CV, we discuss the stages of including important information to help you become an attractive candidate.
While creating your CV and practicing interview questions, you can further prepare yourself for roles through our online security guard training. Check out all our courses and join us today to become proficient, skilled, and confident in your next role.